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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  Bad Product and Nissan did Nothing to resolve - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By lkservice - January 26 - 8:50 am

  I bought a new Nissan-Rogue family package vehicle 3 months back from Cherry Hill Nissan and basic reason for this buy was - 1. Good gas mileage (Nissan claims it to be 33 on highways and 26 on city roads) 2. Additional seat for occasional usage of my family needs Ever since I bought this car I am getting very low gas mileage and tried to work with local dealer as well as Nissan for resolution but no satisfactory results- 1. I am getting ~ 19 MPG in city driving and getting 24-26 MPG on highway driving which is about 8 MPG lower than what is claimed at the time vehicle is sold or advertised. 2. Multiple visits to dealer and gave them gas mileage readings as per their requirements. Dealer did software upgrade but I dont see they did anything reasonable which convince that it should make it better. After multiple visits and fulfilling whatever they asked for (even waiting for more then 4-5 Hrs. in one occasion) no outcome and dealer asked me to call Nissan customer care. 3. I called Nissan customer care and got Case opened but here also it was completely unsatisfactory 4. Nissan representative told me that based on dealer checks, everything is working as expected and after lot of persuasion she agreed that her supervisor will call 5. Supervisor called me and she told me the same story that as per dealer it is within company specifications. when asked what are company specifications and this is lower than what you advertise, no answer and keep on repeating that this is within company specifications. This was completely unacceptable and no help provided by Nissan and after I told that I have to go to Better Business Bureau, she had no effect. Seems Nissan is very proud of their legal team and a mere customer cant do anything against them. So if you are buying any Nissan vehicle and you are unlucky to get a bad vehicle, my experience is that both Dealer and Nissan will leave you to deal with it. I would recommend to not go with Nissan or Cherry Hill Nissan dealership.

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  Do Not buy worst car ever and sevire like no other. - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By carman106 - April 24 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased a 2012 Rogue used. It had about 28000 mile. At 32000 miles the transmission acted up one day on my way to work. I try to take it in for service and was met by the rudest people ever. Nothing was done to fix it only excuses was made. I called Nissan Costumer Service, I was told that the dealership are not corporately owned and nothing they can do. As far as fixing the car they were not interested. At 40000 mile the car did the exact same thing. I was then told by the service manger " If the transmission only acts up ever couple of months, Its not considered a problem worth fixing or looking into fixing."

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  Mouse in new rogue 2016 - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Mony Den - April 18 - 3:39 am

  i had the car 6 weeks...It had 357 miles on it.....They say a mouse nest is in the blower...how....as it sat waiting to be bought....They told me the same thing when I bought a new sentra in 2010....This is a common problem with nissan....stop selling cars that have sat around and not clean the blowers....bs....#designflaw

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  Dont trade in your RAV4 for this!!! - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By dk81081 - February 9 - 4:53 am

  This car doesnt compare to a RAV4! My wife and I traded our 2010 Rav4 for this, thinking there wouldnt be much of a change, but I was wrong. I am a tall guy, I fitted just fine in our Rav4, but I noticed it was tighter in the Rouge at the test drive. The wife like the price of the Rouge and how we were able to get all the options for the same price of a new Rav4. I listened to wife and bought this for her and its been a mistake ever since. It doesnt turn like our old car, blind spots all over, CTV transmission is noisy. You think its going to break down every time you step on the gas. I aint one to make up an account to talk about a car, but people need to be warned! Stay away!

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  Bad Transmissions - Terrible customer service - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Huzefa Mamoola - December 29 - 12:31 pm

  No Nissans for me again! Rogue CVT Transmission failed at 119K, got it fixed under warranty from the dealer. The car failed in Savannah, GA, 640 Miles from my home. After 1280+ miles of driving to and from Savannah to collect the vehicle, the Nissan 1 rep kept saying that they dont have any policy to at least reimburse me for the rental car for the trip nor even gave me vouchers for future repairs in the vehicle, nor was willing to commit to increasing the warranty period on the new transmission. They stuck to their policy throughout the conversation about not reimbursing anything. No goodwill towards the customer and no regard of what the customer has been through with a transmission failure in a car that I hoped will go at least to 200K miles without major issues. Everything was a No, not in our policy. Nissan, you lost a customer today forever. Adios.

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  Nissan VIBRATOR! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By CN - August 31 - 1:57 am

  Rouge SV - Vibrates significantly. Stay away from this car! The price and interiors are nice; but whats the point if the car vibrates and makes the commute unbearable?? It seems Nissan knows about this issue but the company and its dealers are trying to push it under the rug. NOT A GOOD WAY TO BUILD A BRAND. Carlos Ghosn - Are you listening? This is extremely disappointing under your watch.

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  nissan rogue failure - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By funissan1 - March 30 - 5:25 am

  Unfortunately I cant use profanity because all that comes to mind when i think of the 2009 nissan rogue i bought my wife is a 4 letter adjective starting with the letter F. Bought the car brand new november 2009 for my wife her first new car EVER. 8 months after buying it service engine light came on car started jerking every time she tryed to excellerate. Trip 1 to service department Transmission had to be completely replace. 6 months later car had same symptoms. Trip 2 to service department #2 cylinder missfire whatever that. Computer replaced. 5 months later same symptoms Trip 3 to service department same computer replaced AGAIN. Trip 4 same symptoms out of warranty $1700 repair.???????

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  Extremely Uncomfortable...... worst ride ever - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Lh2018 - March 27 - 1:57 am

  Worst ride ever. The back seats are ridiculously uncomfortable. God help you if you are taller than 52. Seats are elevated so you sit higher than the fronr seats. They sit straight up and head rests lean forward. Cant adjust either. Very uncomfortable. Cant see anything out the Windows from back seat either because of angle of seats and elevation. Just awful. Front seats arent any better. Stiff no contouring no room. I would NEVER buy this car. Ive never been in a more uncomfortable car. Horrible

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  A lot of noise vibration. - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By alain - October 31 - 10:26 am

  First week my Roque had a noise then finally they had to change the belt tension er and the that noise is gone, but in compaction with other cars that I had, even older, this rogue is the most noise one I had. It have a lot of vibration coming from the engine. I am not happy with this purchase.

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  JUNK - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By JUNK - May 31 - 11:26 am

  Sorry I bought this 2010 Rouge.From the day I drove it home. The car vibrates & the steering wheel shakes. Took it back 6 times. They do not know what is wrong with it. I test drove other rouge. And it does not shake or vibrate. I believe it is the transmission. The repair shop does not think it is transmission. Deep down they know it is the transmission. I am suppose to be fully covered. Never buy a car from Nissan of Queens. They are thieves. Whom rip off the customers and over charge you. Buyer Beware!!!!!! I want my car fixed. And the dummies cannot figure out whats wrong with it.