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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  Good value & options for the money! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By KC - March 3 - 7:50 am

  We average 24-25 MPG in mostly city driving, 26-27 on the interstate at approx 73 MPH!! Excellent! We test drove the RAV4 and CRV for comparison. The Rogue rides and drives better. The seats are more comfortable and the ride not as still as the others.

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  car is ok - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Paula - March 1 - 4:00 am

  I have driven the car for 4 months, traded in a ford truck. I drive 6 miles each way to work, and my driving is 1/2 highway and 1/2 city. Im a decent driver, and my mileage is only 19-22mpg, at the most. The headrest is uncomfortable, otherwise the car is satisfactory. I feel very uncomfortable with the blind spots-the right triangler window and the rear window-are starting to feel like they are safety hazards. I regret having purchased the car because of the blind spots.

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  Wonderful Small SUV - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By pelicans55 - February 28 - 7:02 am

  Pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and much fun this vehicle is. Have the SV with the premium package. Has everything you would want.

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  Rogue Beats the Competition - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By AutoNut134 - February 19 - 12:16 pm

  After exhaustive internet research and several trips to the car dealers and several test drives, I (and my wife) decided that the Rogue simply offered the most bang for the buck. Some of the factors we took into consideration were fuel economy, safety features, trade-in value, and price. The Mariner was excluded because of price and no stability control. The RAV4 was nice but Toyota wouldnt really deal and I didnt like the spare on the outside. The CRV was the closest competitor with good quality and a nice feel. The Roque has plenty of power good fuel econ and high tech toys. This car fit our needs nicely. Easy to drive and park. Has a good quality feel. Traded in an 05 Pathfinder.

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  Love It - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By RK - February 17 - 5:46 pm

  We leased an AWD SL and have had the vehicle for about two weeks. So far, we are well pleased. We had an Explorer and while it was a nice vehicle, we really didnt need to be hauling around so much iron. I have not checked the fuel mileage but the little mileage minder on the trip computer shows an over all average of about 25.4 It is fairly comfortable for a smaller cross over. I love the exterior design. It performs adequately for us. Im adapting well to the CVT with no up shifting. Im well pleased with this vehicle thus far.

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  Satisfaction - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Robert A - February 13 - 9:54 am

  I am impressed with the gas mileage. I have owned the Rogue since August 2016. So far, I average 27 city and 36 highway. Driving seat is comfortable but I would like another 2 inches of leg room. Plenty of head room. Storage space is ample. Wish they had a sunroof for the base model S. Still figuring out all of the electronics and the weather hasnt allowed me to test winter traction. Speakers are weak but this is a base model. Would highly recommend as a cheap all-wheel drive that is predominantly front wheel drive. Nissan wins with this one.

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  handsome vehicle - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By james elliston smith - February 11 - 9:33 am

  We have had this vehicle for two months, and so far, more positive than negative. Exceptional gas mileage. Complaints on the car mostly concern its different transmission, the CVT. You just have to learn how to drive it. You wont win any drag racing from a stoplight, but normal driving, this transmission is really smooth. When starting from a standstill, accelerate as if an egg ere under your shoe. Gas mileage is about 26 around town. Very roomy especially back seat. Attractive interior, comfortable on long trips. Compared it to an Explorer which is 6 inches wider and 6 inches longer. Basically, it drives different and takes some getting used to.

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  Very Surprising - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kevininco - February 9 - 8:36 pm

  I have had the Rogue for 2 weeks now and absolutely love it! I was really wanting an Audi Q5 but could not get the payments to work. I had a lease with Nissan for a Frontier and they took it 3 months early. I have test driven before the basic model hence why not excited to get this. The got me a fully loaded Rogue with leather and everything. The SL is such a difference. I live in the mountains so right off the dealership was from denver to Aspen. It handles great at low speeds and tightens up at higher. really fun with all the technology in there too. I love it and is so much fun inside and out.

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  Dont trade in your RAV4 for this!!! - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By dk81081 - February 9 - 4:53 am

  This car doesnt compare to a RAV4! My wife and I traded our 2010 Rav4 for this, thinking there wouldnt be much of a change, but I was wrong. I am a tall guy, I fitted just fine in our Rav4, but I noticed it was tighter in the Rouge at the test drive. The wife like the price of the Rouge and how we were able to get all the options for the same price of a new Rav4. I listened to wife and bought this for her and its been a mistake ever since. It doesnt turn like our old car, blind spots all over, CTV transmission is noisy. You think its going to break down every time you step on the gas. I aint one to make up an account to talk about a car, but people need to be warned! Stay away!

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  Solid car but the A/C is a bit meh - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By anders7 - February 4 - 9:42 pm

  I bought this car new and was very impressed with the handling - very car like. Fit and finish of the interior is way above the competition (RAV4, CRV etc). The engine is powerful enough and I grew to love the CVT that some people hate. The front seats are very comfy and the few times I get to sit in the back I am comfortable there too. This was the last car on my shortlist and I didnt want to like it but I really did. 12 months later and I still like the car a lot. It is what it is - its a compact SUV crossover with AWD (btw the AWD really does work well in light snow and ice). The visibility out of the back is poor (styling) and the A/C is NOT great for Texas summer. Still like the car.