Overview & Reviews

Like many of the two dozen or so compact crossovers on the market today, the Nissan Rogue seeks to provide the all-weather capability and commanding driving position of an SUV, along with the maneuverability and fuel efficiency of a typical car. It does this quite well, and it also adds bold, son-of-Murano styling to make it desirable for its form as well as its function.

Although the Nissan Rogue has never delivered an especially inspiring engine and transmission combination, performance has always been passable, and the current generation is notable for its stellar fuel economy. The second-generation Rogue also has a spacious interior with a large cargo hold and, rare for this class, an available third row of seating. Earlier Nissan Rogues weren't as roomy, but they were more nimble to drive through turns. Overall, we think a new or used Rogue presents a compelling overall package that merits consideration alongside traditional segment leaders.

Current Nissan Rogue
Completely redesigned for 2014, the current Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five or seven, depending on how it's equipped. Compared with the previous Rogue, it offers a much larger backseat, significantly more cargo capacity, higher fuel economy ratings and a longer list of safety features.

All Nissan Rogues are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard, and buyers have a choice between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. With either drivetrain, fuel economy ratings are above average for this class.

The Rogue is available in three trim levels: S, SV and SL. Standard equipment on the base S includes 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, iPod/USB connectivity and a four-speaker sound system. The SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry and ignition, a power-adjustable driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, smartphone integration features and a six-speaker sound system. The SL comes with all that plus 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, voice controls, a 360-degree parking camera system, a navigation system (with a 7-inch touchscreen) and a nine-speaker sound system.

Key options include a two-passenger third-row seat (S and SV models only), a power liftgate and a panoramic sunroof. Optional safety equipment includes a blind-spot warning system, a lane-departure warning system, a forward collision warning system and "moving object detection" (which works in conjunction with the multi-view parking cameras).

One thing we always liked about the original Nissan Rogue that has carried over to the second generation is the smooth ride quality. Neither the steering nor the handling is particularly sporty, but most buyers will appreciate the Rogue's relaxed demeanor. In reviews, we've found the Nissan's 2.5-liter engine adequate to the task of commuting. During harder acceleration, there's a noticeable growl from the engine as the CVT maintains a constant high engine rpm to provide the motivation needed for passing and merging. This makes for a noisier cabin environment than in some competitors.

Otherwise, the Rogue's cabin is a pretty nice place to be. Materials quality is high, and everything is put together with care. Nissan's available infotainment interface is quite easy to use as well. Seat comfort is excellent in the first two rows, and thanks to 9 inches of fore/aft adjustment, the 40/20/40 second-row seat is adult-friendly. The available third-row bench is a kids-only proposition, but the fact that Nissan offers one at all gives the Rogue a leg up on its rivals from Ford, Honda and Toyota.

Used Nissan Rogue Models
The first-generation Rogue debuted for the 2008 model year and was produced through 2013. After 2013, this Rogue continued on as the Nissan Rogue Select (reviewed separately), which is identical save for its abbreviated options list.

The original Nissan Rogue used the same 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the current model. All versions were offered in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive configurations, and a CVT was standard.

First-generation Nissan Rogues were available in two trim levels: S and SV (known as the SL from 2008-'10). You got the basics with the S, including keyless entry, air-conditioning and full power accessories, along with an iPod interface. However, things like privacy glass, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and satellite radio were available either within an option package or on the SV. Higher-end items like heated leather seats, a navigation system and a Bose sound system were available as options on the SV as well.

Like the current crossover, the first-generation Rogue offered a smooth, comfortable ride. Handling was actually a bit sportier than on the current version, while acceleration was fairly quick for a small four-cylinder crossover. However, engine noise was a persistent annoyance during passing maneuvers, as the CVT kept engine revs high to maximize the available power.

Styling is a subjective matter, of course, but to our eyes, the first-gen Rogue cut a rather dashing profile compared to its compact crossover brethren. Rear visibility consequently suffered, as did cargo capacity and rear-seat accommodations. Although this Rogue represents a good value as a used vehicle, shoppers needing room for child safety seats or a large dog will likely find it short on space.

Changes to the Nissan Rogue were minimal during this generation. It received minor styling updates for 2011, and trim levels and option packages were reshuffled over the years. For 2010-'11, the Rogue was offered in a Krom Edition model, which added larger wheels and cosmetic enhancements, including centrally located exhaust outlets.

User Reviews:

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  Good efficient crossover - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By RemRogue - October 27 - 4:37 pm

  I love my Rogue its a smooth efficient SUV ever. Has lots of features in class the performance is amazing love the navigation and panoramic moon roof. Rogue gets good gas mileage + using ECO does help a lot love everything well equipped. Believe Im pretty satisfied in purchasing a great crossover as the Rogue. It has good handling plenty of power making even fun to drive at least know can be more secured driving with all of the safety features standard in Rogue. Fit and finish materials are absolutely best for good priced with everything being great instead finding anything cheaply made in the Rogue.

