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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  Rogue . . . So-So - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By MPATTER - November 8 - 2:23 am

  Ive been driving my Rogue for 3 wks. now. It has a comfortable ride, but the int. ergonomics are terrible. I believe it must have been designed for someone with the arm length of a veloco-raptor. The window switches are set back about 4 inches too far. The center armrest is also back too far. The cup holders are too close together and are also set back a bit far. The side mirrors are nice and large. This is good because the rear window is the same size as the rear view mirror. Performance wise, it is not bad. Smooth ride, with OK pickup for a 4 cyl. engine. It does have an unusual resonance when at 40 MPH. Must be the CVT trying to find a sweet spot. MPG is between 21-23.5

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  Very pleased for the price - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tamoshanter - September 17 - 9:03 am

  Just bought the rogue last week and I love it. Compared it with CR-V, RAV4 and CX-7, and am happy with the ride, comfort, handling, and engine (for a 4 banger). The CVT takes some getting used to, coming from someone who as a teenager had a firebird formula 400; but works well enough and getting 28 mpg on highway w/out the engine broken in. Bose stereo sounds boss, bluetooth through the stereo with steering wheel buttons is great! My wife loves the styling and the kids (actually 21 & 17) find the rear seat very comfortable, with plenty of room behind them for their junk!

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  2 years with the Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By TXdirt - September 9 - 10:00 am

  First time Id ever bought a first year model. Overall the vehicle is great. Few minor things; hear a lot of road noise from the back when driving in the rain, they should have insulated the wheel wells a bit. Also, as with most Rogue owners, visibility is something you have to get used to, would love a bit more, especially when backing up. The AWD makes it easy to get around when we get ice/snow.

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  Nissan Rogue SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By A Rogue - September 5 - 10:16 am

  I bought the Nissan Rogue SUV AWD, totally fit out with all the luxury package items about 4 weeks ago. So far, I like the following aspects: cool design, engine power, radio/Bose speakers/satellite, cargo room, ease of use. I think the car rides a little harshly and jiggles and jumps too easily in response to bumps. It should have a memory seat feature also. However, it does satisfy my wish for a car/SUV that is sports, gets > 20 mpg in city driving, has cargo room, and lots of amenities.

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  Overall a Good Vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Christina - September 2 - 2:23 am

  We looked at many different vehicles and thought the Rogue had the best ride. Very smooth. Feels like youre driving a car versus a truck. AWD is great in the winter. The only thing so far I am NOT HAPPY about is the rusted muffler. I only purchased the car 8 months ago and already the muffler is rusting! This started only a few months after the car was purchased. This upsets me b/c you can see the rusty muffler. It doesnt even look like the car is new anymore because of that. Asked the dealership about it, and they blamed it on the weather. I might have accepted that excuse if it went through a few more winters (and not 4 months worth) before rusting.

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  2017 Rogue - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By benito zambrana - August 23 - 12:16 pm

  Initially I was looking for an affordable SUV, a Mitsubishi Outlander 2016 it seem like a good deal and had great safety features. Looked around and happened to visit the Nissan dealer just to see what was available. Looked at a 2016 Rogue, seemed nicer than the Mitsubishi but the 2017 Rogue is much nicer plus is a 2017 after. The interior of the 2017 has a more sportier feel to it even the steering wheel is different plus the color of the vehicle is unique. Finally decided that that the 2017 rogue was the one for me. With the features the vehicles has such as eco mode sport mode is teaches the driver how to drive plus the other safety features it has and luxury features like Bluetooth,Xm Radio TPMS for the tires among other. I feel it is a great investment in my part, there is no need to worry about breaking down on the side of the road any time. Just turn the key and drive.

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  Great looking Crossover for the money!! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By jeep53 - June 27 - 3:59 pm

  Weve only had the 2011 Rogue SV with SL package for a week, but I thought Id mention my first impressions. So far Im very happy with my purchase. We intended on purchasing the Murano, but didnt feel it was worth the extra $9,000. Its a really nice riding SUV and has a lot of nice features for the money. The leather seats are also very comfortable. The CVT takes a little getting used to but after a short time, its fine. I would not hesitate in recomending this SUV. I found it to be much more comfortabl than the CR-V and the Toyota Rav4 and also much sharper looking and a better ride.

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  jimbokoe - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Jim Koehler - May 17 - 8:43 pm

  Write down every option you want on your car,it is easy to forget items like home link mirror, rear bumper protector,etc,this will cost you later. This is a great car for the price,I am happy of my choice

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  follow-up on previous - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By douglas - April 28 - 10:03 pm

  This is a follow up on previous comments in dec2009. After dealer installed the latest things that nissan said would correct my electrical problems I took the car home with high expectations. Not so lucky; car worked for a couple of days then wife called from out of town with the red key warning light glowing in the dash as she hummed down the interstate praying the car would not stop and lock down on her as it has done in the past. called dealer and they had no idea.Took the car on 2,500 mile trip in dec. and many things happened.from not letting us in to not allowing the ignition switch to turn to unlocking itself while we were away from it. Called nissan and they are supposed to LOOK

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  Can be fun to drive but no more for me - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By david Hovland - April 27 - 3:46 pm

  Altho there are several good things about this car there are several annoying items.First, when driving this car on a bright sunny day when you look from the road to the speedometer all you see is a black circle. Even with headlights on at dusk there is no illumination. Second it takes a strong guy to raise the hood. No help from lifters, muscle & drop a rod into a hole to hold it up.And it came with a battery that is not maintenance free. buy some distilled h2o. And the air/heater system is horrible. Cant get cool air thru vents as air is heated by engine before entering car. Therefore a/c compressor on most of time. Sorry I ever bought this beast. Hope I saved someone else from my mistake.