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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  Best Out Of the Bunch - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Cwise1591 - November 12 - 8:40 am

  I am a 17 year old kid and I am in love with this Nissan. Have owned 2 others and they were very good. Since we own an Infiniti. But all I got to say is that I drive 350 miles back and forth to school and Nissan hit this crossover right on the head. Bluetooth works great with my blackberry. Bose which is the only audio system that I would get is very good. Seats are the most comfortable I have ever sat in. Has great utility. Xenons are nice and cant even explain the CVT its the best transmission in a car, it takes off like a rocket and the paddle shifters make it even better and it only has 170 hp and it moves. AWD is so solid I take ramps at 50 and the car holds nicely. Great driving experience.

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  Wow, where did this come from? - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Seth - November 9 - 3:30 pm

  Honestly, I never considered this car until my wife and I actually went shopping for a small SUV. We drove the CRV and just did not like that car, and I love Honda. It wasnt comfortable, and the design (both int and ext) was unappealing to us. Hence, we went to the Nissan dealer to just see what they had, actually to look at a pathfinder. We saw the Rogue sitting there on the lot and we were both intrigued. We talked to the salesman, and decided to go for a test drive. The drive was beautiful. So smooth, quiet, and comfortable. The interior is so well designed. The Bose sound system is wonderful. This SUV walks circles around each and every SUV on the market in my opinion. Nissan is now #1

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  Fun to drive SUV - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By zgxl04 - November 8 - 5:40 am

  My friend was interested in the Honda CRV but I convinced him to test drive the Rogue because I have been driving the same Nissan SUV for many years. I also drove the Rogue and I was impressed with how quiet it was even at 80 mph. We test drove the CRV and the interior was noisy when driving 60 mph and the styling was not as slick as the Rogue. Although he was the one looking for a car we ended up each buying one! We bought the S model but upgraded to leather seats and they look very nice.

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  Rogue SL AWD Doesnt Disappoint!!! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Hillbilly Chic - November 6 - 5:52 pm

  After test driving and researching the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee, we decided on the our Jet Black Rogue with beige leather interior. It comes with a panoramic sun roof which fully extends back to the second row of seats. We love the electronics, GPS, LED lights and overall look of the interior and exterior. This vehicle has six cameras that allow for excellent views while your backing up. I also love the heated seats, dual AC/heat controls, heated exterior mirrors, blind spot warning lights and did anyone mention the lumbar spine control on the drivers seat? I will say this could have been added to the passenger seat for the price of this vehicle. If you want a vehicle with more zip I recommend a 6 cyclinder which we opted out of due higher gas costs. I noticed in the comments that no mentioned the sport and eco modes. Living in the mountains of Tennessee, I was concerned about the zip going up and down hills. No problem there. I switch to the OD/off or sport mode and have all the pep I want climbing the hills. I love that I can save gas on the highway with eco mode. Overall, my Rogue gets great mileage! I also enjoy the "keyless" ignition. Good bye to fumbling and digging in my purse for keys. Love, love, love this vehicle. A very satisfied customer.

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  Highly recommend the Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Kathy - October 29 - 4:53 pm

  Have had my Rogue for 3 weeks, am loving it. The first car I have owned that people are stopping and asking to look at it. Have only seen one other Rogue on the road.

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  2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By grrrldriver - October 17 - 11:50 am

  Earlier in Dec 07, my ’05 Murano SE AWD was totaled. Due to money and fuel considerations, I didn’t want to replace it with a similar ’08 Murano, so I looked at RAV4s, CRVs, and Rogues. The Rogue won hands-down, mostly due to styling: it’s hard to go from a Murano to a RAV4. The Rogue is the best small crossover SUV for me.

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  Awesome, Comfortable, Fun to Drive!!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By RMoore - September 18 - 5:46 pm

  I traded the Hyundai tucson GLS and have not had the first regret. the Rogue is fun to drive, easy on the wallet, and great at the gas pumps! I wish Nissan had these two years ago and I would never have purchased the Hyundai.

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  We Love It! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Mdawgy - September 11 - 5:10 pm

  My girlfriend and I recently purchased a 360* edition of the rogue, and couldnt be happier. I find the drive test review to be dead on, the rogue is designed for the average driver, it is not a high performance machine. For the everyday driver, you get a quiet, well-behaved car that handles well, seamlessly accelerates, and looks and feels really good to drive. Vision out the back could be better, but the back- up camera helps alot. Simply put, we Love this vehicle. It is, in our minds, the best value for the money.

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  Love My Nissan Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Missyfitness - September 2 - 3:50 am

  I bought my Rogue in November and have loved it ever since. I get about 24MPG on the road, and up to 30MPG highway. People stop and ask me about my car, they say it looks like a little Murano, or Lexus RX. Im having a great time driving my rogue around town, to the mountains, beach, everywhere!

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  Rogue - nice tool around town CUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jekcartalk2 - August 31 - 2:03 am

  After 1200 miles the car is avg 26.1 MPG which is one of the reasons we bought this CUV. The ride is good for such a small CUV. Downsized from a 03 MDX. Overall the car is fun to drive, smooth CVT (do not use paddle shifters), the displays and controls are located in logical areas. The leather seats are comfortable, the sound system is more than adequate.