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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  Better than Expected! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By TALL IN THE SADDLE - April 7 - 9:46 pm

  I got this Rogue on Dec 1st, as a company vehicle. I drive on many rural roads as a sales rep, so needed good clearance & the AWD is great. I was used to V6 engines, so it took a bit to get used to the 4 cylinder. I think the CVT is great. I average about 25-26 MPG, when driving normally. If I really drive it hard (80 MPH) on the interstate, mileage drops to 22-23. I like everything about it except the visibility out the rear window. I guess thats why they put mirrors on vehicles. The wheel design on the SL model seems to hold snow & mud that freezes in the winter causing vibrations like the wheels are out of balance as well. Not a problem now that summer is here.

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  Very Happy - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By SimLex - April 5 - 6:26 pm

  Ive only had my Rogue for a week now, but am very happy. I traded an 04 Jeep Liberty. Great, smooth ride, although the CVT is taking some getting used to. Lots of bells and whistles that are nice. Interior is nice and roomy enough. Drivers seat is very comfortable with many options for adjusting the seat position, lumbar, etc. Gas mileage on my first tank was almost 25 mpg. Was hoping for more, but maybe that will improve once its broken in. It handles very, very well. Its very stylish and I feel like Im driving a super expensive car!

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  Love It! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Pam - April 5 - 12:33 pm

  I hadnt had a new car in 8 years and was replacing a 2000 Impala. The alloy orange color won me over and I wasnt happy until I had one. Im not thrilled with the black interior as it seems to always look dirty. Medium colors hide the dirt better. I was hearing a gurgle sound and stopped in to have it checked out at the dealership. I was more than surprised to find out that the CVT has to be replaced as it is slipping. Not something you want to hear with only 4000 miles on the vehicle. I took the car on a 700 miles trip (one way) last weekend and was thrilled with the long term comfort of the vehicle. I do wish it had automatic lights. Overall a great car

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  Id rather take the bus! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Mrs. S - April 5 - 5:23 am

  Leased this crossover last June. Has only 6K miles on it and I have 2 years left on lease. I HATE this auto!!! I hated it after only 1 month! You take your life in your hands when you change lanes in heavy traffic! This car has many blindspots! No pickup whatsoever!!!Takes forever for the car to get warm/cold! Sounds like an angry mosquito when you accelerate! I tell the kids to "lean foward" when I am getting onto the highway...Already have had 2 serious recalls. Now I have an "service engine soon" light that wont go off. I am sure its a gas cap issue, but I cant take a day off to waste waiting around at the dealership! Dont even Sit in this car!Paid top $$$ for this DUD!

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  2012 Rogue worth the money - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By Heather Speert - April 3 - 3:23 pm

  It is an SUV that drives like a sedan.

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  2012 Rogue worth the money - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By Heather Speert - April 3 - 3:03 pm

  It is an SUV that drives like a sedan.

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  Love this car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Mike - March 31 - 6:40 pm

  Love driving this car. Dollar for dollar a much better buy than the CRV or the Rav-4. Handles better, and offers features normally reserved for a higher priced car (XM, Bluetooth). Have a small rattle I cant find but everything else is perfect. Getting about 24-25 mpg.

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  WOW - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By larryk - March 23 - 6:49 pm

  I bought mine 6-20-16 and was on the road a week later to Oklahoma, and was comfortable and Im 6"1 230lbs so I have no complaints as of now.

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  A purchase full of regrets - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By danielbrian142 - March 23 - 6:58 am

  I completely regret this purchase. I’m a mid-30s guy, and this is bar far the worst new car I’ve ever owned. I’ve been lucky enough to own 4 in my life, all Hondas. But after the infotainment issues in my Accord, I went on a limb. The limb broke about 3 months into ownership, when a persistent rattle started in the dash where the instrument panel connects. About two weeks later, upon the first below freezing cold spell, the sunroof started to rattle when the cover was opened. Three visits to the dealership later, the problems are still present. Their fixes last for about a week, and then the problems return. The blind spot system is also completely useless in the rain b/c of false +s.

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  One of the best I have ever owned! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By cardinalbama - March 23 - 3:22 am

  I was looking for a mid priced crossover and decided on the Rogue. I bought the Krom edition and love it.