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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  Love my 2016 Rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Mel - May 25 - 10:42 am

  I give this compact SUV a 4 1/2 star because nothing is perfect! It is a well constructed vehicle, solid with well thought out design for both comfort and convenience . I do wish the passenger seat had power controls, and both had the seat lift, but thats minor, it is comfortable enough without it, just would of completed my wish list. I love how it drives, and it handles the road well. I read the reviews about the larger side mirrors causing a blind spot, but I bought the package with the oncoming car warning light, and besides, I have always put the little mirrors from Walmart to stick on the side mirrors for better vision anyhow. ALL vehicles have a blind spot somewhere, so come on, invalid complaint! The other con I read was lack of strong acceleration, okay, but if better gas mileage is important to you, what would you expect? Thats the trade off, but I havent found that to be a problem with me, so its an individual preference according to how you drive. I looked at & drove just about all the crossover SUVs within this price & size category, and to me, it had the best interior quality, options, and all around if not better, ride & comfort. Gas mileage is right on, if you drive it conservatively, which after owning a Prius for 5 years is simply a habit now for me. I shopped for 6 months, trying both the 15s and 16s , then narrowed it down to 3 makes, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, & Hyundai Tucson - (3 best for comfort, ride & amenities) and I chose the Nissan. Most all car manufacturers are pretty competitive with the overall vehicle performance and reliability apart from a few glitches now and again, if you get a lemon (and you are protected from that if you pursue it) their sales depend on it. The Nissan manufactures are as reliable as any out there, so for me it was the best QUALITY for the money.

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  Gotta Have One! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Jessica - May 23 - 2:13 pm

  I loved my new Rogue the second I sat in it at the dealer. I was originally looking to buy a Murano and on the way out of the show room I walked by the brand new just released two weeks ago, Rogue. Blew my socks off. The gas mileage is unbelievable. I get 25.6 mpg in the city. I get well over 30 mpg on the highway. The paddle shifters on the steering wheel are very different and fun. The pep this car has for a 4 cylinder is just incredible. The CVT offers such a smooth ride that I forget how fast I am going sometimes because I am so used to a car shifting. I highly recommend at least test driving one for yourself.

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  Catchy - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Wayne Goss - May 15 - 6:37 pm

  Great car! Not too big, not too small. Looks good, drives well, very efficient gas mileage.

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  Just Purchased a new Rogue - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By shattered - May 7 - 1:23 am

  Have had my Sl Rogue for 2 weeks. The car is fun to drive. Im getting used to the cvt tranny. Im coming from a truck so its a bit different but so far I really like it. The inside is very sporty gray and black. the Bose system is awesome if you love music and blue tooth on steering wheel is a great safety feature, I wish my wife had it in her car. I also drove the Santa fe and Tiguan. Santa Fe was boring but a lot bigger, Tiguan drove nice and had a lot of power for 4 cyl.They are a bit more money and less features though. Hope this helps anyone with making a decision. As note in other reviews there are some bad blind spots. Thats my only negative so far in 2 weeks of ownership.

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  A great ride - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By adventure girl - May 4 - 3:06 pm

  This car has been pure pleasure. I was disappointed with the pricey option packages, but the car has been a treat. Ive carried 5 people on 2-3 hour long drives in comfort. The cargo room is a little tight, but Ive never been lacking. The car is fun to drive and responsive, the design is sleek and the interior is very comfortable. Its perfect to load on my kayak, bikes or snow shoes. The Rogue has been my adventure companion!

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  Update on third Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By twowhldoug - May 1 - 10:00 am

  This us our 3rd Rogue. 2008 AWD was very noisy. 2009 was a lemon, Nissan could not fix it. Dealer helped us into 2010. So far this one has had none of the problems of the 2009. It has averaged 29 MPG all around driving. The trans is still noisy (as all are).The seats are good We take a lot of road trips (last week 2,983 mile trip). Fuel gauge is wacky (as all are). Disappointed that this 2010 has no in mirror compass. Would we buy a 4th? Cant say for sure (due to the way Nissan Company treated us with our 2009). But the dealer will have our biz for sure.

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  Very Happy so far! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Harleycag - April 28 - 2:30 am

  Ive had my 2010 Rogue for a week...and I LOVE IT! I bought a base model with the 360 package...definitely worth it! I added heated leather seats, Bluetooth and remote start...all for under $2000, which still brought the sticker price of this car in well under $26K. LOVE the CVT...drives smooth, no transitioning of gears. Ive yet to drive in the snow, but am hopeful from all the reviews Ive read. The 4 cylinder is powerful enough for me, but Im a "chick" and was told that the 4 cyl. is a "chick car" because of that, lol. It is a quiet and smooth ride...which after owning a Subaru Forester is a nice change!

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  WOW - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By OMAC - April 23 - 7:46 pm

  This is my first new car in 10 yrs. I am glad I chose the Nissan Rogue. Very comfortable to drive and good pick up for a 4 cylinder. Exceeded my expectations in regards to handling and safety. Jim Keras Nissan did a great job of recommending this vehicle.

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  Just dont like it - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By mom of 2 - April 15 - 12:20 pm

  We kind of got duped into this lease.Heres my list - Im short and the Rogue has VERY cramped leg room for the drive, it actually makes me a nervous wreck, the head room is also tight & the steering wheel barely tilts. The back seats r also stiff and uncomfortable (and I have the leather package), no adj. head rest(which also block visibility) & no seat adj in the back either. The visibility is HORRID and completely unsafe - the blind spots r huge and the rear headrests coupled w/ a small rear widow leave a tiny square of visibility. No matter if you like how it drives or not, it is simply unsafe to drive. This long time Nissan owner can not WAIT for the lease to end & its only 1 mo in!

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  Its great - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By John Diaz - April 10 - 1:25 pm

  Overall great car. Love everything about it and cant complain. Only minor set back is the CVT but used to it due to the fact that my other two nissans i had and most cars have CVT now. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for a small crossover.