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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  Buyer Beware - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By tiffanyflash - October 5 - 10:49 pm

  Logged over 10,000 miles on this vehicle: now the problems have surfaced. Tailgate malfunction, brake system, Navi malfunction and shutdown.. good luck trying to get problems resolved.

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  Hastily assembled, hastily designed - 2018 Nissan Rogue
  By John Ho - March 21 - 4:35 am

  This vehicle was not thought out, designed, or assembled very diligently. My review is based on an all day test drive of the top of the line SV. The dash looks nice but peering around the rest of the interior, my eyes were drawn to poor fit and finish of several of the plastic interior panels. The interior feels closed in with huge C and D pillars that severely block rearward visibility. The more time I spent in it, the more design oversights I noticed. The sunroof is too far back and small, the exterior dimensions lead you to think the interior is roomy but it is small in ratio to the exterior. The backseat comfort seems like an afterthought. Spend 10 minutes sitting in the back and you realize it is not for long jaunts. The seating position puts your knees upwards and the visibility out the sides, front and rear is obstructed. It was loud back there too on the freeway. On the exterior, the paint had lots of orange peel, there were panel fitment issues, and uneven gaps. On the road it was a pleasure to corner, steer, brake, and accelerate with a good road feel. However, there was pronounced tire/ wind/ road noise most notably when riding in the back seat as a passenger where it was much louder and difficult being part of the front seat conversation. Under the hood was not well laid out. The engine was less than an inch from the passenger side frame rail and and the whole layout of lines and hoses looked like a thrown together mess. A better vehicle for the money this is not.

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  This car doesnt handle the cold temperature well - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By asianlee - March 13 - 11:30 am

  Own my car for almost 5 years, the same problems kept happening on the drivers side door. I couldnt open from the outside but inside. It was covered under the warranty when I got it fix in 2009. It happened again last January, and once again this January. I will pay around $350 to replace the door lock actuator. This problem did occur on the cold day like -10 centigrade. I am looking forward to buy another brand new card this summer and it wont be from Nissan for sure.

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  Sloppy handing, massive blind spot, weak power - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By imvho - December 28 - 1:59 pm

  Rented an AWD version for 5 days for a long weekend trip with myself & SO & our 2 dogs for a trip to a place about 200 miles away. Never in my wildest (worst) dreams would I buy this vehicle. Yes, it has a very comfortable ride over the highway for both driver and front passenger, but the wimpy weak little engine just couldnt get enough guts to pass much of anything on a highway hill. And on the many winding, S-curve, 2-lane country back roads we took were an exercise in terror thanks to the massive blind spot from the huge A pillar on the drivers side - couldnt see if there were cars coming toward me around any curves without craning my neck one way or another. And the handling....well, it was like driving a marshmallow. Sloppy, wishy-washy, imprecise, just plain unpleasant. I had no feel of the road whatsoever. Granted, at the time my primary car was an Acura TL Type-S, so perhaps not fair to compare, but it was 10 years older than this Rogue, so I feel theres no excuse. I ended up buying a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring and it is almost as pleasing to drive as my beloved Acura. If you value handling, power/torque, as well as passenger comfort, RUN AWAY from the Rogue and give the Outback a try. (The other one to try would be a 2017 Infiniti QX50 - pretty amazing, but the Subaru 3.6R gives almost the same driving experience for a lot less money.)

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  scrap car ..nightmare - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By dardouri - September 29 - 12:49 pm

  I really dont want this vehicle any more, I see all kind of the problem with this scrap . I bought this car from a dealer Metro nissan in Montreal with 44kkm and guarantee for 4years, after 2 months of driving, I had 2 much problems..., I would have given it back after a month or two!but unfortunately too late 2 change it

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  not happy - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By je - September 29 - 12:24 am

  bought this nissan rouge SL 2015 at gerard nissan ct. first 2 months of driving, i notice that voice recognition doesnt work right. been bringing the vehicle to the dealer but never resolve the problem its been 1 half year already. this year air condition issue, 96 degree outside with my son driving the vehicle, AC not cooling only blowing warm air. or most of the time the cooling is on and off. who ever owned the nissan rouge SL 2015 check your voice recognition say "point of interest and the location" very frustrating!

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  Fuel Gauge Problem - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Nissan Rogue 2010 - July 27 - 8:10 am

  Fuel gauge is totally inaccurate. Fuel gauge does not move until you drive 100 to 140 miles. Moves two notches at 240 miles. Nissan, on two occasions, tried to fix. Nothing changed. Nissan Fix Hot line stated that this is a "normal condition and no further repairs can be made" Forwarding to NJ Lemon Law.

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  Bad Experience - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By BAD Experience - June 21 - 8:50 pm

  I am sorry to say, Our family looked for a crossover vehicle for a while then we found the Rogue the gas mileage was the selling point along with the looks and supposedly the reliability(Not So!) We owned the vehile less than a year traded the vehicle at 16,000 at this time we had already had two transmissions and was in need of the third NO one could explain if there would ever be a fix. I was concerned for the safety of my family so I tried working with the dealer and with Nissan all you get is political answers no one wanted to take the blame for selling a vehicle that did not perform to the standards that the dealer sold it at or would Nissan communicate there concern of there customer

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  Just dont like it - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By mom of 2 - April 15 - 12:20 pm

  We kind of got duped into this lease.Heres my list - Im short and the Rogue has VERY cramped leg room for the drive, it actually makes me a nervous wreck, the head room is also tight & the steering wheel barely tilts. The back seats r also stiff and uncomfortable (and I have the leather package), no adj. head rest(which also block visibility) & no seat adj in the back either. The visibility is HORRID and completely unsafe - the blind spots r huge and the rear headrests coupled w/ a small rear widow leave a tiny square of visibility. No matter if you like how it drives or not, it is simply unsafe to drive. This long time Nissan owner can not WAIT for the lease to end & its only 1 mo in!

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  Lemon Rogue - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By dcfc - October 1 - 1:13 am

  Car taken back to Nissan today. They were forced to take it back after it was titled Lemon by the BBB.Had 2 replacement transmissions by 5000 miles and still had same problems. Rogue also had air con replaced. Leaked transmission fluid, etc. See Forums on this site for further info.