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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  2015 Rogue S - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By Sam Celentino - September 27 - 8:51 pm

  Had the Rogue for a Month now, find it very comfortable on the highway. Quiet, good sound system. Very comfortable seats, no leather. Nice touches in design to not make you feel like your purchases a cheap version. (chrome door handles, halogen running lights, backup camera) We came from a Rav 4 and we thought the styling was better than the Toyota. CVT comes on real smooth, no jerky acceleration. So far we like it and it came with Sport and Eco tuning to the transmission. Overall a VERY COMFORTABLE ride. The Trunk organizaion is a nice feature also. Do not leave this vehicle out of your comparison shopping.

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  Rogue - better than the reviews - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By RogueDriver - September 23 - 9:33 am

  I am a guys who reads all of the professional car/suv reviews, and my experience with my Rogue is much more positive than what the reviewers say about the vehicle. I am high 50s male with a bad back from an accident and went looking for a "right height" vehicle since I have trouble crouching down to get into many sedans or hopping up into most SUVs. After sitting in a significant number of vehicles I found the Rogue fit the bill perfectly. Height is just right for me to slide into, and the seats are extremely comfortable (I didnt believe the Nissan propaganda about zero gravity design seats until I sat in them). And in spite of the professional reviewers who say that the Rogue drives poorly, I love it. Recognize that I use my Rogue for what I think a typical driver would use it for. I drive a few miles each day back and forth to work, go around town on errands, and will hop onto the interstate occasionally to go visit someone. I am not looking for a street racing machine and I dont care if it doesnt corner at high g-rates. Just typical average everyday driving. And in this the Rogue does wonderfully. Plenty of pickup, and no - I dont get a horrendous "drone" from the engine/transmission since I am not trying to drag race down the street or into interstate on ramps. Accelerates just fine. Smooth and comfortable ride - maybe not to the standards of a 1980s Buick - but what SUV does? Much smoother and more comfortable than the BMW and Mercedes SUVs that my friends drive for name recognition. Lots of room inside. Carries plenty in rear. A/C works great which is key here in Florida. Handles my daily grind just fine. Are there things that I dont like - sure. Nissans bluetooth connectivity is somewhat behind others - my iphone connects perfectly to the other 3 cars in my family (Toyota, BMW and Hyundai) but even the dealer cant figure out why the Rogue wont pull in my full address book for all voice recognition calls. Gas mileage a bit lower than advertised. But bottom line is that the Rogue handles my daily driving needs admirably well - and at a great cost (dealer hugely discounted off list price). Highly recommend the vehicle for anyone looking for comfortable, normal transportation. I will continue to read the professional car reviews, but now I recognize that their specific vehicle criticisms may not apply to a typical driver like myself.

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  Rogue is Just a Name - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By originalstarlite - September 23 - 3:16 am

  Having waited for this car since Jan., it would be easy to be disappointed. This vehicle is perfect for my wife and me: a comfortable people mover with bucket seats that have very good support, great road manners with AWD and Vehicle Dynamic Control working full time on every curve and turn, and just enough pep to do western PA hills, flexibility in hauling everything from 18 grocery bags to 12 boxes. Wash a car once and you learn a lot. Not only is the Venon (pearl) Red paint luxurious, but the application is perfect. This complements the fit of the doors that have rubber weather strips to seal out water and dirt protecting the rocker panels.

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  Woulda Coulda been a great car - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By D. Bombus - September 18 - 5:32 am

  First couple of years were good with no problems. Acceleration from a stop is spotty at best. In the summer, its very sluggish to start, transmission whines. Wife noticed a transmission whine and slipping on a highway trip a few months ago. Took it to AutoNation Nissan Arapahoe where its had ALL servicing done. I complained about loss of gas mileage, whine, and sluggish starts. They said the transmission was over-filled. What? Youre the only place that services this vehicle. No explanation. They also over-fill the tires. Maybe its their way of trying to get gas mileage up. With almost 49k miles, Im worried the CVT is going to give out. The 5 years will be up soon. I do like the car. Its comfortable and pleasant. Took it from Denver to Mt. Rushmore to Billings to Denver that 1st summer, 2012. It was great. MPG was 28+. With a change of tires its noisier and now MPG is down to 26. Still acceptable, but Im not liking the trend. Knowing about transmission issues and the lurking ones I might have, I wouldnt recommend it.

