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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  At 58,000 miles it started to go... - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By David Santaniello - May 5 - 11:54 pm

  Bought this 2012 Nissan Rogue SL AWD new in 2012. It is fully loaded, so the leather seats and 8 speaker Bose Stereo are really nice. Rear view is obstructed, but has nice cameras all around. Fun to drive. I dont notice the drone of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that Ive read about. Mileage over the three years Ive owned it so far has been OK; 26 combined, high of 30, low of about 20 mpg. At 58,000 miles - with attention to scheduled maintenance - rust started to form on the hatchback door. Dealership is fixing it for free. Also at 58,000 miles I pulled the keyless entry drivers door handle OFF while trying to open it! Expensive to fix and I was disappointed with the quality of the handle itself.

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  Bad back seat - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Mary Grow - April 15 - 12:32 pm

  Only a very small kid can fit in middle of back seat. Also the buckles in middle of back seat dont recess so you ride on hard buckles and they feel auful.salesman said you need not worry because I will be driving

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  Bad back seat - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Mary Grow - April 15 - 12:11 pm

  Only a very small kid can fit in middle of back seat. Also the buckles in middle of back seat dont recess so you ride on hard buckles and they feel auful.salesman said you need not worry because I will be driving

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  Running Rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By lisa hogan - April 13 - 4:35 pm

  This is my third Nissan Rogue and each one is better than the last. The car is comfortable for a wide range of heights, Im 52" and my friend is 64" and we both fit comfortably to drive with good visibility. The Rogue is the only car that I found that has the surround monitor where I can see 360 degrees around the car with the four cameras. The navigation system is very easy to use and the bluetooth quality has improved since my last Rogue. Acceleration is okay, but not great; we make jokes about the "roar of the four". All in all, I am happy with this car and the deal I got and when this lease is up, I will probably lease another Rogue.

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  Best of its class, and good value - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Froggy PA - April 10 - 6:56 pm

  Did extensive shopping after deciding to replace our 2000 Subaru Outback. Subaru has taken a step backward with the 2010 redesign. The Rogue is a nicer vehicle than CR-V, Tucson, Equinox, CX-7, and better value. Great handling and ride. Good passenger room front and back. Good front and side view - limited rear view, as others have pointed out. Rear seats are a bit "benchy", but lots of room. And yes, the fuel door should be inside release. But if you rarely haul bigger cargo and want a comfortable, nice riding, stylish, AWD, well-built crossover at a decent price, get a 2010 while you can. We have the "premium" package and the Bose sound system is awesome.

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  Not bad for a last minute choice - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By golfprof76 - March 17 - 11:46 pm

  So, I like others got stuck with the cash for clunkers deal (traded in a Jeep Grand Cherokee) but I have to say that for a last minute choice, I think I did ok. For starters the engine is loud, really loud. Almost to the point that Im waiting for an explosion to happen when I hit 4000 rpm. Fuel economy is great (considering I went from 16 mpg to 23) and the ride is quite comfortable. The price, well I still think Nissan could have done better with the S type. $19000 is a bit much for just about the same stuff you could get in a Sentra.

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  I felt comfortable the first time I drove it.... - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By jcnninin - February 22 - 9:05 pm

  I bought a used 2011 Rogue with 28,000 miles on it, a "program car" in excellent shape. I test drove the Honda CR-V, RAV4, Altima, and brand new Rogues, but for some reason when I drove this one, it felt like "my car." It just fit. The ride is nice and smooth even with the 4-cylinder (Im used to driving full-sized V-8s). It has quick response in the 25-45 MPH range that makes moving around in traffic very easy. I guess you could call it "nimble." Gas mileage is very good, but not great. After driving 900 miles (mostly city driving), Im getting about 24.2 MPG. I have XM satellite radio, which rocks. More roomy inside than it looks. All in all, I love it.

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  Most comfortable in its class - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Tyler N - February 17 - 7:55 pm

  Moving from a FWD Ford Focus 2012 to a 2017 AWD Rogue was a great decision! I tried the MX5, Escape, CRV and RAV4. The Rogue was by far the most comfortable and quiet. If youre someone that isnt concerned about 0 to 60 in 4 seconds and is looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive, comfortable, roomy and loaded with tech...this is your pick! The Rogue has the best tech features. the 7 inch display is nice at the SV level. Be sure to go with the Premium package and you get the best bang for your buck. You dont get the adjusting cruise control and lane assist (thats only on the SL) but you do get Blind Side Warning and full navigation. Im almost 2 months into driving this and Im still excited every time I get in. It handles excellent in the snow and the ambient sound in the cabin is almost non existent. I usually drive this in ECO mode and have been getting about 27 MPG which is lower than advertised but I feel as though that is always the case. Ive been getting about 30 on the highway. I bought the 6 year 100K warranty and should be in good shape, though Im not anticipating anything going wrong. I will continue to update!

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  2011 brand new - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By sghill1 - January 26 - 2:56 am

  Purchased the car today (10-14-11) with 100 miles on it. Off the lot for 22,000. 3,000 less than Honda, Toyota and 5k less than Subaru. Pretty well equiped and gives a great ride. "Rubber band" transmission runs very well at 75 mph on the freeway.

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  SO HAPPY!! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By laurenxsaysx - January 10 - 2:28 pm

  I love my nissan. It has way more to offer for the price than the chev equinox. You definitely want the backup camara, it helps out a lot. Its prefect for my family. I have 2 large dogs whom fit just right in the hatchback space (a third medium dog fits too). A lot of legroom in the backseats (which fold down flat). If i could do it all over again, i would still buy this car but i would pay more for the AWD. The stock tires handle well in snow and rain from my past experience with a kia. However, rogue is very light weight so the wind can push it around pretty easily. I get 23 MPG city and 29-30 mpg highway.