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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  Nissans Best Crossover - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By frenchman - October 1 - 12:00 pm

  If you test drive it, you will buy it. Its the best crossover for the money out there, period. It has great features, fun to drive, great price, and superb build quality. I have had the pleasure of buying and owning some 94 other vehicles in my lifetime and this is in the top five. My compliments to the factory engineering and design staff at Nissan. Nissan dealers have some great and fun vehicles to sell us.

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  Reality with MPG - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By jadecan - September 30 - 6:11 am

  I love my new Rogue! It drives so quiet and smooth compared to the Honda I had! I am hearing a lot of concerns about the Rogue not living up to the MPG. With any vehicle the MPG are based on a standard way of driving the vehicle. If you hit the highway and put your gas pedal to the floor and drive 75-80 every where you go, yes, you will be lucky to get 24-25 mpg- its a 4 cyl. engine that you are making work overtime. I believe the standards used for all vehicles for highway testing is 60-65 mph. With normal acceleration- no noise! I have been averaging about 30 mpg on the highway when doing the speed limit.

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  09 rogue sl awd - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Keryn Lazar - September 27 - 12:45 pm

  We bought a rogue as first new car in 09. Car has had zero issues in 5 years other than routine maintenance.

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  Rides Like a Dream and Cheap at the Pump - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Mister Digger - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Its now only one week old and I already have 1100 miles on it. Everything about this car has exceeded my wildest expectations, and it took me three months to decide. I needed something larger and more comfortable than my 2009 Elantra Touring without sacrificing much fuel economy or my beloved iPod interface. Well, the fuel economy is even BETTER (27-31 MPG on the highway without poking along), the ride almost feels like a Lincoln Navigator, the road noise is very little (just enough to provide feedback), and the touch screen iPod interface and stereo system is even better than the Hyundai. The back up camera works in reverse gear and is also a great feature. So is the trip computer.

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  Best of the rest - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By harry - September 24 - 10:00 am

  First I am 6 ft 2 inches and fit comfortably in this vehicle, the steering wheel is great and fits in the hand perfect. I also have a Buick enclave at 48k it costs 20k more but the Nissan is the car I drive every day. The nav is fantastic, response is precise and exact. While the enclave is my luxurious ride I must say I wished I saved the 20k and bought two of these. This is the best all around car in its class and a deal for the price.

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  Nissan Rogue Rocks - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By lainie1 - September 9 - 11:35 pm

  I have only had my Rogue for a couple weeks, but am extremely pleased with the comfort and ease of handling. I was worried because Ive never driven a larger vehicle, but the Rogue is easier than my cars which included Mazdas & Fords. Mine has the backup map which I love and the SV package. Love this vehicle and highly recommend it. I drove 130 miles before the gas measure moved off full!

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  I love this car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Amanda - September 1 - 11:40 am

  The Rogue is a wonderful vehicle. It meets most of my criteria for an suv, but its so much more fun to drive. Buy one today! It has tons of standard features that in other cars you must pay extra for. I love the stability bars in the front and rear that allow great cornering. I love the 170 HP too. Love it!

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  Good Small SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Joe - August 29 - 12:40 am

  Traded in 04 Murano as it approached 100k miles. This has been an excellent alternative. After driving for a full year, gas mileage is consistent at 23 everyday with closer to 28 on highway. CVT transmission can slow your start but overall is very good. Cargo space adequate for this sized vehicle.

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  Rogue all the way!!!!! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By BM - August 26 - 1:28 am

  Purchased the SV AWD model and despite what some reviewers say, its the best car I ever owned. I also leased a Toyota Rav-4 the same time I purchased the Nissan Rogue and the Rogue is so much better. Its larger, more comfortable, and overall a better handling car than the Toyota. Its a 4 cylinder vehicle that rides as good as a V6

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  Solid value, great handling - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Kate - August 16 - 8:50 am

  Like others have said, this AWD is a best buy in its class. I was looking for a fuel efficient AWD to handle the New England winters, although I cant vouch for how it performs in the snow yet. What impressed me most about this vehicle was the car-like feel when I first drove it (other competitors felt more like "mini-trucks") Coming off a V-6 minivan, it was important to me that the Rogue had a nice ride and it doesnt disappoint here even though the smaller engine is taking some getting used to.(acceleration is adequate however) The interior finish is nice for a car in this class (Premium Pkg., Leather, Moonroof) and so far Im averaging 21-22 mpg, mostly around town driving.