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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  Smart buy - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By judith gilman - September 26 - 1:10 pm

  Recently drove to florida with 2 adults and 3 dogs (2 small and 1 large) and was still able to save on hotel cost by sleeping in this roomy car. It was fun to drive, got great gas mileage 29-33 mpg. Nice looking and very sound. Live in indiana and handles very well in the snow.

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  Nissan Rocks - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By smooches1 - September 25 - 8:29 pm

  I just want to say I LOVE NISSAN!! I have owned a used 1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE, a new 2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE, a new 2004 Pathfinder SE and a new 2007 Nissan Xterra. Once I started with Nissan I have never left. In 2010, I was ready for another trade in and needed a vehicle with good gas mileage and not to low to the ground ( I am a six foot female). I researched the Rogue and then test drove it and I was in love. I have owned my 2011 for 5 months now and I love her. I fill up the tank twice a month compared to every 4-5 days with my xterra. She grips the road and highways like a dream. 4-cylinder CVT transmission took a little getting use to as I have been driving V6 for over 10 yrs.

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  Great SUV for the money!! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By jeep53 - September 22 - 2:33 am

  Im writing this review after having just purchased this SUV today, but I just wanted to give my first impressions of it. After wanted to purchase the Murano, I decided to test drive the Rogue. After only a few minutes of driving, I was very impressed with the options and the way the car handled. It drives like a car, except with the height and comfort of an SUV. It has a very smooth ride. We opted for the SV with the SL options. It has everything we need, including navigation, and cost over $8,000 less than the Murano.

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  Try it-Youll LOVE it! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By shelley - September 17 - 10:36 am

  Just bought this weekend and love it! Much more comfy than CRV and handles like a dream. Traded in a 2 door Accord & could not be happier. Accord is great, but the Rogue has wonderful seats and has more of a cockpit feel to the controls than all other suvs driven. If you are thinking about an suv, do yourself a favor and drive this - you wont be sorry.

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  Nice car - 2018 Nissan Rogue
  By Roger f. Kane - September 12 - 7:57 am

  Great deal for the price

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  My Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Cecille - September 8 - 4:53 am

  I like everything about this car except for the gas mileage which is not unexpected considering the size of the car, and the gas tank which has no inside release. Anyone can just flip the cover open and uncap the tank cover and siphon my gas away. How did Nissan miss this part? I had to go buy a locking gas cap.

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  Nissans Warranty is very bad! - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By jessekoehn - August 28 - 10:31 pm

  Purchased a New 2014 Nissan Rogue Fully Loaded with all options AWD, but after 1 week Paint is now coming off the front bumper. Contacted Nissan Immediately only to get transferred to someone who will do nothing and stated that it must be bird [non-permissible content removed] and will not cover the quality of a Nissan product purchased after 7 days.

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  Good purchase for the price - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By snottygirl - August 21 - 12:03 am

  I just purchased this car (base S version without any options) 2 days ago, love it so far. Much bigger than expected, good road performance with the CVT, it just takes some time getting used to the no shifting thing, lock out the OD in hilly sections and enjoy the ride. While more features would be nice the cost of the car was quite reasonable for the quality. I needed a new commuter car because my 1999 subaru forester with 140K miles was about to die and the new forester seemed very cheap feeling, tried the crv (great car) but it all came down to price. While not looking forward to the first real snow it will be interesting to experience the worst nj can throw at this car.

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  Best crossover on the market in many ways - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Steven - August 19 - 7:26 pm

  Ive driven 986 miles and car performed exceptionally well. CVT gives very smooth and comfortable ride, especially at traffic jams, "stop and go". Brakes are excellent. Seats are comfortable, dash is elegant looking. This is SL AWD version with all the possible options except leather seats. The combination of the utility, AWD, fuel economy, outlooking, overall quality and smart design were the selling points for me. Im getting 30 mpg with a/c on on most of the time during a trip to Pennsylvania during long Memorial weekend. Today I just found I had 23.8 mpg on my second tank of gas with mixed heavy local traffic and highway driving. Excellent crossover, excellent.

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  Great SUV for $20K - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jodie - August 14 - 10:50 pm

  Have wanted an SUV for a long time but have driven paid for cars for a while. Decided to make the jump to a new car (and payment) but I dont drive all that much so didnt want to make a huge investment. The Rogue gives me the SUV for a reasonable payment. Handling and styling are great, have hauled 12 bags of mulch in the back with the seats down and could have held more. VERY satisifed overall. Need to be a bit cautious on lane changes due to blind spots caused by small side windows towards the back - working on mirror adjustments and not changing lanes as much! Engine has a lot of oomph and the ride is really smooth.