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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  Loving it so far - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Dennis - December 7 - 6:40 pm

  First time having an suv, great car so far. First time I stepped on the gas to pass a car my head hit the head restraint from the pickup it had. With a mix of 70/30 highway/city I am currently at 26 mpg after 1200 miles, and this tank is currently showing 27.7. Looking forward to it getting better as it continues to break in. Like the high ride, extremely smooth, even made my wife fall asleep which she doesnt do in cars. Bose system sounds pretty good when its turned up. Like the orange mood light near the moonroof switch. Son loves when the moonroof it open. Plenty of room for us, easily fits golf bags.

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  Best option out of 8 tested cars - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By perek75 - December 4 - 4:46 am

  MY wifes wanted to replaced her Toyota prius 2008 with a small SUV (Chicago winters, getting up higher). We tested and read reviews of 8 SUV models (Honda CRV, Toyota Rav, MAZDA, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC terrain, Subaru Forester) and we picked Nissan Rogue. I am 62, wife is 51, + 5 year old girl. The Subaru was a favorite but I was not comfortable. Wife liked the ford also but the Nissan is safer and better MPG. Great head space, easy navi system, great comfort and awesome 360 backup camera, top safety pick NTSB, great leg room backseat. SV trim comes with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and NAVI. Take Nissan into account when looking, our first Nissan!

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  Love, Love, Love this car - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By DW - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Rogue for a month; just turned 1000 miles. I truly love this car. I did a lot of research and this SUV came out on top. Its beat all my expectations. Drive is smooth, quiet, fun. The technology (bluetooth, nav, rear camera, and more) is over the top. Superb deal. Ive had toyotas and mazda-great cars, but I think Im a Nissan owner from now on.

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  Need more options - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Qnsguy - November 25 - 7:56 pm

  I bought the SL AWD a week ago, like the power for the 4 cyl. I have Murano before and I love this one is smaller and less money.

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  Perfect price, Great looks and Cool features for the price! - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By thetodd1984 - November 15 - 9:56 am

  I am 28 and this is the 19th new car I have owned. I have had everything from a 2 seater smart car to a crew cab full size pick up truck with cars from basic to luxury fully loaded. My 18th new car was a fully loaded 2010 Nissan Cube which was a GREAT car and has made me a loyal Nissan owner now. The price to maintane the vehicle is cheaper then its other Japanese competitors. This little SUV has enough pep to keep you happy with the great fuel economy that is truely hard to achieve in this class of vehicle. I have the FWD SV with premium package. I test drove this in 12" of unplowed parking lot snow and it plowed right through it!

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  Pleased but a few minor problems - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Chris - November 14 - 5:16 pm

  My wife needed a new car so after much searching we decided on the Rogue. It is a fine car for her and she really loves it. We have had many people stop us and ask about the car and everybody seems to have some interest in it. I really tested it 2 days later is 9" of wet and heavy snow and it exceded my expectations for sure. We have had our ignition keyswitch lock on us about 4 times and I had to rock the vehicle back and forth and shake the wheel to get it to release, since using the e-brake before parking it seems to take the pressure off of it. A grocery cart even at slow speeds will do damage to the plastic way to easily because of no bumpers. The rearview has a blind spot be careful.

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  2016 Rogue SL AWD - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Sundar - November 13 - 1:33 am

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  The Rogue Rocks - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By ssaunder - November 6 - 6:36 am

  The first thing to get used to is the CVT. Since there are no actual gears to run through, you do not realize your speed. The fit and finish is superbly Nissan. The drivers seat feels like a cockpit. The seat height is perfect to feel off the road and in command. Love the satellite radio. The bluetooth was the first thing we configured, then the homelink. Nice features in this sub-30K vehicle. Feels very luxurious in SL with all options.

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  My rogue with love - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Anatoly - September 26 - 5:38 am

  Has all options you need and ask for. Significantly more reasonable value for your money than lexus and other fancy brands

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  Rogue Happy - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Rogue Happy - September 12 - 2:16 am

  I purchased my Alloy Orange Nissan Rogue on 10/31/07. I traded in my beloved Nissan XTerra for a more fuel efficient vehicle. I absolutely love it. You cant hear it running in park. There is a great red light illumination in the overhead console for night driving. The keyless fob actually has a key in it to get in the car if the battery goes dead. I love the keyless entry. The Bose stereo is awesome. The seats are comfortable and it is absolutely fun to drive. My boyfriend bought one 2 weeks later. My gas mileage is great at 22.8 city and 25.878 Hwy before break in. I like the bag storage in the way back to keep packages from shifting. Love the bluetooth! You gotta get one of these!!