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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  Cool Star Wars limited edition Rogue one in white. - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Debra Arrigo - August 14 - 8:40 am

  I love the look of the white with black details. It makes it unique which is hard to find when suvs are all so similar looking. I like the ride, but still trying to get used to the steering. Mine is an SV model with the sun and sound package. The glass roof is great since Im used to the roof height of a truck. The Bose sound system is Bose! Excellent of course. Backing up in this truck isnt my favorite thing to do. It has the rear camera and adjustable mirrors, but I am not comfortable with the view when I turn around to see behind me - another thing to get used to using. The interior design is good, and its comfortable for everyone in the car. It even has AC in the back seat - my dog loves that option. I added leather seats for easier fur cleanup and the front seats are heated. I had it Simonized inside and out, which is well worth the price.

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  Awesome... Murano Lite - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Sexysnoopy614 - August 11 - 9:23 pm

  This is a fun to drive vehicle which looks like a Murano, it is spacious and has lots of storage space in the back. Good for families. It has a kickin Bose 6 cd changer sound system with a subwoofer. It is a great car! Cannot wait to go to work in the morning and show it off.

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  Average value for money and problems with family package - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By ck_123 - August 10 - 6:43 am

  I have the SV with Premium and family Package. The car is okay. The Premium Package features are good - the around view camera makes parking so easy. The other features are also very good- infotainment system is also very user friendly, lots of space in the car and the back seats go down completely in case one needs to carry more stuff, the powered lift gate is very convenient and so on. I also have a couple of problems: the major one is adjustment of third row seat The strap mechanism can cause back pain and injuries if you have to use frequently. I have provided this feedback to both the dealer and Nissan but so far do not have any solution.

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  Recommend it to Everyone - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Kelly - August 4 - 8:50 pm

  I love my Nissan Rogue. Its a great sporty car, that has plenty of room for me and all of my friends, but it definitely isnt a gas guzzler. It drives nice, looks great and gets great gas mileage. In my opinion it is definitely the best crossover that I test drove and Im so glad I decided on the Rogue. I was concerned that it was only a 4 cylinder but it has great pick up and I dont miss my old V6 one bit. I would recommend this car to everyone, its fantastic!

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  Worth every penny - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Bona Gonsalves - July 31 - 12:34 am

  The only draw back is Window controls, Fuel Tank lead and other controls should have been self illuminated.

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  Agree.........the A/C is Pathetic - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By fossilhunter - July 18 - 2:41 pm

  I refrained from writing a review on my Rogue as Ive only had it 4 months but having read the previous reviewers gripe with the A/C, I decided to add my two cents. I live in Virginia and although this has been a mild summer in terms of heat, the A/C in my Rogue takes about 15 minutes to cool the cabin to a comfortable temperature. I took the car to the dealership and had them investigate. They said the A/C was cooling to 40 degrees as it was supposed to and by the service writers own admission, on a really hot day, it could take 20 minutes for the cabin to cool. In addition, I cant dial back the blower speed because the cabin never gets that cold.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By KSgrl - July 15 - 12:26 pm

  Looked at several different vehicles. I have always purchased Honda vehicles, but decided to try Nissan this time. The price was right at the dealership and the financing rate through Nissan was the clincher. Although we have only driven it around 800 miles, I believe we made the right decision. The ride is real smooth and it will be great both in town and for trips out of town.

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  Very pleased. - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By John Franklin - June 26 - 7:06 am

  We had looked at several SUVs which would give us AWD as well as decent mileage. We had never owned a Nissan before and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ride, quiet, comfort and mileage projections. We also test drove the Rav-4, Tuscon and Santa-Fe and the Rogue outdid them all in one way or another.

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  Overall love it - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By kdavis82712 - June 22 - 3:01 pm

  We got hustled into buying a 2014 Ford Escape SE. Traded it two weeks later for the 2014 Nissan Rogue SV w/ premium package. Best decision ever! The only issues weve had are 1. the nav screen will say loading & you have to cut the car on & off a few times to get it to work. 2. The air takes about 5 mins to get cool. We live in a pretty hot place but even when the temp drops, the air still takes awhile to get cool. Asked the dealership about it. They did nothing. For a brand new car 5 mins to have COOL (not cold) air is ridiculous. Anyone else have this air issue??

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  Mouse in the house - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Canadian Rogue Owner - June 15 - 6:30 am

  We love this car. The clearance and fuel economy were the deciding factors for buying it. We live on a farm and have experienced in the seven months that weve owned it: two separate mouse nests in the heater fan, dirt and ice build up in the wheels and grinding noise from the front end (which is now on going). We didnt have problems like this with the Oldsmobile we used as a trade in. We also added a spoiler to reduce the dust and snow build- up on the back window, but it didnt do that. The spoiler did help the fuel economy somewhat though. We are getting the stated fuel economy and it is fun to drive.