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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  Nissan - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By lin ma - January 1 - 2:31 am

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  Sloppy handing, massive blind spot, weak power - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By imvho - December 28 - 1:59 pm

  Rented an AWD version for 5 days for a long weekend trip with myself & SO & our 2 dogs for a trip to a place about 200 miles away. Never in my wildest (worst) dreams would I buy this vehicle. Yes, it has a very comfortable ride over the highway for both driver and front passenger, but the wimpy weak little engine just couldnt get enough guts to pass much of anything on a highway hill. And on the many winding, S-curve, 2-lane country back roads we took were an exercise in terror thanks to the massive blind spot from the huge A pillar on the drivers side - couldnt see if there were cars coming toward me around any curves without craning my neck one way or another. And the handling....well, it was like driving a marshmallow. Sloppy, wishy-washy, imprecise, just plain unpleasant. I had no feel of the road whatsoever. Granted, at the time my primary car was an Acura TL Type-S, so perhaps not fair to compare, but it was 10 years older than this Rogue, so I feel theres no excuse. I ended up buying a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring and it is almost as pleasing to drive as my beloved Acura. If you value handling, power/torque, as well as passenger comfort, RUN AWAY from the Rogue and give the Outback a try. (The other one to try would be a 2017 Infiniti QX50 - pretty amazing, but the Subaru 3.6R gives almost the same driving experience for a lot less money.)

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  After only 72 hours - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By rforrister - December 25 - 2:22 pm

  I know what only 72 hours. Well, I have been searching for a new ride. The search got sped up when a tornado destroyed my garage and car within. I had already driven most of the competitors and finally decided to drive this vehicle. Well after just a few minutes I made up my mind. 1 hour later I was a proud new owner of a Rogue. I drive roughly 100 miles a day 5 days a week. this vehicle smooths out the roughest roads. The 6 way seat is wonderful and my back is feeling great. If you have not driven this vehicle try it out. It fits me just fine. AWD drive will make winter drives so much safer as well.

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  Sporty CSUV - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Bedford - December 16 - 4:52 pm

  My Wife was attracted to it and I was slow to warm up to it. Now I find the getting in and out of easy and comfortable ride . Peppy and great fuel economy. the only draw back is the drivers door(windows and locks etc.) are not illuminated. we love it ....were 70 and this is our first SUV because of the ease of enter and exit it.

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  Nice handling vehicle. - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Two Old Crows - December 14 - 3:23 pm

  Now I understand why all the complaints on this forum about the poor visibility out the rear of these Rogues. I was backing down my driveway at night and scraped the left rear wheel rim on a low stone wall because I couldnt judge distance properly due to the small rear window. Hope my gas mileage improves. Lowest has been 19.9 and highest is 21.6. Vehicle has less than 2000 miles on it, so Im hoping for improvement as my mileage increases. Car drives and handles beautifully.

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  Loving it so far - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Dennis - December 7 - 6:40 pm

  First time having an suv, great car so far. First time I stepped on the gas to pass a car my head hit the head restraint from the pickup it had. With a mix of 70/30 highway/city I am currently at 26 mpg after 1200 miles, and this tank is currently showing 27.7. Looking forward to it getting better as it continues to break in. Like the high ride, extremely smooth, even made my wife fall asleep which she doesnt do in cars. Bose system sounds pretty good when its turned up. Like the orange mood light near the moonroof switch. Son loves when the moonroof it open. Plenty of room for us, easily fits golf bags.

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  My Rogue has the Nissan Drone - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Lewis Muldrow - December 7 - 9:58 am

  When you test drive this car please make sure you find a long test drive route where you can maintain 1,500 RPM. The CVT transmission causes a harmonic vibration in regular mode. It is caused by moving into the highest gear possible, as quickly as possible to obtain the best fuel economy. You are no doubt asking how does this guy know this. Well I bought a new Rogue in July and have a vibration in my steering wheel at 1,500 RPM. I took it back and the the dealer said nothing could be done. I called Nissan and they said they are aware and nothing could be done. The dealer got me in touch with the regional technical service representative. He rode in the vehicle and said this is what you have. Once again nothing can be done. If a fix becomes available we will let you know. This is a feature on all Rogues and you should have felt it when you test drove the car.

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  Best option out of 8 tested cars - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By perek75 - December 4 - 4:46 am

  MY wifes wanted to replaced her Toyota prius 2008 with a small SUV (Chicago winters, getting up higher). We tested and read reviews of 8 SUV models (Honda CRV, Toyota Rav, MAZDA, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC terrain, Subaru Forester) and we picked Nissan Rogue. I am 62, wife is 51, + 5 year old girl. The Subaru was a favorite but I was not comfortable. Wife liked the ford also but the Nissan is safer and better MPG. Great head space, easy navi system, great comfort and awesome 360 backup camera, top safety pick NTSB, great leg room backseat. SV trim comes with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and NAVI. Take Nissan into account when looking, our first Nissan!

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  Whistling Windows - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Debra Engel - December 2 - 12:53 am

  For 2 1/2 years now we have been trying to get the problem with the whistling windows resolved. I realize it takes someone to drive the car to hear it but that is their job. We have located the noise and have told them time and time again but it never gets resolved. We continue to have to listen to this annoying noise every time we go 60+ mph which is every day. My husband who drives the car to work is fed up with the inadequacy of getting this fixed and so am I since I am the one usually inconvenienced by the time it is left in the shop. I just dont get it in this economy that they dont want to take care of their existing customers. Especially since we bought a 2008 Altima Hybrid also.

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  Love, Love, Love this car - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By DW - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Rogue for a month; just turned 1000 miles. I truly love this car. I did a lot of research and this SUV came out on top. Its beat all my expectations. Drive is smooth, quiet, fun. The technology (bluetooth, nav, rear camera, and more) is over the top. Superb deal. Ive had toyotas and mazda-great cars, but I think Im a Nissan owner from now on.