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  Happy I went Rogue! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Lisa in Boston - September 15 - 7:20 am

  I was looking for an AWD vehicle that was baby friendly (because wow car seats are HUGE), smaller than a fullsized SUV & decent gas mileage all while spending under 30k. I LOVE this car. Still getting used to the differences between it and my Audi A4 (not fair to compare some things) but so far its been great. I expected a little better gas mileage for a 4 cylinder and disappointed that there were no options for V6, climate control or the 360 package (would be nice given the small back window) but that would have pushed the price into the 30s. Im nitpicking because so far I absolutely love it and am glad I chose this over a CRV. Great deals now (fully loaded under $26k, good financing)

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  Rogue can compete with RAV and CRV - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By ejo1 - September 10 - 4:17 pm

  As said above this car can easily compete with a RAV-4 or CRV. I drove my 09 Rogue SL AWD for 85,000 miles without a problem. As with everycar I own.owned I only use Mobil 1 for oil changes at longer intervals than book recommends for the car. Dealer did all my oil changes and maintenance and cost was overall less than expected. Just changed brakes and rotors all the way around with high quality as they old ones started to "wobble" at 83K miles. I averaged 24mpg with mixed driving. I had long highway drives (72 mph) at 29 mpg but also ones at 23 mpg. City driving is less than stated mpg, but overall a great comfy ride. This car is a great all around CUV that will grow on you.

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  Great Pathfinder replacement - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By dave - September 6 - 5:10 am

  Replaced a 2002 Pathfinder since its usually just me on the road for work or my wife and me on the weekends. I looked at the CR-V, the CX-7 and Rav4 but wasnt pleased with any of them. We happened to pull up next to what turned out to be a Rogue at a stoplight a few weeks ago. I now own a full-tilt model AWD SL. The interior, particularly the heated leather seats, is great. Ive had several Accord coupes in the past with wonderful leather interiors, and these are equals. Very smooth, great Bose sound. AWD feels solid.

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  Unsafe for a tall driver - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By steve koomar - August 28 - 5:16 pm

  I bought the car for my 64" son. The dealer assured me it would accommodate his height. His head nearly hits the ceiling and comes dangerously close to hitting the visor. A crash risks a broken neck. The Oversized mirror creates a bind spot for any driver, but an especially large blindspot for a tall driver.

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  Disappointed - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By George - August 27 - 9:21 am

  In my Rogue there is excessive vibration in steering wheel when accelerating at speeds 25 to 50 MPH. Attribute the cause to the powertrain, probably the horrible belt drive transmission Nissan seems to be married to. Could be a bad tranny but I am sure I will get no satisfaction at the dealership. Seats uncomfortable, very hard, not the zero-gravity comfortable seats found in the Altima. Car came with badly out of balance tires. Car is noisy at highway speeds. On the positive side, very beautiful styling, big improvement over the former models. Also, outstanding bodywork and paint. By far the best paint work of any Nissan, especially the ones manufactured in Mexico. I suspect that this car is manufactured in a Kia factory but with a Nissan engine and transmission. Anyway, I am very depressed that I bought this car. Fortunately I am leasing it for only 3 years. I really hate getting stuck with a car that feels cheaply made. Hopefully the dealership can do something about the powertrain vibration. Could be my last Nissan. Dont want anymore CVT transmissions. Horrible. I love Nissan styling. Right now I own 4. But no more unless Nissan puts real transmissions in their cars. I also worry about dependability and being faced with expensive transmission replacements at 90,000 miles.

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  Fun to Drive and listening Music - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Suresh Kesapragada - August 22 - 10:03 pm

  Driving new Nissan Rogue is very much fun. I would like to go for Bose speakers in Nissan Rogue but because of budget I could not. But still speakers quality is awesome and I enjoy listening music while driving. Back seat is very much comfortable and I could not feel this much comfort in CRV and RAV4. Of course I am missing arm rest in the back seat. I love the Nissan Rogue style and especially the alloy wheels and the muscular shape of the vehicle