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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  Worth a look - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By John Walters - January 20 - 2:05 pm

  Does it ever make you wonder when reading professional car reviews if the writer thinks hes testing a sports car instead of a CUV. You read things like" CVT drone" uninvolved driving characteristics, slow acceleration etc. Ive got a lot of driving experience behind the wheel and I can tell you the Rouge doesnt disappoint. I didnt buy the vehicle to be able to hit 60 in 6 seconds or test its high speed cornering ability. The Rouge just feels good offering a pleasant controlled ride with little to no springboard effect, unlike some I tried while test driving others in this class. The steering weight is ideal adding to its car like feel. The interior is nicely finished and the cloth seats quite comfortable. The Rouge features an unusual adjustable shelf system in the rear that provides an array of choices to fit storage needs or privacy. Although there is a downside as the shelving may be too flimsy to support heavier items. Must admit I had some reservations over a CVT as opposed to the more flexible 6 speed auto/manual transmission I prefer. Happily those concerns were unfounded. Yes under full acceleration youll notice increased engine noise but overall the vehicle interior is pretty quiet. And there is an allowance to use engine compression to slow vehicle speed when appropriate, a commendable option for an AWD equipped vehicle. The main purpose of the CVT is efficiency which pushes the Rouge up in the MPG ratings. There may be better choices if you plan on towing or carrying heavy loads. But the Rouge should satisfy most family needs, it even comes with a 3rd row seat if so desired. While I prefer my luxury vehicle for long trips, the Rouge is more enjoyable to drive on the windy hilly roads that prevail in this area. I feel better knowing my wife now drives a vehicle that can handle all types of weather and road conditions. Not to mention the utility value of todays CUVs.

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  Great Car, Needs improvements. - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By aam_flipp - December 20 - 2:40 am

  I recently just traded this car in for a 2010 Lexus RX 350. This is a good car to start off with if you ever want to try out a Nissan. I enjoyed this car. In the snow, its nimble and fun to drive around with, but driving up a snowy mountain pass with a full car didnt provide much of a driving experience. The horsepower was pathetic, and getting up to highway speeds is a large task for the Rogue. The one thing I heavily dislike is the CVT transmission. They told me that the CVT holds gears for more power, but I felt that no matter where my foot was pressed on the accelerator panel, it would not go any fast.Overall though, this was a good car and I definitely wouldnt mind having one again.

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  Initial Impressions - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Jim C. - December 4 - 4:53 pm

  Decided it was time to trade my 2002 A4 for a less costly cross-over. Looked at Mazda CX7, Honda CR-V, Saturn Vue and Toyota RAV4. All of them were well built with good features. Rogue had the most going for it. Loaded mine with AWD, SL, premium package, leather, moonroof. I am in the first week of ownership and so far no regrets.

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  FROM MAXIMA TO ROGUE - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By DOUG - October 29 - 7:43 am

  Traded my wifes 2007 Maxima se on a Rogue. Reason was the ability to use regular fuel. I had hoped to get better fuel mileage but didnt really believe that I would. The Rogue is a nice little vehicle. My wife misses the power and handling of the Maxima but she likes the Rogue. She has 5,000 miles on it already, and has averaged 26.4 mpg. Not bad. She likes the bluetooth and I like the Bose. The CVT takes getting used to. When we bought the 2007 Maxima I thought that I would never get to like the transmission. But after a while it grew on us (we put 48,000 miles on the Maxima) the rogue could use a locking gas door in these times, and a way to open the hatch from the drivers seat. Over all we like it.

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  Great mid-life transition car! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By CD - September 22 - 12:23 pm

  I have owned 4 mini-vans over the past 17 years which I liked a lot. They served the family well for trips, hauling stuff, etc. I wanted a sporty, fun-to-drive car that handled well, had some zip, was sharp looking, but could also carry a load if need be. My Rogue is it! The 4-cylinder engine has plenty of power and is surprisingly quiet. The ride is a tad stiff, but the steering is tight and seats very comfortable. Took it on a 1200 mile trip and didnt get sore bottoms. With the back seats folded down, it can hold a lot. It lets you sit up (like a van), but drives like a sports car. Love the CVT - avoids constant downshifting. Takes getting used to. Been getting 26-27 mpg. Fun.

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  Rogueish quality review - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By J.P.M. - September 13 - 5:22 pm

  This car is packed with new concepts in safety , performance, and hospitality details. They are hard to get used to, and with some lifestyles, maybe not required. If you like "simple", consider lesser equipped vehicles and save money.

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  Rogueish quality review - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By J.P.M. - September 13 - 4:47 pm

  This car is packed with new concepts in safety , performance, and hospitality details. They are hard to get used to, and with some lifestyles, maybe not required. If you like "simple", consider lesser equipped vehicles and save money.

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  It grows on you - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By broka - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a GMC Envoy because the gas mileage was killing me and I did not really need that big of a car. The interior although well made is plain and simple. The car performs well but I would not call it fun. It is reliable in every respect but there is nothing to get excited about. But after 18 months, it has grown on me as being a very good all around good, practical, safe, comfortable, and reliable transportation.

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  Watch Out from Behind - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By sw1974 - July 14 - 1:00 am

  I bought my 2009 Rogue S used with 14K miles on it. I had researched it & heard about the rear view issues, but WOW! It is bad. The blind spot on each back corner is a complete design flaw and must be fixed with larger windows in new versions. Its not so much the back window as it is the 2 small side windows. Its a real danger if you ask me, but the rest of the car is fine. I had an 07 Honda CR-V before this one and theyre comparable. I dont mind the CVT transmission and feel the car accelerates better than my CR-V did. I have had no issues in these first few months. Gas mileage is great. AC is COLD, which is nice. The sound system-- the factory version, not Bose--is still good quality.

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  Like the Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By lilbit - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my rogue in May and I really like it. The gas mileage is great for getting me too and from work in the Atlanta area. I looked at other small suvs and found the rogue to be the roomiest for a vehicle of its size. I have the navigation system in my rear view mirror and when it is on, there are times when it shuts off during normal driving, then comes by on. The next time its in the shop, will have it looked at.