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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  Right Choice - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Orangeville Steve - April 19 - 6:10 pm

  Had two Ford Escapes from 2003 - 2008. Both units were well built and very reliable. Gas mileage was 18mpg combined, with our 60/40 city/highway driving style. After 3 weeks the Rogue is returning about 25mpg which is a big improvement. The Rogue SL seating is very comfortable & supportive. The ride is a nice balance between firm and cushion but never floaty. Six speaker audio is excellent. Cargo capacity is as expected for a CUV but adequate for 95% of our needs. Getting used to the CVT is easier than we thought. Very impressed so far. Hope Nissan service is just as good.

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  Mouse in new rogue 2016 - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Mony Den - April 18 - 3:39 am

  i had the car 6 weeks...It had 357 miles on it.....They say a mouse nest is in the blower...how....as it sat waiting to be bought....They told me the same thing when I bought a new sentra in 2010....This is a common problem with nissan....stop selling cars that have sat around and not clean the blowers....bs....#designflaw

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  Loves It - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Gwynne - April 12 - 6:50 am

  After graduating from college and getting my first "real" job I decided it was time to upgrade my car. Ive always wanted a Murano but couldnt see spending that kind of money. I saw a commercial for the Rogue and went to check it out. Fell in love right away. Its the perfect solution to not being able to afford the Murano. I love driving it! Its a great size and easy to park which is important for me b/c I park in small parking garages in Chicago. It drives so smooth and I love that you dont feel the engine shifting (or whatever). My gas mileage isnt great.. mixed hwy/city Ive had 18 mpg, but Ive only filled up twice. Im keeping an eye on it.

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  Excellent Mini-Murano - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Artie - April 10 - 2:53 am

  We replaced our 98 Subaru Outback with a 2008 Rogue. We were looking for better fuel mileage and another 4WD vehicle. After several months, we found the Rogue. Loved it from the get go. The only issues I would note are 1. Reflections of dash trim in the side mirrors, 2. no locking gas cap or door, 3. worried about paint issues around hatch hinges - sheet metal bends too easily 4. Tire Pressure Warning cannot be de-activated for winter tires on seperate wheels unless they are equipped with special valves. We have about 2500 miles on the car and we love it so far.

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  Great car! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By katherine - March 23 - 2:56 am

  Searched and checked out all the small SUVs and found the rogue to have the best combination of comfort, options, quality and price. Compared it to the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, test drove those and then finally the drove the Rogue--hands down the better driving experience, sometimes I forget that I am in an SUV and not a car!

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  Great bang for the buck - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tellurian - March 13 - 10:53 am

  This is an excellent little car. For a modestly priced vehicle it has all the basic safety and handling features. Ive had it for a week, it is a solid and well built vehicle.

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  Love my Rogue! - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By crd1029 - March 13 - 1:20 am

  I purchased a 2012 Subaru Outback three months ago. Though I had read some reviews about the numb steering, I figured Id test-drive it. The ride and quietness of the car was amazing! The interior was of high quality. It was very roomy and the exterior handsome. But the steering! WOW!! The wheel feels like it weighs 20 lbs. It is numb and unresponsive. It wasnt until I drove it on the highway that I realized how awful the steering really was. The car wanders all over the road and the center of gravity keeps shifting left and right. Scary! After 2500 miles, I traded it in on a 2012 Rogue. LOVE IT!! It has more pep, steers great, is quiet, attractive, and fun to drive. Thank you Nissan!!!!

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  2 "Rouge" Transmissions @ 145,500 miles - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By bp35209@gmail.com - March 12 - 4:59 am

  I have had two transmissions put in and the car is at 145,000 miles and it needs a 3rd one. Nissan is not going to replace. All they tell me it is out of warranty. The 2nd Transmission was put in December 2014 with 90,000 miles. Previous years have the same issues with the transmission and Nissan will not own up to the problem with them being made by hand and there is a human error when building the transmission. I even told them I would pay for the labor if they payed for the transmission. But they are not changing there mind. I am about to go drop the car off in Franklin, TN at there office with a TV Crew with me. Then they may do something when media gets involved.

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  My Second Rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Jaksie B. - March 10 - 11:17 am

  I had 2009 Rogue before it got hit for the 2nd time and it was totalled. Decided to get 2016 Rogue and I love it! The whole exterior and interior are completely upgraded from 2009. The 2016 feels very comfortable, just like 2009, maybe better! Wish the road noise was better (same as 2009). Not sure if this is right, but it feels like the 2009 Rogues acceleration was better than 2016! Yes, I remember it is a 4-cylinder, but my 2009 was awesome and felt so good when I hit the gas pedal. It feels like theres a lot more resistant on 2016 when I hit the gas pedal. Other than that, I LOVE all the safety features that 2016 has.

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  Best "economy" car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Lex - March 5 - 1:13 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Previously I drove a 2000 Honda Civic. And Rogue just blew me away, and I did compare it to Rav4 and Honda CRV. It is comfortable to drive for long distance trips. Its acceleration is great. Internal compartments are well thought out: large glove compartment, deep drivers box, upper compartment, etc. It has the amenities of a luxury car (well, almost). Trip calculator, mp3 port, front and back windshield heater, etc. Mileage, however, is not great for city drive. But with cheap gas prices now, I only spend $26 (it was $55) every 220 miles. For long trips, I could get 330 miles