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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  2017 nissan rogue s black very nice suv - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Shannon - March 13 - 11:43 pm

  I traded my 2015 altima s for the 2017 rogue s with the 3rd row seats family package it comes with the run flat tires, the rogue is only one of 2 in class vehicles that offer a 3rd row seat. I got magnetic black metallic with black interior. I did not want to buy any more new cars but could use the room for my family so I decided to buy one last new vehicle that has more room and cargo versatility . The rogue s comes with all the features you need power accessories, keyless entry, alarm, camera,bluetooth streaming,satellite rado,CD player,cruise control, and it also has active ride control, active trace control,active braking,tire pressure monitoring with tire pressures display. The interior is very nice soft touch materials, And it also has a eco and sport driving mode, eco is for better fuel economy. Its very roomy and very good gas mileage it gets about same fuel economy as altima. Not sure of exact fuel economy I am getting right now but it has 2different average fuel economys and a current and best rating . Got a 3.9 interest rate so the loan I will get paid pretty quick ,gonna pay ahead extra and get it paid off earlier

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  My Baby SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Nikki - February 20 - 10:42 pm

  For my 1st SUV - the rouge is the best. It handles like a smooth car. Perfection to say the least. The only reason Im upgrading is because my son is outgrowing the back seat and we need a bit more room..... With good tires my baby was excellent in NYC snow and winter weather.

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  Awesome - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kolczk - January 29 - 5:10 am

  Switching over from a Chevy Equinox, this car has been amazing. I have no real complaints about the car. It has 9,000 miles and has only been back to the dealer to have a sunroof put in and for oil changes. I do see other peoples concerns with the awkward shifting, but it isnt anything that really bothers me personally. The fuel economy says 24, but if you dont drive hard, I easily have cleared 27-28 in the city. Great crossover for the reasonable price.

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  Great vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Rich - January 16 - 4:20 pm

  I purchased this vehicle about a week ago. What a great find. I am leasing and this is my second Nissan. The Rouge is just what I was looking for. So far I am very happy driving this Vehicle. 6 cylinder would have been nice. But I really have no complaints. Great job Nissan. Fantastic vehicle for the money.

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  For the price, you really cant beat it. - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By julrhody - January 7 - 2:34 pm

  My last few cars have been Hondas but I am partial to staying within the Honda, Toyota, Nissan circuit. With that said, when it came time to look for a compact SUV or Crossover I pretty much had 3 options, the Honda CRV, the Toyota RAV4 or the Nissan Rogue. Hands down the Rogue won after checking them all out. The CRV interior is kind of stark and cold and the seats are incredibly UNcomfortable...and I have a lot to compare them to since I was trading in my 2010 Accord EX-L. The Toyota frankly, was boring! Dollar for dollar the Nissan offered more bang for the buck when it came to comparing all top end packages for all 3. Im very happy with my decision and the COMFY seats of the Rogue.

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  Just the beginning! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Ty - January 5 - 10:40 am

  Replaced a 2006 Honda CR-V with 76,000 miles, which replaced a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. Struggled with getting another CR-V, although I find that design a bit uninteresting, a Hyundai Tucson, or a Toyota RAV 4 Sport( didnt want the side opening tailgate again its a pain). After one month and 1300 miles, I can truly say I made the right decision. Read all the reviews and test drives, and would suggest you have to drive the Rogue! It is much quieter than the CR-V was, and more so tnan the reviews suggested. It is peppy enough unless you are taking it to the Saturday night drag races. Absolutely enjoy it. Feels much bigger than it is and gives a feeling of security and being a substantial vehicle

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  SUV for life - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Regina Watts - January 2 - 6:55 am

  Ill never go back to driving a car again. I simply love my Rogue.

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  Nissan - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By lin ma - January 1 - 2:31 am

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  After only 72 hours - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By rforrister - December 25 - 2:22 pm

  I know what only 72 hours. Well, I have been searching for a new ride. The search got sped up when a tornado destroyed my garage and car within. I had already driven most of the competitors and finally decided to drive this vehicle. Well after just a few minutes I made up my mind. 1 hour later I was a proud new owner of a Rogue. I drive roughly 100 miles a day 5 days a week. this vehicle smooths out the roughest roads. The 6 way seat is wonderful and my back is feeling great. If you have not driven this vehicle try it out. It fits me just fine. AWD drive will make winter drives so much safer as well.

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  Sporty CSUV - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Bedford - December 16 - 4:52 pm

  My Wife was attracted to it and I was slow to warm up to it. Now I find the getting in and out of easy and comfortable ride . Peppy and great fuel economy. the only draw back is the drivers door(windows and locks etc.) are not illuminated. we love it ....were 70 and this is our first SUV because of the ease of enter and exit it.