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:

• 

  Rogue - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Chris lamping - March 13 - 11:46 pm

  Drive it

• 

  2017 nissan rogue s black very nice suv - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Shannon - March 13 - 11:43 pm

  I traded my 2015 altima s for the 2017 rogue s with the 3rd row seats family package it comes with the run flat tires, the rogue is only one of 2 in class vehicles that offer a 3rd row seat. I got magnetic black metallic with black interior. I did not want to buy any more new cars but could use the room for my family so I decided to buy one last new vehicle that has more room and cargo versatility . The rogue s comes with all the features you need power accessories, keyless entry, alarm, camera,bluetooth streaming,satellite rado,CD player,cruise control, and it also has active ride control, active trace control,active braking,tire pressure monitoring with tire pressures display. The interior is very nice soft touch materials, And it also has a eco and sport driving mode, eco is for better fuel economy. Its very roomy and very good gas mileage it gets about same fuel economy as altima. Not sure of exact fuel economy I am getting right now but it has 2different average fuel economys and a current and best rating . Got a 3.9 interest rate so the loan I will get paid pretty quick ,gonna pay ahead extra and get it paid off earlier

• 

  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.

• 

  Very nice, but... - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By joe945 - March 9 - 5:22 pm

  We have had this car only 2 months now and have already had an issue with it. The navigation/entertainment system stopped working for about 24 hours. It happened when I went to move the car off the street and into the garage. I noticed it start and then turn off when I shifted into reverse. Then it would not turn on no matter what buttons were pressed. A day later it started working again. My guess is that I shifted into reverse too quickly as the system appears to need time to boot up or maybe it was because I did not fasten my seat belt. Whatever the cause was, we havent noticed any issues with it since. I saw a couple of other posts about this before, but now they are gone? Anyone else?

• 

  terrible - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jessica hebert - March 7 - 5:50 am

  i have been having this car for a year and a half. So far i have replaced the transmission the sun roof and now the radiator. they told me that besides the transmission this is normal wear and tear and that i am over reacting!! i have news for them ! No car not even 2 years old should be giving any trouble much less the transmission ! I will never buy a nissan again !

• 

  AWD Performance Poor - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By sarah - March 1 - 10:00 am

  My purchase was in the spring so in trusting my dealership to be honest with me as a loyal customer they badly misrepresented the performance of the AWD feature on the Rogue, I feel it is a high priced enhanced traction control and as far as AWD in the snow its awful! thanks Ken Ganley Nissan. the AWD engages maybe for a split second if that and you still slide all over the road, live and learn that sales people only care about the almighty $$ not you as a loyal customer. If you want good, safe performance in the snow get a AWD vehicle that engages and stays engaged in AWD/ 4x4.It was new to me so an expensive lesson!

• 

  My Baby SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Nikki - February 20 - 10:42 pm

  For my 1st SUV - the rouge is the best. It handles like a smooth car. Perfection to say the least. The only reason Im upgrading is because my son is outgrowing the back seat and we need a bit more room..... With good tires my baby was excellent in NYC snow and winter weather.

• 

  wife needed awd now has a 2015 rogue sv premium - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By james a mcmahon - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Wife loves her new rogue great in snow, looks good ,cvt very smooth , roomy and nice in inside

• 

  Great small car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By me - February 11 - 6:40 pm

  Got this car to replace my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. Wanted something more fuel efficient and smaller. I really love this little car. It is fun to drive and I really appreciate better gas mileage. Love the Bluetooth! Nissan packs a lot into a small package with this one.

• 

  what a scam, NISSAN CONNECT - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Kelly - February 3 - 9:56 am

  very disappointed, had to pay for sirius to make sure my nissan connect was connected. now I have to pay and additional subscription for the NISSAN CONNECT. You would think that paying over 33K for a vehicle that the technology that was sold with the vehicle would be included with the vehicle.!!!!!!!!