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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  My rogue with love - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Anatoly - September 26 - 5:38 am

  Has all options you need and ask for. Significantly more reasonable value for your money than lexus and other fancy brands

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  Rogue Happy - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Rogue Happy - September 12 - 2:16 am

  I purchased my Alloy Orange Nissan Rogue on 10/31/07. I traded in my beloved Nissan XTerra for a more fuel efficient vehicle. I absolutely love it. You cant hear it running in park. There is a great red light illumination in the overhead console for night driving. The keyless fob actually has a key in it to get in the car if the battery goes dead. I love the keyless entry. The Bose stereo is awesome. The seats are comfortable and it is absolutely fun to drive. My boyfriend bought one 2 weeks later. My gas mileage is great at 22.8 city and 25.878 Hwy before break in. I like the bag storage in the way back to keep packages from shifting. Love the bluetooth! You gotta get one of these!!

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  Lots of style - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By LT - August 27 - 7:26 am

  Had considered a CR-V, and even a Vibe, but the styling (and the gas mileage) really caught my eye. This is a fun vehicle to drive. It maneuvers easily and has lots of pep. We took it on an 1,800 road trip and there was plenty of power for passing at highway speeds. The CVT works smoothly. So far, mileage has been good; 25 combined and near 30 on the road trip.

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  How can they call this a NAV system? - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By sparky196 - August 19 - 4:54 pm

  I recently bought a 2015 Nissan Rogue with "NAV". This car is not equiped with a NAV system it is a map system only. If you want NAV you have to pay a monthly fee to Sirius something the dealership neglected to advise me of. . I have owned the car for 2 months, and during this time during the free trial period have been stuck several times in traffic situations Only to be "warned" of a problem while already stuck in it. This system is totally uselees and a complete waste of money

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  Mini Murano - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By captcrunch570 - August 14 - 4:46 am

  After 800 miles I must say Nissan did an amazing job with this crossover. Sporty fun and I am getting 24 mpg.

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  2500 Mile Mark - Update - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By rogueman41 - August 13 - 12:39 pm

  After 2500 miles, Im still enjoying my Rogue. Finally getting used to the CVT. It could use a little more power. It scoots around town just fine. Passing and entrance ramps are another story. Maybe with the next re-design, they will address that issue. If they would just figure out a diesel option for this vehicle, the low end torque would be awesome. Ride is just ok for a crossover....many times you can tell youre in an entry level vehicle (although it really doesnt LOOK entry level). I get a lot of complements on it. But you can usually hear and/or feel small road imperfections. Gas mileage has been right around 25mpg (combined city/hwy).

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  Happy in blue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By happy in blue - August 9 - 2:33 am

  I love my Rogue. I traded in my jeep with poor gas mileage. Im very happy I get an estimated city of 19 to 20 miles and highway I got 29 mile to the gallon. It feels great not to have to fill my tank every other day, I get by with at least 10 days. Wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  What its missing - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By texasholly - August 1 - 9:41 pm

  I bought my car about a month ago and I just hit 1,000 miles. averaging 22.8 MPG and I drive 45 HWY miles to work 5 days aweek. I thought I would get better gas milege... its fun to drive and I love it but it lacks in rear visibility, the backup camera is a MUST, but Its difficult to use if youre not used to it. switching lanes is a challenge as well, a small car would be difficult to see and miss... I hope this gets better the longer I have the car. I would buy this car again.

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  Best Nissan yet, or 4 for 4 - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Jim Milner - July 30 - 6:29 pm

  My 4th Nissan and 2nd Rogue. I thought my 2012 was great (SV with SL package) and it was, until I checked out the 2016. Its bigger, better equipped and more pleasant driving. It rides better than my sisters Lexus. Some reviews mention noise as a factor, but I find it to be the quietest car Ive ever owned. While a V6 might be nice, theres plenty of juice in the 4 cylinder plus decent mileage. While its still brand new, I expect great reliability like its predecessor. If not, my dealer has a great service department that has always come through for me.

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  Love my Rouge - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Steve - July 28 - 5:46 am

  This is my 1st time ever owning anything other than GM vehicles and i have to say that Nissan has done a amazing job on building a comfortable and good sized SUV. Sorry GM but you have a lot of rebuilding to do before i ever trust buying American again!