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:

• 

  Transmission Is not repairable - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Brandi - February 25 - 3:08 am

  Stay far away from this car. My transmission is shot for the 2nd time and Nissan is doing nothing about it. Theyve known about it for years and take no accountability. LEMON!

• 

  BAD TRANNY POOR CUSTOMER RELATIONS HELP - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Adam - January 13 - 6:11 am

  My son bought my 2011 Nissan Rogue with 32,000 miles on it, has it regularly serviced the other day the check engine light came on with only 68000 miles on it. He took it to a Nissan dealership, the service manager told him the tranny (problematic cvt tranny nissan knows about) was needed to be replaced. Oh by the way it was 5600$ dollars to replace. He called nissan for any type of assistance and Nissan rep was not only rude but very unwilling to talk to him, all he kept sorry I understand how you feel. This is our 5th Nissan and he didnt care just kept reading from a script sounded like. A car with Nissan supposed quality and known transmission problems you would think they would help in some manner

• 

  Manufacturing problems - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By . - August 8 - 9:50 am

  I bought the Rogue 2016 two months ago in Koppel Nissan in Queens NY, after the first two weeks the car started with a noise in front and back then I brought the car to the dealer and they told me that this Nissan Rogue has a manufacturing defects, more that two weeks and Im still waiting for a call to fix the problem.

• 

  Extremely disappointed - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By dogprson - May 14 - 10:31 am

  I purchased my 2008 Nissan Rouge brand new about 5 and a half years ago and have had nothing but problems. The current tally is two transmissions, two gas tanks, two gas gauges, one steering column and one speedometer at only 47,000 miles. Not only does the car have mechanical problems, but the car gets door dings and scratches if you look at it wrong! I no longer take my car on trips, even short ones and I barely trust it to get me to and from work as it has broken on this 5 mile trip! I cant wait to get into a car that I can rely on and you can bet it wont be another Nissan. Worst car I have ever owned!

• 

  Horrible - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By evangelista09 - October 20 - 2:53 am

  Initially I was excited about this vehicle. After 4 months I was in the shop to get the car fixed and tuned up more than any other vehicle Ive owned in my life. then I get a recall notice from the govt. The car is at risk for losing control and crashing. I cant believe the money I spend for this vehicle. Gladly trading it in tomorrow! ]

• 

  never buy it again - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By AZ - May 21 - 3:15 am

  I had problem with the roof rack peeling on my 2014 rouge. Since I use the vehicle for work I am past the mileage that is covered under the warranty. First asked the dealer and then filed a compliant with the consumer affair of Nissan USA. Of course they denied the claim to get it fixed since it out of warranty. This should not happen on 2.5 year old vehicle. This will be my first and last Nissan that I will own.👎👎👎 Also this is know problem with other customers. [non-permissible content removed]

• 

  Deal gone wrong - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By Crystal Williams - March 31 - 9:43 pm

  I have the 2012 rogue and my transmission done gone bad. Corporate offered no help to get it fix because Ive gone over 60000 miles. I have had my car for 3 yrs with 0 miles when I purchased it. I am so done with Nissan. I have to put out almost 4 thousand for a transmission. I think Nissan need to recall these transmissions

• 

  So unreliable,Nissan doesnt even stand behind it! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Jill Grey - October 23 - 6:32 am

  Dont buy it! After 4 years and 120,000 miles the drive shaft fell off due to poorly made universal joint. Nissan will not sell the joint, only entire drive shaft with joint attached. 2 months later the transmission blew while driving with my children in the car leaving me in the middle of the road and the car wouldnt move! Nissan says too bad because the warranty was up at 60,000 miles. Ive had the transmission serviced as they recommended and that was supposed to extend the life. Ha!