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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  Excellent Small SUV - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By reddobie0 - November 13 - 5:25 pm

  Bought a fully loaded Rogue and recieved a deal I couldnt refuse. Traded in my CRV because I had my fill of Honda and their busted up transmissions in thier SUVs and vans. Absolutely love the rogue. From a dead stop it is a little slow but on the highway it has plenty of power to pass. Seems to keep the car right in the powerband. Own a 2010 Escalade and it seems my wife is always taking my Rogue when Im not looking. Could use a little more cargo space but sufficient for my needs. Handles well and I wont have to replace an expensive timing belt ever again(unlike my Hondas). Drove several other competitors and kept going back to the rogue. Very happy and I have fun driving again!

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  If you live in the cold dont buy it - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By No - November 7 - 11:06 am

  I have had this car less than 3 months and live in the Northeast. I expect to be sold a car that can handle the cold, rain and snow. Ive already had several issues including the remote control start not working when it gets below 15, even while standing right in front of it. Today I went out to start and move my car and the heater, defrosters and fans arent working. There are a lot of angles that hold snow and ice. The ice interfers with the sensors and will cause it to think you are crashing when you are not and automatically engages the breaks for no reason. So far not impressed wishing I had never traded my 2008 rogue in

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  DO NOT PURCHASE THE ROGUE - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By R Fields - November 3 - 4:25 pm

  I purchased a used 2008 Nissan Rogue within in the 1st week the transmission was SHOT! Now a year later: Radiator, Mass Air Sensor and Software DONE! Dealership cost over 3K of repairs! and they stating "WE ARE NOT SURE IF THE ENGINE WILL WORK AFTER REPAIRS"! PLEASE DO NOT BUY A ROGUE, NEW OR USED, READ ALL THE REVIEWS!!!!

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  3rd Time is the Charm - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By twowhldoug - November 3 - 6:06 am

  This is the 3rd rogue we have bought. The 2008 was ok but the awd was noisy. The2009 was just horrible, electrical and intell key problems, Nissan couldnt repair it. We tried to get them to replace it but that was a no. The dealer stepped up and helped us get into a 2010 at no cost to us. We have had no trouble with th 2010. It has been a pleasure to own and drive. Have aver 2200 mile in the last 3 weeks and it has gotten 27.6 mpg. If the 2008 we bought first was this good we would still have it. While we were fighting with Nissan about the lemon 2009 we could not decide on another make vehicle that we would Rather have. The rogue is a good a all around SUV with ample power and economy. We like it.

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  Great little SUV - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Jim Storsberg - October 13 - 3:42 am

  Purchased at wifes request. She is 5 feet tall and weighs 98 lbs. Loves that she can sit high enough to see all around. Loves the color and interior. Very comfortable for a small vehicle. Her previous car (and now my car) an Infiniti G37. She prefers the Rogue!

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  D&Cs Rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By David Parker - October 12 - 6:05 am

  This is our sixth Nissan vehicle and our second Rogue. We decided we wanted a top-of-the-line vehicle. We picked this car with the help of our salesperson who was extremely knowledgeable about cars. We like the styling, the color (white) the ease of viewing the instrumentation, the safety features, backup camera and extra safety with seeing all round the car and the alarms which will sound if we come to close to another vehicle or human being. The camera has an excellent field of view. The car is easy to drive and is handles nicely and much better than our first Rogue.

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  Kiddie Pool inside of your rogue! - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By paul_ny - October 7 - 11:54 pm

  I bought a Nissan Rogue 2014 SV full package with moon roof, on December 2013. Since than I had to come back to the dealer few times: First it was missing All wheel drive Harness, they simply forgot to install it on my car. There was no AWD nor Hill descent, the part was ordered and installed. It kind of makes you think, what else did they forget to install?. But the best one yet, I noticed that area under passenger seat is moist,I thought it was spilled water and ignored this at first, but it kept coming back more and more, took it to the dealer. He said it was clogged sun roof drain, that he fixed, few days passed to my surprise I notice around 1" of water under passenger seat today.

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  Buyer Beware - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By tiffanyflash - October 5 - 10:49 pm

  Logged over 10,000 miles on this vehicle: now the problems have surfaced. Tailgate malfunction, brake system, Navi malfunction and shutdown.. good luck trying to get problems resolved.

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  Problem Pairing Voice Connect with iphone - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By hbjohn - October 1 - 2:20 pm

  I am very happy with my 2015 Rogue SV with one exception. When it works the voice connect is great, but Voice Connect loses pairing with my iphone 5 with ios 8.3 I have followed directions for pairing and even tried a factory reset. Voice connect worked for the first two weeks then it called a different number than the number the system displayed. The dealer had no idea how to fix. Up until yesterday it worked by magic. Now today I get The message on my phone is Connection Unsuccessful Make sure "My ROGUE" is turned on and in range I have followed directions for pairing and even tried a system reset I have been to the dealer twice. He says the system does not support IS 8.3

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  Love the Rogue! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Jill - September 29 - 12:30 am

  I dumped a 2004 Audi A4 that had given me constant trouble. I still wanted something fun to drive that got great gas mileage but not so pricey or high maintenance. Did a lot of research and chose the Rogue. I drive 18-20k miles a year and need something reliable and comfortable. Having owned a Camry, Maxima and A4, this my favorite. Excellent gas mileage (25-31 mpg), fun to drive, comfortable, and looks great. I was concerned about the CVT after constant problems with the Audi CVT but so far it has been fine. For a small SUV its unbelievable how much it holds. I tailgate at football games and am able to fit the whole setup, luggage, and 3 passengers comfortably on 6 hour road trips. Love it!