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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  Good to drive,poor equiped. - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jose Lopez - June 15 - 10:00 pm

  Excellent driven experience,like other Nissan that I have had,Altima & X Terra.Incredible power for a 4 cilynder engine.

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  Good Choice! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By ks - April 21 - 11:36 pm

  Needed to buy a 4cylinder (sigh) as gas prices are SKY HIGH in Hawaii. So glad I chose the Rogue SL. It handles like a sedan except its higher above the road - like an SUV. Turning radius is fantastic. Gas mileage is good and it really is FUN to drive! Bose system w/6 CD changer is a winner.

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  Great Upgrade - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By pod - April 12 - 5:16 am

  I purchased a new 2008 SL AWD (w/premium & leather, and sunroof) 15 days ago and love it. This is my first Nissan - I traded in my 2001 Ford Escape. I was worried about downsizing to a 4 cyl from a 6, but the Rogue has more than enough power. The CVT provides smooth acceleration and the suspension makes the Rogues ride car-like and way smoother than my Escape. The sporty-sleek exterior styling made several neighbors stop over to check out this Nissan. I am getting over 26 MPG with 70% of my already 900+ mi coming from Chicago toll-ways (most are under construction).

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  2006 RAV 4 vs 2008 Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By pitkeys - March 24 - 7:16 pm

  Having had a RAV 4 V/6 Sport and now a Rogue SL AWD (with Premium pkg): 1) Rogue rides much better, not as "busy" as the RAV. Handles tighter. Wind noise seems much less at 65-70 MPH in Rogue. Road noise also. Rogue much better in crosswinds. 2) RAV accelerates faster, both from standing start and highway pass, but Rogue isnt at all lazy. 3) MPG on Rogue is better. 33 avg on first three tanks in Rogue vs 27 in 30k miles in RAV. 4) Rogue seats more comfortable, more supportive on sides and lumbar areas.

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  2009 Rogue SL - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By brantw - March 7 - 1:44 pm

  Bought this car for my daughter 6 months ago. It was a one owner with 95,000 miles and a good service history. Have been very pleased with the car. No CVT issues that others have mentioned but it does seem to be an issue on some cars. Better value that the RAV 4 and CRV I looked at. The Rogue interior is considerably more classy and it is quieter inside. All routine maintenance was done before I bought the car (brakes, belts, fluids) so I didnt expect to have any issues and havent. I drove the car for a few weeks and averaged 27 mpg on back roads with a few stop lights and signs. Pretty good for an AWD SUV and 10 mpg better than my Mazda CX-9.

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  Rogue after 8 months- honeymoon over! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By swimcoach78 - March 2 - 1:55 pm

  I enjoy the rogue as a basic 4 door mini-suv. It rides well and handles well on highways and streets. If I could do it all over again I would have bought a different vehicle. The fit and finish are sot up to par. The car rattles when its cold outside. The engine is loud. I am still not used to blindly backing up nor am I used to the large turning circle. Both car keys are dead and I can only open the car from the drivers door. Not fun when I have my kids with me or if I need to put a bag in my trunk from a store. I got stuck in my driveway in 6 inches of snow. If I could do it all again Id get a VW Jetta wagon or the Suzuki Kizashi. I dont need to sit higher. I need something to last

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  11 rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Wayne - February 21 - 7:27 am

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  Nissan Fan Until 2014 - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By aresto - January 16 - 6:32 am

  Ive had this car for 10 months now and have already had various issues. The navigation/entertainment system stopped working suddenly for about 24 hours (3 times), still does on and off. I loved the idea that it was SXM ready. In Puerto Rico the SXM satellite radio does not work, Nissan did not associate with Sirius XM in the area. Sunroof started making noise, back took to repair shop, they un-assembled it, a month passed and noise started again, back to shop, still fighting the battle. Ive been stopped by Cops 2 times, low head lights too bright. Very depressing when you purchase a new vehicle and it gives you many problems. Im no longer a Nissan Fan. Anyone else with these issues?

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  Could be better. Rogue S - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jo Ann - January 15 - 9:26 am

  Drives like a car, smooth drive and just fun to drive. Great buy for your money.

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  Good Commuter for the money - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jazbo01 - December 31 - 7:42 pm

  When our first baby came we needed more room and living in wisonsin my wife wanted AWD, we looked into many SUVs and decided on a Rogue AWD. I am very happy with the car so far. My wife travels for her job and we now have 140K on the car! We have had NO issues what so ever! I do all my own maintenance except we had the dealer do the tranny service. It actually has really good passing power and with the CVT tranny you just pin it and let it go! Fun little car in the snow too..very predictable and easy to handle. Fuel Economy is great esp for a AWD. We travel rough dirt roads and it is as tight as the day we bought it! Despite other reviews i highly reccomend the Rouge!