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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  Rogue is fun, well-built, very nice! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jw rogue 08 - April 15 - 8:30 pm

  Just picked it up, but first impressions is that this is going to be a very fun cross-over. Driven them all, and this one feels like a very nice, sporty car in a small suv package.

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  Brand New Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Dallas Rogue - March 27 - 5:40 pm

  I love it. All the perks of an SUV without being to big. I have had 21-25mpg combined hwy & city.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Art - February 25 - 3:20 pm

  We are really pleased with the new Rogue. Excellent gas mileage and fairly quiet and fun to drive. Our mileage is in the high 20s and we havent used it on a trip yet. The best feature is the CVT and I think this is giving us the high mileage.

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  A Bargain - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Rich T. - February 16 - 7:43 pm

  I got the "S" Model with the 360 degree package. It gives you $2,000 worth of extras for $1,000 (privacy glass, alloy rims, backup camera, spoiler, etc). Im glad I opted for the 360 package. The bare "S" model is spartan. I still miss things like an outside temperature indicator and a drivers seat that adjusts upwards. Both are available with the "SL" Model. The base "SL" model is just a few bucks more than a "S" Model with the 360 package. However, most "SL" Models have other options and thats when the price starts to rise. Ive put 4,000 miles on mine and love it. The CVT is excellent. Smooth as glass. Fairly good mileage. Lots of pep, feels like a 6 cylinder. And a Bargain!

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  Love to drive it - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By calchill - January 25 - 9:36 pm

  We have had this car for 3 months and we love it soo much. We dont drive very much but it seems we always find an excuse to take it for a spin. Car has everything we wanted. Sunroof very easy to use and with the deflector added makes it even better. Like the trip computer as u can keep track of mpg or how many miles u have left before refueling.

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  Well worth the money - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By colleen - January 12 - 11:53 am

  After 6 months, Im writing a review. I still believe this was the best purchase Ive ever made. I still love this car, the interior, the CVT, the comfort, the stereo... well everything! I believe this is a must have vehicle!

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  worth it - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By happyrogueowner - January 1 - 6:50 pm

  The rogue brings a nicer design than the RAV4 and CRV for a better price and mpg consumption. The driving is super nice and the engine responds better than the other V4 of the same category.

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  2011 Rogue Review - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By James McKinney - December 31 - 10:06 am

  Ive had my Rogue for 4 years. I just turned 73K without a problem. The vehicle drives just as well now as the day I bought it. I have had several vehicles in my lifetime and I rate this car/SUV near the top of the list. I use the vehicle to commute to work and have taken it on a few vacations without a hitch. My wife liked the Rogue so well that I bought her a 2012 model. It has plenty of power and the CVT is very smooth. You cannot tell that the vehicle is shifting like you do with a regular automatic transmission. There is plenty of room inside. I am 5 11" tall. It may not suit someone much taller though. Plenty of room to haul groceries, etc. Cruise control and A/C work well.

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  My 2011 Nissan Rogue SV - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Gary Byars - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Rogue that I have purchased. Traded my 2009 Rogue S for the 2011 Rogue SV. The SV comes really loaded up and the Premium Package really gives you so great options for a really reasonable Price.

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  LUV My Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Julie - December 22 - 1:26 am

  I was involved in an accidents in my Rogue on day three of owning it. We was hit in the passenger side at about 45 miles per hour. I was in the passenger seat. It really protected both of us. We didnt even have a scratch. I love how it handle in rain, snow, and icy conditions. I get very good gas mileage 23 city and 27 hwy.