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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  We Liked It So Much ... - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By shiloduffey - January 6 - 7:53 am

  ... we bought another one ten days later. We read about CVT drone, but find it inconsequential. This is by far the smoothest riding and most comfortable small SUV (we drove em all). The engine/transmission provides seamless acceleration and more than adequate power. We have both the SL 2WD Premium and Leather Packages, and still came in at about $22k. Living in TX, we didnt see the need for AWD. The value is outstanding, fit and finish are flawless, and the styling is that of a mini-Murano. I was so impressed with my wifes purchase, I bought one myself. Were still checking mileage, but it appears to be right at EPA estimates. May not be ideal for larger families, but it works for us.

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  Much better than CRV, RAV4 - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Emre - December 31 - 6:10 am

  This is a great small SUV. It handles excellent. It has also very nice packages such as leather and awd premiuim package. I test drove it and felt in love and I bought immediately. But I test drove many other cars before this. And this is much better choice than even best selling CRV. You must test drive it. Words cannot do enough justice.It is very luxurious car at very affordable price.You could fill the cars tank around $40.

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  Freezing in winter - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Sandy - December 29 - 12:46 am

  There are not enough vents for the floor heater. My feet and legs are never warm. Took my Rogue to the dealer. I was told this is a common issue with the Rogue, and there is nothing they can do.

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  Falling Out Of Love - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Caroline - December 28 - 8:06 pm

  When I drove my sleek black Rogue which I aptly named My Batmobile out of the dealership I was thrilled. That was in April 2010 and since then my service engine light has gone on twice. I had to have the vent control valve replaced twice. The cause I was told is the ethanol in gasoline. Now I search for gas w/o ethanol at a higher price of course.

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  wonderful - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Laura - December 23 - 12:41 pm

  I. Love being up and able to see the road. I got the Rogue with safety package and love it.

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  Where is the quality? - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By SXZ62 - December 9 - 6:50 am

  Bought the car last December. About 8800 kilometers (in Canada). Today I found the "Service Regine Soon" light is on. Havent taken it to the dealership yet. But come on, this is brand new car, where is the quality and reliability? I bought a new car because I dont want to have trouble of going to garages.

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  Computer/Electrical Problem - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Sharkeykw - December 8 - 5:50 pm

  We have the car less than a month and its been back to the dealer twice. First for a faulty low tire light issue and presently for a major (computer/harness)problem??> "they dont know yet"!! With that aside, and the few miles that we did put on the vehicle, it is unimpressive. Its an overpriced vehicle "without" the problems...

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  So far So good! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Martha Kutik - December 1 - 2:29 pm

  I previously owned a Nissan Altima and since then have been impressed with the intuitive interior design of Nissan cars. Purchased the Rogue after looking at Subaru, Lexis and Toyota as well. I was interested in a hybrid with good gas mileage and all wheel drive capability, and the Rogue felt like the right size and was a comfortable ride! Have not owned the car long enough to know about maintenance costs or repair frequency, but if its like my Altima, itll be an easy car to maintain.

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  Great SUV with Great Gas Mileage - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Beth and Kevin - November 24 - 8:00 am

  We absolutely love this vehicle. We live in WV and we are getting 25.4 mpg. Since we do have hills in WV the mpg for an AWD is great plus the functionality of the SUV. When driving our 4 cylinders in the past going up hill you could always hear them kick down to pull. When we purchased this we couldnt wait to see what would happen. You literally can not hear the transmission at all. The CVT is so quiet and unbelievable. We looked at Honda, Toyota, Kia and Hyundai. For us they just did not have the styling, still square and not sleek like the Rogue.

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  Trading in my pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Michelle - November 16 - 11:33 pm

  I have been a Pathfinder owner for the last 9 years. I decided that I needed something smaller and had done a lot of research on the rogue. Well today, I am the owner of a 2008 Rogue, in blue with leather. So far so good. It is smaller, but for a 4cyl it has a lot of pep. Love the Bose radio and XM is a nice bonus. I think this car will go very well in the snow and I am looking forward to the gas savings.