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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  Went for a Juke, got a Rogue. - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By robcowling - July 12 - 9:36 am

  Drove the Juke and liked it...but it was small and had a lot of wind noise at 50 mph. Not knocking the Juke as it seemed like a fine car for the right kind of buyer. We decided to look at the Rogue and are glad we did. They had the Rogues mixed with the Muranos and the only way to tell the difference was in the sticker price. They seriously look nearly identical. Anyway, the Rogue is roomy, comfortable and rides and drives very well. It wont win a drag race, but will get you out of the way if need be. Got SL package with leather, sunroof, Bose, nav, back up camera, xenon headlights, etc...for 25K in a 2011 model. Only complaint so far is that the sunroof does not open all the way.

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  2014 Rogue SV FWD - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By tony250 - June 27 - 2:41 am

  I downsized from 2010 Buick Enclave because i dont need that big vehicle for my small family, but still i tried to compensate the ride comfort for the substitute vehicle. So the ride quality compared to enclave is the same other than Rogue is 1500 lbs lighter. It is fun to drive where as enclave was a chore to drive in city and locally. It has more technological features - electronics and trace control, ride control and engine braking. Ride comfort: it is quiet, smooth , less wind and tire noise, light steering on low speeds and precise on highway speeds, very little body role - you can drive this like a car other than the acceleration part.The only negative is NASA inspired seats.

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  Poor Service - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By crossover - June 24 - 9:26 pm

  Nice looking car,(2009 Rogue), but has some annoying electrical problems that Nissan service department cant find, or even acknowledge that they dont know what to do. The car is not even one year old yet, but I will trade this car in the next few months. There are No more Nissans in my future.

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  Great Car!and a must own for any looking in this class! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By englddriver1 - May 23 - 11:01 pm

  I have to say after reading some of the other reviews I laugh at what people find as annoying...Claiming there AWD doesnt work when they dont lock it? Or the fact that they think the car is a 4X4. Nissan/Infiniti AWD is one of the best in the world and as a long time Infiniti owner of the M class X series I love there AWD and I live in snow country.We purchased this for my fiance as a baby is on the way and wanted a great MPG Cross over.We look at the Infiniti Cross over but my Fiance didnt like any of the looks and felt it had to many gadgets. So we went with the SL AWD Rogue and she loves it! Great MPG love the CVT tranny fun on highway and holds well in the snow for the high RMPS.

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  Excellent Crossover - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By as6004me - May 22 - 10:00 pm

  I went from an Acura TSX to the Rogue, so that could have diminished my vote a little bit. I think the features are great and are conveniently laid out. Versitility is amazing, The seats could have just a little more support for the lower back and the SL 2wd premium package could have included the HID lights, bluetooth and it would be great to have turn signals in the mirrors. But overall it is a great car with just the right attitude and good gas mileage (about 25)

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  Beware of Transmission - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By lynn - May 7 - 11:00 pm

  Love the car but only had it 4 months and it needs a transmission. Read the blogs and dont trust the dealerships. Weve been driving Nissans for 15 years and cant believe what a Lemon the Rogue has turned into.

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  New Buyer - Excellent value for money - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Chandra S - Atlanta - March 26 - 8:16 am

  I am a new owner of 2017.5 SL with platinum package. I did extensive analysis comparing this with CX-5, CR-V & NX (My cars in the radar). I was very much drawn to the rougue due to its appearance and utility. I was a bit concerned about the inputs provided by some regarding the acceleration and CVT. After test driving all my comparisons decided to go with this as it was the most comfortable and appealing to me. It takes a bit getting used to the CVT and feels like there is a lack of response (especially I am coming off driving a BMW 328i for couple of years) but I feel that being mild the accelerator gets a more responsive torque and good enough for day to day driving. I am very comfortable now and love the way it handles the road imperfections. The smoothness of the ride is very good and I am very happy about the purchase and no second thoughts. I placing this feedback in case someone is looking for a user feedback and want to help people like me who had a lot to gain from others feedback. I have had it only for few weeks but enjoy driving it and thats the most important for anyone who buys. It sure is not the quickest off the block but good enough for average city driving.

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  Shes a rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By K K - March 13 - 2:16 am

  Ive had the car only a few weeks. I am enjoying driving it. This is personally my first SUV. However not the first one I have had experienced with. It is comfortable but not super peppy (which I obviously knew prior to my purchase). It isnt the most important thing to me, but I know it is with some people. The most disappointing thing about the car is that I had to bring it in. The repairs are under warranty and in no way were caused by me. But it is still annoying! And having to deal with the dealership is even more annoying. Many...not all....of the individuals I have come across there (mainly in the service department) are unprofessional. But that is all I will say about the dealership here, as this review is for the car.

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  Just My Size! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By cetta - February 28 - 2:12 pm

  I love my 2011 Rogue. Its comfortable, fun to drive, and a great buy. I was just car looking and not planning to buy until spring but drove the Rogue!And the rest is history. I bought my Pearl White Rogue on December 3. I dont like big vehicles and this is perfect. My husband never likes the cars I select; however, hes really impressed with my Rogue. (That says a lot). Also, Miles Nissan was great to work with!

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  last review traded it in - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By twowhldoug - February 14 - 5:34 pm

  final follow up on 2010 rogue,has 58,000 miles.Traded it on a pilot yesterday.Didnt buy a pathfinder due to premium fuel req.Unlike the 2009 we had the 2010 has been very nice to own.Only issue had for the length of ownership was the fuel gauge,not very accurate(was replaced once).The rogue has been a fine car,and has been fun to drive.Anytime punched up fuel mileage was 27pluss.the bose audio and blue tooth was a high point.Replaced tires at 44,000 and just maintenance.Dealer(Hunt Nissan)was the best.Feel bad about loosing them to the Honda guys,but we had to have a bigger car that used reg fuel.Ican say that a Rogue is a good choice to have.