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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  Solid Crossover SUV - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Vince B. - January 7 - 12:53 am

  This is a solid crossover. Its not super fancy or a high-performance car, but its not intended to be either. The ride is smooth and the SL premium features are convenient. I like the bright headlights and fig lights. This is a good vehicle for someone that wants AWD and an SUV feel while still getting decent fuel mileage and car- like handling.

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  Just ok - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Kenny c - December 31 - 4:30 pm

  Test drive more

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  Review of my SUV Nissan Rogue - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Veenaye - December 16 - 4:33 am

  Test drive and make sure that there is no defect or issues on the vehicle before buying it.

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  2016 nissan rogue SL - more changes please! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By BGF - November 10 - 5:24 am

  many positives on the 2016 nissan rogue ... size is perfect (184" long), descent ground clearance, excellent rear storage, sunroof is awesome on the SL trim. The styling of the 2016 rogue i prefer over all (toyota rav4, honda crv, kia sportage, ford escape) ... perf leather seats are very comfortable. usability of the roof rack is awesome! on the negative, heres the changes id like to see: 1. engine is a bit small ... still stay in the 2.5L but up the HP to 190 and TORQUE to 195 2. SL trim bring in ventilated front seats 3. flip rear glass on the rear hatch please (for us dog owners), and just plain old usability features for quick access to the rear 4. CVT ... internet is rampant nissan w/CVT failures ... i keep my vehicles for a LONG time (16+ years, 200k+ miles) ... there are too many internet posts w/regards to nissan CVT failures ... drop the CVT for the 7 speed transmission, or at least provide the option of a manual transmission

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  Had to have SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By modriver - October 22 - 10:00 pm

  I spent 3mos researching cars and then wrecked my 03 Santa Fe about a week ago. Had to have SUV for AWD in winter. Considered Mit.Outlander, Sub.Forester and Rogue. Decided on Rogue for drive and features. Drove 200mi to pick up. Avg mpg on trip home was 26 on brand new motor!! A little disappointed in ride. Not as smooth as remembered in test drive, but its okay. Got premium and tech pkg so have Bose, Bluetooth, XM, premium seats. Would have liked leather, but couldnt get all pkgd with the color I wanted. (Gotham Grey) Would like more storage in front. Glovebox is huge, but not a lot of space for small things. I havent had long enough to know for sure, but so far I really like it.

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  Transmission - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By Daniel Piper - October 10 - 8:30 am

  Transmission is not the best slips in hot weather and gas mileage dropped from 32 miles a gallon 26 and or less terrible in the mountains transmission must cool if too hot driving on hilly ground

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  Very Reliable. - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Seba - October 8 - 2:33 pm

  We have owned the Rogue for almost a year and have 12200 miles on it. We have not been in the dealer once except for the regular scheduled maintenance and 3 recalls but all were done at once and during a regular visit so it wasnt a pain at all. This car is very reliable the AWD is great and handles well in snow or rain the ride is pretty comfortable, we take lots of road trips our longest trip was about 450 miles round trip and no problems at all, more room would be nice but it is a crossover. We are very happy with this car.

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  Woulda Coulda been a great car - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By D. Bombus - September 18 - 5:32 am

  First couple of years were good with no problems. Acceleration from a stop is spotty at best. In the summer, its very sluggish to start, transmission whines. Wife noticed a transmission whine and slipping on a highway trip a few months ago. Took it to AutoNation Nissan Arapahoe where its had ALL servicing done. I complained about loss of gas mileage, whine, and sluggish starts. They said the transmission was over-filled. What? Youre the only place that services this vehicle. No explanation. They also over-fill the tires. Maybe its their way of trying to get gas mileage up. With almost 49k miles, Im worried the CVT is going to give out. The 5 years will be up soon. I do like the car. Its comfortable and pleasant. Took it from Denver to Mt. Rushmore to Billings to Denver that 1st summer, 2012. It was great. MPG was 28+. With a change of tires its noisier and now MPG is down to 26. Still acceptable, but Im not liking the trend. Knowing about transmission issues and the lurking ones I might have, I wouldnt recommend it.

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  Rogue can compete with RAV and CRV - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By ejo1 - September 10 - 4:17 pm

  As said above this car can easily compete with a RAV-4 or CRV. I drove my 09 Rogue SL AWD for 85,000 miles without a problem. As with everycar I own.owned I only use Mobil 1 for oil changes at longer intervals than book recommends for the car. Dealer did all my oil changes and maintenance and cost was overall less than expected. Just changed brakes and rotors all the way around with high quality as they old ones started to "wobble" at 83K miles. I averaged 24mpg with mixed driving. I had long highway drives (72 mph) at 29 mpg but also ones at 23 mpg. City driving is less than stated mpg, but overall a great comfy ride. This car is a great all around CUV that will grow on you.

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  Any ladies on the design team? - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Dabbo - July 12 - 6:33 pm

  Fell in love with the Rogue from the tv commercial. Love being up high b/c I can see better. The Rogue is a perfect fit for someone short. I dont have to climb up to get in or slide down getting out. Handles well, but makes a funny noise in high winds, like wind shear around the windows or something. Couple of interior rattles the dealership doesnt want to fix - not happy about that, since they started within the first 6 months. Obviously no females on the design team - not enough nooks & crannies for storage - have to use cup holders, then move stuff if I need to use them. Have had 3 recalls already...another negative. Probably wont buy another 1st. year model of anything again.