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:

• 

  Poor Service - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By crossover - June 24 - 9:26 pm

  Nice looking car,(2009 Rogue), but has some annoying electrical problems that Nissan service department cant find, or even acknowledge that they dont know what to do. The car is not even one year old yet, but I will trade this car in the next few months. There are No more Nissans in my future.

• 

  Amazing Car for the money - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Really nice car - June 17 - 9:10 pm

  My wife and I traded down from a 2003 Murano (which we loved) to the Rogue for added gas mileage. Really was not too much of a compromise in features and comfort. Although slightly smaller, all of the features of the SL are similar to the base model of the Murano SL. The Rogue has impressive power for a 4 cyl. The interior has all of the options that you need in a car an none of the costly items like GPS,dual temp controlas and DVD. Surprisingly the gas mileage estimates are accurate for our driving style. Truly Nissan has created a veicle that is fun and affordable. Really worth the money.

• 

  The Murano killer - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Michael Lewis - May 29 - 5:09 pm

  Traded in a 2012 Murano Platinum for a Rouge SL awd with all three option packages. We just wanted a new car with better gas mileage. The Murano was the best car we have ever owned. No complaints at all really, but our new rogue surprises me all the time with its performance and quality. Took me a long time to realize that I dont need a V 6. I keep hearing that the Rouge is under powered and doesnt handle well compared to some of its competition. Could have fooled me! I dont feel that way at all. Love it on the road and love it in town. We have the high end of the rogue line and the safety features are really a welcome addition to our daily driving. All the safety features of a more prestigious and much more expensive SUV, and we love the Monarch Orange color we choose. Couldnt be happier!

• 

  Great Car!and a must own for any looking in this class! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By englddriver1 - May 23 - 11:01 pm

  I have to say after reading some of the other reviews I laugh at what people find as annoying...Claiming there AWD doesnt work when they dont lock it? Or the fact that they think the car is a 4X4. Nissan/Infiniti AWD is one of the best in the world and as a long time Infiniti owner of the M class X series I love there AWD and I live in snow country.We purchased this for my fiance as a baby is on the way and wanted a great MPG Cross over.We look at the Infiniti Cross over but my Fiance didnt like any of the looks and felt it had to many gadgets. So we went with the SL AWD Rogue and she loves it! Great MPG love the CVT tranny fun on highway and holds well in the snow for the high RMPS.

• 

  Excellent Crossover - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By as6004me - May 22 - 10:00 pm

  I went from an Acura TSX to the Rogue, so that could have diminished my vote a little bit. I think the features are great and are conveniently laid out. Versitility is amazing, The seats could have just a little more support for the lower back and the SL 2wd premium package could have included the HID lights, bluetooth and it would be great to have turn signals in the mirrors. But overall it is a great car with just the right attitude and good gas mileage (about 25)

• 

  Great car, everything I need. - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By sirbikesalot - May 22 - 5:50 pm

  This is my fourth Nissan after having owned a Stanza, Maxima, and Xterra. I traded in my 2000 XTerra and bought the Rogue after test driving it. It handles great, very comfortable (I am 6-2"), and quiet inside. I got the AWD in wicked black with no other options. It meets all my needs, except for one that I need to wait for - a Class 3 tow hitch with the 2" receiver for my hitch-mounted bike rack. Its a little smaller than the Xterra but I wont miss it and I certainly wont miss the poor gas mileage of the Xterra. All my Nissans have been super reliable and I expect no less from this car.

• 

  Sold on Rogue - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By forevernissan - May 21 - 7:03 pm

  After owning a 2010 Murano SL for five years, I waited until the new body style to come out, convinced that was my next vehicle. After driving the new Murano SL, I realized it was bigger than the previous model and sat lower. As an empty nester, all the space didnt justify the high price. Drove the Rogue and realized it was the perfect fit for me. All the same bells and whistles for $10,000 less plus way better fuel economy than the V6 Murano - already averaging 28 mpg after two months.

• 

  ROGUE 2013 MISSING SAFETY FEATURES - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By eyenthesky - May 15 - 6:39 am

  Nissan has decided to short customers buying the 2013 model. The hood insulator (black cover under the hood) is missing and they claim "it is no longer needed". When shopping for a 2013 Rogue, check under the hood and compare to a 2012 or the new 2014 and ask the dealer to explain why this safety feature is missing!

• 

  We bought A Lemon - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By 2014nislemon - May 12 - 2:56 pm

  Our 2014 Rogue SLs digital ac control wont turn on when the vehicle is started we purchased it in June and since then it has been at the dealership 27 out of the first 40 days since delivery. Nissan has thus far been unable to fix the issue. Do not buy a 2014 Rogue! We are hard working people that were trying to provide a quality vehicle for our family and so far this experience has been a nightmare! The regional manufacturing rep for Nissan is involved, but they are still dragging their feet. Nissan of Chesapeake can not repair the Rogue while we are sitting back making payments and driving something much smaller and not comparable to our purchase. Again DO NOT PURCHASE A NISSAN!!!

• 

  Beware of Transmission - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By lynn - May 7 - 11:00 pm

  Love the car but only had it 4 months and it needs a transmission. Read the blogs and dont trust the dealerships. Weve been driving Nissans for 15 years and cant believe what a Lemon the Rogue has turned into.