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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  2014 Nissan Rouge SV - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By Desire Me - October 31 - 1:05 am

  Ive bought this SUV in July 2014. I am impressed with most of the features, except the claimed mileage! I do not get over 18mpg driving mostly highway. Also, the lift gate has stopped functioning, GPS unit turns off by itself. front passenger seat vibrates while on ideal. Passenger airbag turns on by itself.

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  Dangerous Windows - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Elephant - October 30 - 2:53 pm

  I loved my new Nissan Rogue until the other day when the back side glass shattered into a million pieces without any apparent reason. I had been home only a few minutes when I noticed the glass had shattered. It seemed to have imploded due to the heat and air conditioning combined. The dealership would not accept the fact that it could have been their workmanship or defect in the glass. The glass went into the seat cover about 2 inches deep and would have severely injured a person sitting in that seat. Luckily, the car had just been parked and no one was inside. Glass was thrown throughout the car. No sign of damage due to vandalism or otherwise. Be careful!!

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  Not too bad after 36,000 miles. - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By jeep53 - October 25 - 4:46 am

  Well, I decided to write another review after 36,000 miles on my Rogue SL. I wrote my first review when I first bought the car. Overall, its been a pretty good compact SUV. The gas mileage could be a little better. I never get when they advertised it for. I average about 24 miles a gallon. I my opinion, I feel that the car scratches way too easily, especially on the drivers side door panel. I have scratches on the outside, too, that I have no idea where they came from. The leather seats are pretty comfortable and the GPS works quite well. The Bose radio sounds very good to me. The rearview camera works well and is a must in this car with all the blind spots.

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  Good Gas Mileage And Features For The Money. - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By moparmanttc - October 24 - 12:08 pm

  We have this model rogue which is the two wheel drive s-model for a month and a half. It has been great so far the front seats are comfortable and the ride is pretty good. We took it on a trip and managed to get 29.5 miles to the gallon and that is with the air conditioning on. With the seats down cargo room is really good. You get a lot of features with the s model front wheel drive. You will find the price hard to beat especially if you try to get and American made vehicle which you will have to shell out $3000 to $6000 more to try and match the rogue.

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  CVT Disaster - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Andrzej - October 21 - 10:02 pm

  Chronic CVT problem on the 2011 Nissan Rogue during warranty. @TemeculaNissan didnt diagnose until warranty ended - now unwilling to repair. $4000 repair.

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  Not like the others! - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By englddriver1 - October 14 - 2:02 am

  Love this car! Went from an 10 Inf M35X to this and glad I did. I know some hate the CVT but this CVT is much better than other cars. Honda has the best CVT and our MPG is around 31 Mixed highway and backroads.

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  Love My Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Ann - October 5 - 2:00 pm

  I have had my Rogue for a little over 2 months and I really have enjoyed it. The best part about it is that it only takes about 50 dollars to fill up the gas tank. I can enjoy the perks of an SUV with the fuel efficiency of a car. Overall, it was worth the purchase.

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  Sick of this piece of junk - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Sick Of Rough - October 1 - 1:46 am

  We bought the new Rouge in April 08. At about 5500 miles we started hearing the "NOISE". The service tech couldnt hear it at first. I did get it to make the sound and he heard it. He then drove it and he said he got it to do it worse. They contacted Niaasn tech line. They said that they were aware of the problem. The sound got worse and at 6800 miles they replaced the Trans. This would be the second transmission being the first came in the car. Then at about 12000 miles it reappeared. they didnt hesitate to replace the trans. The service manager could only say that it "must" be fixed but he could not guarantee it is a fix. Im sorry to say that the trans is already "grawling".

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  New Rogue Owner - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Mark Filipini - September 29 - 7:12 pm

  Just about one month in to owning Rogue SL AWD and loving it so far. Very comfortable ride with all the modern bells and whistles, at least with the Premium Package.

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  Beats the competition - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By roguer08 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  A real nice alternative to the pricier RAV4, CRV, other crossovers, the Rogue is a smooth operator. Nicely appointed interior. Very comfortable car for long trips and the gas mileage on the highway is good. Good leg and headroom. Adequate storage in rear. Only complaint so far is that in town with hills, stoplights, and snow, gas mileage is not so great. But nimble in all weather and a nice, quiet ride.