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  Only have had my car 3 weeks - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Love my Rogue so far. - December 20 - 8:28 am

  I have only had my Rogue for 3 weeks and so far I am very happy. The only complaint I have I believe is with most vehicles now days is that the paint needs to be tougher. It appears to scratch and get marks fairly easy.

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  Fun vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By DanTheMan99 - November 20 - 10:10 pm

  Fun to drive. Averaging only 17.5 mpg. Very disappointing as I havent been racing engine. Ive been purposely slow-starting. But I have the a/c running non-stop and only local driving. Unhappy with drivers seat only adjusting 6 Rather than 8 positions. Im 511" & 275. Stocky. I drive with seat all the way back and wish the base of seat reclined even just a little bit, but it cant. Little drivers legroom as my knee bangs into door handle or steering wheel. Interior & exterior design is great. Love black leather trim. A/c works great. Vents are even cool design. Not a ton of legroom in back seat. Bose is great. Storage is good. Gear shifting nonexistent! Like headlights & keyless!

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  not a bad car - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By j - October 11 - 11:06 pm

  a great little car that gets great gas mileage . a lot of road noise but what do you expect from an econo suv. we would buy it again

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  Good vehicle, a few disappointing SL features - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By edub007 - August 10 - 9:13 pm

  The Rogue is a good vehicle, just a few disappointments in expensive features. It has comfortable leather seats and roomy interior. Rear seat has dedicated vents, slides forward/back, and reclines; comfortable for adults. In general, the CVT offers a smooth, comfortable ride. Unfortunately, The Lane departure warning generally doesn’t work and Frontal collision warning will go off when driving curvy roads. The Blind Spot Monitor sees ghost cars. I haven’t gotten better than 23mpg (40% highway) but was told it takes 3K miles before the engine reaches peak performance. The engine is noticeably loud and bothers me more than I thought it would but hopefully that will get better.

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  New Rogue Owner - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By rogueman41 - August 8 - 4:09 pm

  At the 500 mile mark, Im happy to report Im enjoying it so far. Comfortable ride for the most part....may be harsh for some. You do hear most imperfections in the roads and its kind of noisy on wet pavement. Decent acceleration. Sharp handling with speed sensitive steering. Easy to maneuver and move in and out of traffic. CVT is cool, but takes some getting used to. SL Package added a lot of great features, although the Nav system data is way out of date. Intelligent key is cool, but beware if Nissan installs an aftermarket remote car starter for you. The engine will shut off if you open the doors after starting with remote starter.

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  Much Bang For Your Buck - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By g6leaser - July 23 - 2:18 am

  Although we just picked up our 2011 AWD SV Rogue with SL package (leather seats, nav, bluetooth,usb, sunroof,backup cam) from the dealer yesterday, I wanted to share a few words and will give a more detailed review after 1,000 miles. The Rogue drives more like a car which my wife enjoys - quiet, comfortable, safe (steering wheel mounted features) and classy design. I was skeptical of the CVT Transmission but so far it has performed flawlessly. If you are looking for an economical upscale SUV, I would check out the Rogue - but it is too early to comment on milage and durability - will update after 1,000 miles.

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  In one word: Practical - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By it4life - July 19 - 3:02 pm

  This is my first SUV, and is also my first CVT transmission vehicle. Coming from a V8 engine with automatic trans, it took a little time getting used to the gearless shifting and lack of instant pick-up. However, Im a huge fan now. The fuel savings really adds up! It drives just as well now that Ive gotten the feel of how to accelerate smoothly with the CVT. Havent had any of the CVT issues that seemed to plague older Nissan models. Plenty of interior space to haul foldable furniture, etc. Maintenance is a breeze. For a 4-cyl, it has decent power! Handling is good; the AWD and ABS kick in when necessary. Owned for 1 yr. now with no problems whatsoever. Avg. 1000 miles/mo. city.

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  Very Nice - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By eagleman1963 - May 11 - 7:13 pm

  The Rogue is a very attractive SUV we traded our 2005 Pathfinder in for the Rogue mainly for better gas mileage We have now owned our Rogue for about 3 weeks during this time we took it on a 800 mile road trip it seemed to perform and handle quite well we did notice that on rougher stretches of highway we had some vibration and rattling not what we were use to on the way to our destination we averaged about 22 MPG due to heavy winds part of the way and on the way home about 26.5 MPG not bad but I was hoping for a little better mileage.

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  A Great SUV - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By T O - May 8 - 4:30 am

  I love it. There are 2 things it need: an extra USB port & auto start. I loooove my Rogue!