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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  Great auto highly recommend - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By joleen larkin - August 20 - 5:30 am

  I have been very impressed with all aspects of the car. I was looking at the Murano. I feel it is pricey compared to this and Rogue receives much better mileage. Very pleased, I encourage you to take a test drive.

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  Fun Car, Love It, but Not Perfect - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By daytrippr - August 18 - 9:53 am

  I have to admit, the Rogue is probably one of the funniest cars to drive on the road today. It handles well around turns, in snow, and with crosswinds. With its great stability, I dont worry about tipping over. I cannot emphasize how well it does on gas mileage in this day of high gas prices. The Bose system (premium pkg) is well worth the extra price. It is comfortable on long drives and a joy to have and own. I cant wait to drive it every day.

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  Love my Rogue - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By njm4 - August 11 - 6:38 pm

  I have had the Rogue for 4 months now, have put in 6500 miles. I had a pathfinder before and could not be happier with going with the rogue. Iv hit 32 mpg on the highway. Seats are super comfy. I had an older car so going with the S model to me was just a perfect upgrade as I didnt need all the bells and whistles (sunroof). Bluetooth, rear camera, are standard. Went with the AWD and I cant wait to see how it does in the snow. Had a bad ice storm my first wk with it and it did great. I thought the AWD was on, but it wasnt lol.

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  Update to previous review - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Female Road Warrior - July 31 - 3:40 pm

  I have already reviewed this vehicle but I wanted to write a follow up. Since purchasing my Rogue S w/360 pkg in April, I have put 13,000 miles on it! I have loved driving every single mile! I am in outside sales and practically live in this car, driving 3 states. It is very comfortable for long drives and I can pile 4 suitcases of samples along with various other binders and misc all in in the cargo area. This keep my backseat clear of items,etc. AWD is awesome in torrential rain! I felt very safe after a 3 hour drive in that rain! Once you set your mirrors correctly, visibility is not that big of an issue. I love the smooth ride and its get up and GO! Love love this Rogue

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  I love my new Rogue! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By bbcatz - July 28 - 4:40 pm

  I took delivery of my Rogue last Saturday and took it on its first road trip (340 mi.) the next day. I love it!!! I had leather seat covers put in my SL and I couldnt be happier with the way it looks. Its so comfortable to drive. All my previous cars have been 2 door, this is my first 4 door car and its awesome! I cant believe I drove all these years and raised 2 sons with 2 door cars all this time. I purchased the indigo blue color and its just beautiful. This is just a happy little SUV and Im very pleased with it so far. Ive only had it a week.

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  Excellent SUV... - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By ryanm3 - July 27 - 4:21 am

  Had the car only for a week now but purchased other Nissan vehicles in the past so I can pretty much attest to the quality. We looked at the CR-V (read about dim headlight issues) and the RAV-4 prior before purchasing the rogue. The exterior of the RAV-4 is bland and the interior is downright horrible and cheap looking. The Rogue is just as comparable to the RAV-4 in terms of cargo space but is dare I say.. slightly luxurious in regard to interior! We have the black cloth seats along with the moonroof which are simply beautiful. High quality interior materials, ample space, sleek exterior, quiet, simple controls, good gas mileage, and just a comfortable ride. Get it!!

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  I love this crossover! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Amanda - July 19 - 9:36 pm

  I love the styling and the interior space of the Rogue, from the outside you think, wow, I dont know if that is big enough and then you sit down on the inside and you think where the heck did all this space come from!! I love all of the spacial features, nooks and pockets galore. I will say the CVT takes a bit of getting used to. I instinctively tune into the engine and I know when my car goes to the next gear, but in this car theres no pause or shift to the next gear. Its really cool, just unusual. The stability bars in the front and rear give excellent cornering and turning abilities.

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  The best smaller SUV on the market now! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tsar1269 - July 17 - 8:56 pm

  I purchased the AWD SL version in black with a black leather interior. I added all the bells and whistles as options to the car and it rocks! When I went to pick it up in the showroom, there was a crowd of people surrounding it. It is a show stopper! My favorite thing with this car is the bluetooth integration. I love being able to make calls from the car thru voice activation. It has never confused a command I speak or get a number wrong when I speak to it. The leather interior is flawless. You have as much leg room in the back seat as the front. I also love the fact that the glove box is big enough for a laptop if you so wish.

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  Totally Awesome - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Lynnette - July 11 - 6:40 am

  I have never driven anything so smooth and quiet, you cant even feel the vehicle shift. It provides excellent sound barriers from the outside. The seats and ride are so comfortable and the leg room is perfect for the taller population. The investment is definitely worth it.

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  Great Small Family CrossOver SUV - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By lovingmyrogue - July 9 - 10:44 pm

  Great car! Looks good and feels good. I did extensive research before purchasing this car. The Rav4 and the CRV was also on the top of my list. But having driven them all, my wife and I feel that the build quality of the Rogue was much better than the others. The interior of the CR-V and the Rav4 feel very plastic like. The other major motivation was the warranties.