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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  BUY A ROGUE! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By ashley17 - February 1 - 7:24 am

  Overall....BEST CAR EVER! I dont know what is wrong with people who fuss about the shape of the car, nothing is wrong with it! Rides like a dream, purrs like a kitten,and will never let you down unless it is a minor problem like an oil change or tires. BUY ONE!

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  Awesome - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kolczk - January 29 - 5:10 am

  Switching over from a Chevy Equinox, this car has been amazing. I have no real complaints about the car. It has 9,000 miles and has only been back to the dealer to have a sunroof put in and for oil changes. I do see other peoples concerns with the awkward shifting, but it isnt anything that really bothers me personally. The fuel economy says 24, but if you dont drive hard, I easily have cleared 27-28 in the city. Great crossover for the reasonable price.

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  it is just okay - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kiowa - January 20 - 5:10 pm

  I have had this car about 9 months now. I should have bought a used luxury for the price. If you have a family larger than 4 forget about space in the hatch, there is no room. Makes a lot of noise on the express way. Not fun to drive in winds at high speeds. Handles like a gem in the snow and ice.

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  Great vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Rich - January 16 - 4:20 pm

  I purchased this vehicle about a week ago. What a great find. I am leasing and this is my second Nissan. The Rouge is just what I was looking for. So far I am very happy driving this Vehicle. 6 cylinder would have been nice. But I really have no complaints. Great job Nissan. Fantastic vehicle for the money.

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  Continued problems - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By doug - January 16 - 8:23 am

  Have had elec problems since 2nd week. Nissan has tried 4 timed to fix(3 under guidance of factory rep). Still has intell key problems(wont unlock,wont start).Have asked Nissan to replace with good one. Been 1 week no reply.Real shame; we like the car but can no longer deal with the elec problems. Never know when it will not let us in or if it will start when we want to go.Wish we never bought it.

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  84,000 and still going strong - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tamoshanter - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Follow up after purchasing new in 12/07. With 84,000, going strong. Am religious with oil changes, replaced the transmission fluid once, upon recom. From my mechanic. No problems mechanically or aesthetically at all - very pleased with ride, reliability and comfort. Small back storage, but have towed 10 uhaul with no problem when moving college age kids. Passengers in back comfortable in back. Overall, very happy

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  For the price, you really cant beat it. - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By julrhody - January 7 - 2:34 pm

  My last few cars have been Hondas but I am partial to staying within the Honda, Toyota, Nissan circuit. With that said, when it came time to look for a compact SUV or Crossover I pretty much had 3 options, the Honda CRV, the Toyota RAV4 or the Nissan Rogue. Hands down the Rogue won after checking them all out. The CRV interior is kind of stark and cold and the seats are incredibly UNcomfortable...and I have a lot to compare them to since I was trading in my 2010 Accord EX-L. The Toyota frankly, was boring! Dollar for dollar the Nissan offered more bang for the buck when it came to comparing all top end packages for all 3. Im very happy with my decision and the COMFY seats of the Rogue.

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  Just the beginning! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Ty - January 5 - 10:40 am

  Replaced a 2006 Honda CR-V with 76,000 miles, which replaced a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. Struggled with getting another CR-V, although I find that design a bit uninteresting, a Hyundai Tucson, or a Toyota RAV 4 Sport( didnt want the side opening tailgate again its a pain). After one month and 1300 miles, I can truly say I made the right decision. Read all the reviews and test drives, and would suggest you have to drive the Rogue! It is much quieter than the CR-V was, and more so tnan the reviews suggested. It is peppy enough unless you are taking it to the Saturday night drag races. Absolutely enjoy it. Feels much bigger than it is and gives a feeling of security and being a substantial vehicle

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  Rav4 or Ford Escape are better options than Rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By BalaChander Nalamothu - January 3 - 4:27 pm

  Interior Color is Bright Red, which is bad. Door buttons dont have any light to look up in Dark/nights. Gear nob is not comfortable. 1 USB is not sufficient. Makes Lot of noise while accelerating and driving, even cant hear audio/music inside while accelerating. Poor Materials inside.

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  SUV for life - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Regina Watts - January 2 - 6:55 am

  Ill never go back to driving a car again. I simply love my Rogue.