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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I luv it - 2008 Nissan Rogue
By Swamy - July 27 - 10:16 pmI owned this crossover in Dec 07 and I loved it so much. Its fun to drive in Highways. The exterior is good.
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Love it! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
By Richard - July 24 - 10:16 amWe have 320 miles on our Rogue, much of that was on the freeway driving home from the dealer (100 miles) and a long back-roads trip the next day. The car is flawless! 27 mpg so far and despite the complaints about what people call the rubber band tranny (CVT), the car just seems to zoom when you step on the gas. I drove home from work today in a driving rainstorm with 30 mph cross winds and it hugged the road like it was on rails. And unlike our Jeep Cherokee, no body lean whatsoever. This is my second Nissan and 5th Datsun family product and they are far the best. We love this car!
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My first Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
By pickles - July 7 - 12:08 amThis is the 2nd Nissan I have had. I had a Murano which I loved but it got totalled in 2007 when a 17 year old hit us head on. Very safe car. I hope the Rogue is just as safe. It does need more cupholders. Otherwise, I love it
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Best in Show! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
By Jimmy D - June 4 - 2:20 amThere is no perfect small suv/crossover. The Rogue holds less cargo than a Forester,has one row of seats less than a Rav4,lacks the visibility of a CRV. However, it is perfect for me. The fit & finish is great, as is the engine. It has 5star crash rating and beats Ford with a stronger roof. In many ways this car is very basic- no leather,compass, or elec.locks. But it has such personality! It has a nice rear,each color pops and looks silky (even those orange ones). The CVT works well and the mini computer helps as well. I had owned a Chrysler product & went back to shop- Patriot, Compass, Liberty are all inferior products as is the Escape,Impreza,& 09Equinox.
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Love it! - S 360 Value Package - 2010 Nissan Rogue
By Amanda - June 2 - 3:36 amJust purchased a 10 Rogue. Love it! I have not driven it that far yet to test the gas mileage, but otherwise the seats are very comfortable. Watch if you are a tall driver, as the large rear view mirror (mine has a backup camera in it) can create a blind spot for those taller drivers. Im short, so I dont see the blind spot issue. The interior could use more pockets and spaces for CDs, and other junk.
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Love My Rogue -Trouble with Blind Spots - 2008 Nissan Rogue
By Janr4719 - May 13 - 6:20 pmI love the way my Rogue handles. It rides smooth, you cant tell it is running because it runs so quietly. I actually tried to start it again. I like my Metallic Orange color because it is not easy to find. This is the only thing that kept me from taking Nissan up on their offer for a 2009.
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My cute ute!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
By nrdgrl - April 28 - 3:23 pmI test drove the Rav and the Cr-v before the rogue, no comparison! I got the wicked black with black cloth, and the premium package with moonroof. The smaller engine doesnt bother me because I want the better gas mileage. I traded in a 2005 Focus because I didnt want to spend another Colorado winter white knuckle driving! The 5-8 MPG difference is worth it!I have played in the snow with this and it is very solid on the ice/snow. I am so much more confident. Guess Ill save money this winter since I wont need as many massages for stressful driving!
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Drives like a sports sedan - 2009 Nissan Rogue
By JohnC. - April 28 - 12:13 pmThe Rogue handles extremely well for a smallish SUV and road comfort is very good. While styling is subjective, the best selling point is a 20 min test drive. The stereo is exceptional in the SL and gas mileage was a big surprise.
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Snow White - 2012 Nissan Rogue
By Clara Lander - March 23 - 8:24 pmThats her name. I have named all my cars Ive owned. My other cars were 1999 Malibou and a 2000 Volvo Wagon. Snow White is a good upgrade for me. I like the better acceleration. I am difficulties using the navigation for backing up. I miss having a big rear window.
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From Toyota to Nissan - 2010 Nissan Rogue
By granddadof9 - March 9 - 9:20 pmWe were looking for a Crew cab truck and then I saw the Rogue in the show room. We need to take our dog to the vet and for rides and we are both retired and really did not want a Boat retirement car. After looking at what it could do re our needs and wants, it was a done deal.
