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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  CVT transmission problems - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By bille60 - September 5 - 3:25 pm

  We bought our 2008 Rogue S AWD new from the dealership. Nice looking, fun to drive, great safety features, and the AWD is fantastic. Never had to be towed. I noticed the transmission had a slight high pitch whine when it was new - going up steep hills. I thought it was just normal for a CVT. Then as time went on (about 20,000 miles) the transmission developed a loud high pitch whine going up steep hills - especially in the summer heat. At 30,503 miles the dealer replaced the transmission fluid because of my complaints about the CVT noise. Nissan has replaced 2 CVT transmissions so far.

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  Love the Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By car_lady - July 20 - 8:24 am

  I have driven Ford vehicle for most of my driving life and I test drove an Ford Edge, felt like I was driving a mini-van and the Ford Escape, felt like I was driving a truck. So, next I test drove a Hyundai Tuscon, actually several times, and just could not get comfortable driving it. The sales person suggested I try the Nissian Rogue. When I first saw it I loved the body style and then I test drove it and I was conformtable driving it because it felt like I was driving a car. I am come up on 16,000 miles and have not had a problem with it. Great gas mileage and handling in the snow. Great sound system and all around great car. Love the back up camera and of course the sun roof.

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  Pros and Cons - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By wiquincy - July 11 - 10:35 am

  Pros: 1. CV Tranny excellent, no constant shifting 2. Plenty of power when needed at any speed. 3. Drives comfortably, but shorter wheelbase of this class is a little bumpier. 4. I get 28 mpg, my wife gets 24 overall. Gets over 30 on the highway at 60 mph. 5. Door looking options are very nice. Cons: 1. The Navigation system is totally useless. I had to buy a GPS. Cannot be set while moving, no MPH check, No useful trip record, no elevation, etc. etc. Of no use whatsoever. 2. No option for power seats for passenger. 3. Cargo space is small for class. 4. Speedometer is analog only, no digital read.

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  First 3 months - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Carwiz - June 9 - 12:36 am

  Im satisfied with my Rogue. Really glad I got an AWD since it performed better than expected in the deep show. Fuel economy is the biggest disappointment, 20-21 mpg on the highway. Ive driven 6000 miles in 6 weeks and never got better than 21 mpg. For the 4 cyl this is lousy. Radio is average and the car has only one power plug! No vanity mirrors, oh, well. I can replace the radio and add accessories but the gas mileage is a problem I did not expect.

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  The Ride - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Frank - June 7 - 6:26 pm

  Have owned this car for about a year. GAs got to $.00 gal so had to try something else. I drove this the Honda CRV, and Toyota and found the best mixture of creature comforts was the Nissan. CRV had no get up and go, Toyota was to pricy for the product.This offered the best ride, economy, and value. We are considering getting another one for my wife.

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  Very poor performance in bad weather - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By VERY BAD TIRES!! - April 12 - 12:50 am

  Nice looking & comfortable riding car in general. However, had lots of problems with indicator lights, air bag warning system, within the first few months of owning the car. Had to bring it back to the dealer for repairs many times. Also going through my first winter in MA with the car and already in two months had several near accidents and then recently skidded into a guard rail while only driving 25 mph. The tires are inferior with VERY POOR performance. Warning... check your tires and be very careful driving with them.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By jennib31210 - March 10 - 8:25 am

  I actually owned 2 Rogues, and was happy with both. The only reason I got rid of the 1st one (08) was to trade for a new one (2010). I love the SUV feel combined with the great fuel economy of a midsized sedan. I always averaged 27+ MPG, and even got 30MPG on at least one occasion. The seats are comfortable and the interior is fairly roomy for it to be a small SUV/crossover. I had the 2010 for right at a year and put 15k miles on it, including a road trip from GA to OH and back, and never experienced any issues in the time I owned it. I traded it for a 2010 Altima because the Altima is my ultimate dream car :) but I was very pleased with my Rogues & recommend them to anyone!

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  Great and Affordable - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By ctgomes - March 1 - 7:36 pm

  I recently purchased a 2015 Rogue SV with the premium package. The premium package is great and gives all the features I wanted without having to go up to the SL. The car drives great and has no issues through snow or cold so far. Every review I read said it had trouble getting uphill and passing on the highways, I have yet to experience any issue with this and I do a lot of highway and hill driving. It has tons of room for all types of passengers. So far I have fit 3 adult sized male passengers in the backseat without any problems. The power liftgate is amazingly convenient. Only drawbacks are that there is no remote start and you cannot pull up the wipers for snowy forecasts.