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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  Love this car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Mike - March 31 - 6:40 pm

  Love driving this car. Dollar for dollar a much better buy than the CRV or the Rav-4. Handles better, and offers features normally reserved for a higher priced car (XM, Bluetooth). Have a small rattle I cant find but everything else is perfect. Getting about 24-25 mpg.

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  Great Deal, just needs some updates - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Melaniec - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My Nissan Rogue was my first new vehicle purchase. Looking back I wish I had gone with some of the packages offered, like the bois sound and fog lights, but I didnt know you didnt have to get everything in the package. My family/friends like that the rear seating is actually comfortable. My daughter wished the windows went further down but what kid doesnt. As for the dislikes, I wish there were more cup holders. Like in the Nissan cars there have several upfront. Rogue has just 2. Also the blind spots are really bad due to the rear head rests. Also the jack in the armrest is rather inconvenient. The ride is smooth and great for traveling!

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  We love it! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Richard - February 27 - 7:20 pm

  My wife and I traded in a 1999 Mustang. She called me on her way home from work and said we were going for a drive. She said, "I am not driving this car one more day." She drives it daily and is very happy with it. She loves her daily 20 mile commute now. We have taken it on two weekend trips and it is an excellent road car. There is more than enough room for luggage and us to ride in comfort. I would highly recommend Nissan and the Rogue to anyone who asks. Our experience at the dealership was also very good.

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  I think Im in love with my Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Senor Rogue - February 26 - 7:56 am

  This is just such a great car, I couldnt be happier unless it dispensed cookie dough from the glove compartment. I love the style, comfort, handling, dashboard controls, paddle shifters. I opted not to get bluetooth+keyless, and it would have been worth the couple extra bucks a month, but thats my failing, not the Rogues. So many people compliment me on it. Its made my hour-long commute in heavy LA traffic a real pleasure - I actually feel kind of sad every time I leave it in the garage overnight, but its too big to sleep at the foot of the bed (and I think my dog would get jealous). I researched the heck out of my new purchase and made the right choice.

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  Rogue - Good Choice - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By D C - February 7 - 1:33 am

  Traded in 2001 Mazda Tribute V6 gas hog & purchased a new Rogue, loaded. To date, its been really good (2,800 mi). CVT is smooth & responsive. Interior is quiet, comfortable and a great layout. Leather seats are extremely comfortable. Engine is responsive & plenty quick for highway access. We tested many vehicles & for us, found the Rogue to be the best all around choice. A lot more room for people but a little less storage space, which is perfect cause 85% of the time we carry people... but still had no problem loading a boxed 46 in. TV!

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  Wow - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Mega1gator - February 6 - 9:43 am

  The glove box is huge, stores all books and lots of other stuff. Drives like a dream. Turned in my MDX for better gas mileage and regular unleaded v. premuim for the MDX, a good trade up, the Rogue is the real deal!

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  Enjoying the ride - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By lynnv17 - February 3 - 2:17 am

  2 1/2 month review. Wasnt sure at first because of vibration at low speeds, which is a fuel saving function of the cvt. After breakin, its much smoother. Love the smooth ride on the highway. One annoying thing, during rain, its noisy, almost like youve left a window open in back. Getting great gas milage. I was careful to follow the break-in suggestions and average over 26 mpg in city, approx 29 hwy. Love the interior. Seats are comfortable. Handles well and is pretty fun to drive. The cargo area is small, but not really an issue since I can lower back seats when I need to carry more stuff. Im happy with my little suv...when its not raining.

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  Amazing - Beautiful & Just Fun to Drive - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Irie - January 24 - 9:36 pm

  I love this crossover. The 1st thing you notice is its beauty. I own the Iridium color. Just walking up to her makes you smile. She is very roomy inside. Perfect for tailgating. I even had them throw in the tent, awesome feature. The seats are very comfortable, better then my office chair. Very smooth ride on the road & the variable transmission is a joy to drive with no shifting motion. I am getting 25.1 to 25.4 MPG. The headrests are perfect for me. I am a small 54" 120 lbs female & this is the 1st car I ever owned where the head rest fits me. I truly do love this car and have no buyers remorse.

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  Great New Crossover - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By todd - January 21 - 3:33 pm

  We traded in our 2002 GMC Envoy to purchase a crossover with better gas mileage. We test drove the Honda CR-V and the Saturn Vue. Fell in love with the nissan rogue test drive. Very comfortable on the inside, dashboard layout is clean and simple, very peppy four cylinder and corners well (have the SL which comes with 17" tires). The stock radio was surprisingly powerful.Wish the vehicle had an adjustable center console cover. Slso wish the vehicle came with colored body side molding. Affordable and smart looking.

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  Almost a luxury car, and for a great price - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By tsumeone - January 7 - 7:49 pm

  The 2014 rogue rides very smooth and I personally find it fun to drive. The car comes with a lot of amenities such as signals on the mirrors, push button start and access, single action fold down seats, LED daytime running lights, etc. The SV trim also comes standard with dual auto climate control and color radio screen. I got the premium package which has a nav system that works well enough. The interface can be a little quirky, however. The interior of the car has a very upscale feel to it especially considering the price point. It feels like you are in a much nicer car. I have not had the car long enough to really give an accurate review on reliability or gas mileage.