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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  Wonderful - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By ROGUE RUNNER - December 21 - 6:30 am

  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Rogue. It is fun to drive. I see people turning heads when I drive by. It has a very smooth ride. It handles very well. I feel very comfortable driving this SUV. The gas mileage is definitely a great asset. I would recommend this car to everyone. I think this is the best purchase I have every made. Thanks Nissan:)

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  Loved my Rogue.. - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Katherine.roth@hotmail.com - December 18 - 2:15 pm

  I bought a 2011 Rogue sv in April of 2013. It had 80,000 miles on it when I purchased it and im not sure of anything that happened with it before I purchased it. I love my Rogue to this day! I recently sold it in December 2017 because the transmission went out at 176,000 miles. I was quoted $5,000 to get it fixed and it was only worth $3,000 to $5,000 in great condition with the amount of miles on it so I sold it to a friend.there are so many wonderful things about this car. Im only going to talk about the few negatives so just assume everything else is awesome because it is. One negative is about a year ago the paint started chipping off the front bumper and within about a year of it chipping Id say about half of the paint on the front bumper is gone. Another negitive is it was only 6 years old and there is now rust inside the door on the back passenger door and around the license plate holder on the back and everywhere that gets little nicks. Bad quality of metal Id say but I do live in Wisconsin so location location location. Theres a super tight squeeze between the two fron seats and the center council so if anything ever falls down in there its gone forever.. Im just kidding. But your hand will not fit to get it out. You will have to get out and menover the seat and get all up in there. Another negitive is there are no heat/ac vents in the back for your passengers. The only other thing I can think to add is the trunk is too small for my liking and thats just a personal preference and I should have bought a bigger vehicle. For every negitive you just read I would have 38474838375 positive things too say about my old Rogue, just remember that. Ive been car shopping now for 4 weeks and Ive decided to just upgrade to a newer 2013 Rogue with all the bells and whistles. Im going to have to leave things behind when vacationing again but I loved that car and Im so snappy to be getting another one. Hopefully this next one does me well too. Ohh yeah and one more thing.. Biggest glove box ever GARENTEED! You could fit a 12 pack in there in the box I swear.. its huge.

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  Bought Two Rogues In Ten Days! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Jewopaho - December 12 - 2:56 pm

  After driving my wifes new Rogue, I gladly traded in my 08 Merc Mariner ... $1750 in rebates didnt hurt, but the overall value and performance cinched it. It has the smoothest and quietest ride of any small SUV by far (believe me, we drove em all!), and the comfort level is superior. The "whining" CVT transmission noise is inconsequential, but can be switched to traditional shifting if its an issue. Ours have both the Premium and Leather Packages, and still came in just over $22k. There are a couple of options that wed like to have had, but theyre not available. Still, were thrilled with the vehicle, and highly recommend that you drive it first or last when shopping for a new SUV.

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  A great, fun, economical, cheap, vehicle - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By VeryImpressed - December 9 - 6:06 am

  Finally. We have a crossover that is all car in terms of comfort and luxury design. And yet tall and visible like an SUV. The Rogue has an impressive road presence that I really enjoy. It certainly isnt as tall as the Xterra I turned in. But it impresses me in every category. For an i4 this car is very torquey but you will want the manual shift... otherwise it is slow to respond. The leather is beautiful. Bose system is a typical Bose system :). I should have gotten a moonroof. The car whips around turns and turns heads. It feels slow but it is because of the great suspension. Youre actually outrunning all those people around you. Buy a Rogue!

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  New 2012 Sv/SL Package owner - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By dshkrab - November 3 - 9:16 pm

  Just picked up my Rogue on 11/11/11 $299 a Mo 0 down (tax in price) its possible but dealer wont be happy! First impressions are very positive. Some minor Grips (no dual climate control, no rear A/C vents, Older fashioned shifter, no TripTronic, no Android support via USB and single disc vs multi). The grips are minor. The drive is excelent. Behaves well on the road, parks nice due to 360 cameras (super cool feature, absolute must for city parking -> Brooklyn NY for me). Comfortable front and back, even when seats are retracted (first and only Japanese car that my parents enjoy -owners of a Buick & Chrysler). Would be nice if more things could be customized, but a fun to drive!

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  2014 Nissan Rogue SV - AWD - Owners Impressions - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By steveomaha - October 13 - 3:00 pm

  Just bought my 2014 Rogue SV with AWD a few days ago. Overall I really like the vehicle and think styling inside and out is much improved from the 2013 version. I am a pretty dedicated Nissan owner but also checked out the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Chevy Equinox. I was sold on the Rogues interior - looks and feels very upscale, better than its competitors, and the cabin is huge. The Sirius XM radio is awesome and Nissan gives you a 90-day trial to test it out. Mine came with dual climate control (have never had that before and love it!), pushbutton start, backup camera, and an extended power moonroof and it listed for just over $28,000. So, I feel the value was great.

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  Nissan Rogue - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Donna Raposo - October 7 - 3:56 pm

  Took it to the mountains this summer, brakes buck and vibrate when braking going down hill. Very difficult to back up or change lanes due to back windows being too narrow to see out of. Makes whistling noise when going over 60 mph. Very annoying. Also, makes weird humming noise when slowing down. Recall on transmission. But they did extend my transmission warranty to 10 years or 120000 miles due to the recall. Otherwise, I do like my vehicle. It does drive very smooth and it handles well. Plus the bose stereo is awesome.

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  3000 mile review - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Jimbo - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Get 22-23 mpg, expected better with 4 cyl. 6 tall and felt squished in everything I got in except for Rogue, has best view of road including Murano. rear and side views not good, have already had some close calls. will not exactly cruise effortlessly at higher speeds like my 15 yr old 6 cyl Accord could which could still drive circles around Rogue but had to let it go. have to drive Rogue more gingerly/less aggressively but maybe thats a good thing. alarm will not arm automatically like Im used to. seat wont tilt. took a while to get used to tranny which is smooth but a little draggy. good luck opting out of satellite radio auto-renew, you are in for frustrating experience.

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  Upgrade - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By lam - September 28 - 6:23 pm

  I traded in my Mercury Cougar for a Rogue and couldnt be happier. I had my eye on the CR-V, but once the Rogue came out, I was sold. I purchased the SL 2WD w/2WD package, which includes all the little things a 25 year-old would want (illuminating visor mirrors, audio controls on the steering wheel, etc). The 2WD is perfect for Southern Calif. The back window is pretty small, but my old Cougar had a giant spoiler which blocked all views so I really cant complain. Overall, I absolutely love this car (as do my friends!) and I think Nissan did a fantastic job creating a sleek looking crossover that appeals to the masses.

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  Loving My New Rogue!!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By lay - September 23 - 6:46 am

  I just purched the 08 Nissan Rogue SL Premium and Im absolutly in love!!! It was a HUGE upgrade from my 2001 Camry. I got everything I wanted with this car. The style,comfort and price is unbeatable. Its a quiet, smooth ride with great electronic features and roomy. Makes tight turns and the look is SeXy! I am very pleased with the Rogue.