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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  The Reviewers just dont understand - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By scott - April 25 - 2:03 am

  The reviewers say the CVT is "odd" but driving CVT takes a new skill. Once mastered you will love it! Beautiful interior, great performance on road and VERY fun on dirt roads with AWD I recommend the leather with red stitching, beautiful. I get lots of compliments on the sound of the exhaust. The paddle shifters are fun but you dont "need" them for fun. Lots of head and leg room compliments from passengers. Corners great. Accelerates better than many V6s on the road with me. Kinda hard to see out the rear, but its small so you can use the mirrors typically, very few blind spots. Love the in-floor cargo box and HUGE glove box. Probably the largest on any vehicle. Love the stylish gauges and audio.

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  3rd nissan, GREAT ride - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By MG - April 18 - 6:15 am

  I have owned a 99 Maxima, a 2009 Altima, and now a 2011 Rogue Krom AWD edition. All my Nissans have been great vehicles. The Rogue has been my favorite, as living in New England an AWD vehicle is a must. The ride is extremely smooth and often pasengers ask if its even on when at a stop. I bought this car used with 47,000 on it from a 1 lease owner. 3 years later Im at 102,000 miles with nothing more than regular oil changes. I just had the breaks done and will put new tires soon as winter approaching. But After 3 years, thats not bad at all. The car is great on gas, and has an extremely comfortable interior from front to back. Lots of space in trunk area, just overall a great ride if you want an SUV without the big engine/big gas expense. I would compair the ride almost identical to that of the Altima, but with AWD. GREAT car for sure

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  Defects on Nissan Rogues - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Kathy Swanger - April 13 - 8:01 am

  I have a 2008 Rogue. Have had for five years. Having acceleration problems. After driving on hwy..then stop at a stop sign..will not go. Very scary!!!! If you put a bad part on a car...they should fix it..no matter what! It had to do with the CVT Transmission

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  Everything I want in a small SUV! - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Michael Mason - April 7 - 6:48 pm

  I had been researching for 2 months on which small SUV I wanted. I had finally decided on the Nissan Rogue and I have never been happier! The 2 key factors I wanted most was plenty of back seat space and great gas mileage and my 2016 Rogue fits the bill on both! I am a 6 tall and i have plenty of head room and decent leg room and the back seat room is huge and the back seats even recline. Even the base model I drive has an elegant looking interior. It handles great on the road and rides very smooth! The miles per gallon on this SUV is amazing! Probably my most favorite feature is the eco button located left of the steering wheel. This setting allows your vehicle to achieve the best gas mileage possible. I commute 30 miles back and forth to work 5 days a week and and I go 7 days before having to refill my tank. I have no complaints at all with My Rogue and I have not experienced the popping sounds some reviewers complained about coming from the wheels when i make turns. I am at 25,000 miles right now and everything is still smooth as silk. I am very satisfied with my Rogue!

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  Excellent Choice. - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By denrama - April 5 - 9:33 am

  This CUV is very nice. I sold my Nissan Altima 2001 and got Rogue. One thing good about Nissan is, it will give so many options with a good price. If you go with Honda or Toyota, you have to pay for each option separately. This CUV drives like a car, sits high, fun to drive. The drive is almost smooth. One thing that bothered me is the small wind noise at high speeds( > 55 mph) other than that, I have no complaints. I feel like I am driving a good pimped up vehicle.

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  Great Little SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Geemurf - March 30 - 12:33 am

  In the commuting world of Metro New York the Rogue is fantastic. Great gas mileage 26 MPG in AWD, not just FWD like the CRV. Handles the parkways, highways, and yes even the Tapanzee Bridge with steel plates and all remarkably. No hydroplaning on the Saw Mill in a downpour. Almost astonishing power for a 4 cylinder engine, great ride. Roomy even for a 64" person. Not to mention nice styling, nice looks. Buy this car.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Fever - March 28 - 11:23 am

  I have owned her since October. I just rolled 10,000 miles. She is fun to drive and is very obedient. Driving requests are fulfilled flawlessly. Steering is very responsive, as are braking and accelerating. CVT pulls hard under acceleration, making interstate merging quite easy. Very nimble in traffic, yet comfortable on the highway. Entry and exit very comfortable, as is the unlimited fan speed selector. Great move Nissan. Had two airbag service appts but all fixed up now. You have to expect small hicups with a brand new model.

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  Sporty yet practical, safe alternative - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Val - March 22 - 8:23 am

  I am impressed with the exterior, very nice design giving the feeling of a luxury vehicle. The interior is basic but also attractive. Some things I found to be missing that were bothersome to me were: volume control on the steering wheel, one-click power- up window control (there is one-click down, but not up)and auto headlights, no navigation system. The seat adjustment controls, power steering and dash controls are basic. These features may be available if you purchase the premium package. The Rouge handles nicely, although it is loud upon acceleration and it is noticeably a 4 cylinder vehicle. The new technology transmission takes getting used to, the car can feel a bit "put-put."

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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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  Love My Roque - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By RogueFan - March 15 - 10:13 am

  I love my 2008 Nissan Rogue. It is my first "grown up" car, and I have thoroughly enjoyed having it. My husband and I are both over 6 tall, and we both fit comfortably in the front seats. The interior and exterior are very well-designed (this opinion is coming from a professional product designer). Nissan really did a great job of including a number of convenient features in the Rogue (i.e., a deep glove compartment, nice cup holders, an auxiliary plug, pen holders, insurance card holders, etc.). The Rogue comes with great safety features such as side curtain air bags and a tire air pressure monitor. These are great features that come standard on the base model Rogue S.