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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  S 360 package phantom gray - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By gerry - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Wanted basic upgraded package bang for the buck and 360 had the features engine is quiet cvt tranny feels ok no complaints since prior vehicle also had 4 cylinders and I am used to this type of power, no rattles body feels well put together layout is simple but works well, good quality tires were standard about the blind spot mine has rear camera but still not a major issue like some have reported, gas gauge works slowly but has worked I will keep an eye on this issue too new to tell yet.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By lgova - September 1 - 4:06 am

  I had an 94 Mazda 626 to replace. Drove past the Nissan dealer and stopped in to look at Rogue from TV ad. Test drove the vehicle and WOW, I bought the thing. Have an SL AWD with all options. I mocked the SUV crowd before but this is great vehicle. Live in Minnesota, but even when below zero and city driving, was getting 21-22 MPG. Got 28 on trip across Wisconsin. I think in warmer weather will see MPG go up. Very comfortable. Not one defect have I found to go back to dealer with. Very stable on snowy streets.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Sarah - August 30 - 7:33 pm

  Ive had this car for several months, and I still get excited to drive it. This was my first big purchase after graduating college, and Im very pleased with the performance so far. It drives smoothly and its quiet. Its wonderful for snow storms and I feel very safe driving it in bad weather. Its a nice looking car inside and out, especially for the price.

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  Honest Review - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By NISSANDRIVER - August 27 - 3:00 am

  My Nissan Rogue is an excellent SUV AWD, the only issue I have is the backwindow is small, when looking through the rear window mirror, it is like looking through a porthole.You have to be extremely careful driving this car on the interstates, it is hard to see other cars and trucks when passing, and hard to back up since the view out the rearwindow is not good Otherwise I am very happy with my Rogue

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  Happy with my purchase - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By majape - August 6 - 9:20 am

  I test drove the HR-V, Rav4, Forester, Tuscon, and CX-5 before choosing the Nissan Rogue. I purchased the SL w/ Platinum Package. The deciding factor was the intelligent cruise control feature with 0mpg stop & go. This feature is a life changer in big city stop & go traffic. Of the vehicles I test-drove, the forester was the only other vehicle with this feature. The Rav4, and CX-5 had a version of it, but it disabled below 20mph, and the Tuscon & HR-V didnt offer it at all. Overall I am very happy with the quality of my Rogue. The interior seems high-end and comfortable, way more so than the Forester. Nissan needs to look closer at the Owners Manual because the "how to" on the Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, and the Blind-Spot monitoring System doesnt match up with how it actually works in the car, which has caused me some frustrations. Memory seats, heated steering wheel, Siri-Hands-free are some of my favorite features, as well as the remote control start. The navigation system is ok, not terrible, but like most car navigation systems, its not great with traffic and requires a few too many "clicks" to get what you need. I traded to the Rogue from an Acura RDX, and so far the Rogue seems on par with the quality I was used to.. The only downside is its a bit more sluggish than Id like.

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  Gotta try this car - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By valenciae - July 30 - 11:11 pm

  My 2001 Xterra died with 202,000 miles. I wanted a comfortable car. I considered the Murano and Pathfinder. The Rogue had a slightly less smooth ride, but not $3000 worth. Very slight difference. I find the ride smooth. So smooth I recommend keeping the heat down and the radio loud. I got sleepy a few times. That car lulls you to relaxation, and an active 10 year old boy to sleep! The seats are comfortable and the back is room. There is only a few inches between the Rogue, Murano, and even the Pathfinder. I get just as much stuff in the back as the Murano. Slightly less than my XT BE CAREFUL OF THE KEYLESS IGNITION. TWICE I DID NOT TURN IT ALL THE WAY OFF.

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  Second place aint bad - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By mac - July 30 - 7:13 pm

  Easier to drive than my CRV and just as peppy. My wife wanted this one and I enjoy driving it myself because Im 62" and I fit. It drives well on the road and buzzes around town easily. We tested all the SUVs this size and the CRV was tops, but this one could easily be someone elses top rated.

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  Best Suv i have ever driven!!! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Christian - July 28 - 4:46 pm

  At first glance the rogues didnt really appeal to me, maybe because I always seen a base model one (s) around town. After going to the dealer and seeing an loaded up sl model I feel in love with this suv! After owning 10 suvs in the past and also being a wholesaler I have driven a lot of midsize suvs and honestly im my opinion this is truly amazing! It rides so Nice, corners like a Porsche, and gets gas mileage like a civic. I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone!

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  Glad I bought it - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By margokop - July 25 - 1:20 am

  I was driving a 2002 Toyota Highlander which I loved, but was ready for something a little smaller with better gas mileage. I thought I would end up with the toyota rav 4 or honda crv, but there were things about each of them I didnt like..I didnt even know Nissan had the rogue model, and then I saw it in the paper one day, so I went to the dealer and drove the sl model, liked the features, the price was competitive, it felt more solid and quiet than the toyota and hondas I tried. It has been just 3 weeks and I really like it.

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  Works well for me! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Kim Back - July 15 - 12:23 pm

  I needed to replace my Infiniti QX4 and tried an 08 Altima SL, which was a nice car, but I desperately missed having AWD. After a bad winter, I traded it for a Rogue SL and am very happy. I didnt lose much in terms of MPG and gained a lot in terms of riding higher and having AWD again. It is comfortable, has all the bells and whistles i got used to driving the Infinite with a little more affordable payment.