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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  My Fixes - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Ken - September 17 - 10:00 am

  As far as smart key and rear window problems, this helped very much for me. I could not duplicate the key problem for the dealer, but it was getting frustrating. I removed the battery in the controller and bent the 3 contacts up slightly at the folds, using a small pocket knife. It has improved 95% and contribute some to junk in my pocket. I improved my blind spots by installing small rectangular stick on mirrors to my side mirrors. I still look back when I pull out, but it does give you more visibility. Im 62 and I have more leg room than most vehicles. It has rapid response in emergency conditions. For the money, a nice little ride.

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  We Love It! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Mdawgy - September 11 - 5:10 pm

  My girlfriend and I recently purchased a 360* edition of the rogue, and couldnt be happier. I find the drive test review to be dead on, the rogue is designed for the average driver, it is not a high performance machine. For the everyday driver, you get a quiet, well-behaved car that handles well, seamlessly accelerates, and looks and feels really good to drive. Vision out the back could be better, but the back- up camera helps alot. Simply put, we Love this vehicle. It is, in our minds, the best value for the money.

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  Wifes new rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By jack B. - September 10 - 8:06 pm

  We purchased the SL model with leather interior. Overall pretty happy, coming from owning 5 Lexus, it was a bit of a new experience not to have all the features of a Lexus. But we will adjust. The disappointing thing is the blind side warning. It only starts once you reach 20 miles and hour. Not good if you are pulling out of a parking spot or driveway.

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  Nissan national & local dealer have forgotten they need a good product & good service to stay in business. - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By mr_kc - September 6 - 2:07 am

  They are right about the dangers blind spot, although it does help if you have the side mirrors set properly (wide), even then if someone is right behind me it can be difficult to see them. The Blue Tooth works intermintently, but the dealer ship can not find a problem. They believe national Nissans nonsense that you have to buy a compatible phone. I can go to Walmart & buy a much cheaper Blue Tooth & it works with ALL phones. It is really silly that Nissan think they can keep up testing all the new phones that come out each week for compatibility with their Blue Tooth.

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  Love My Nissan Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Missyfitness - September 2 - 3:50 am

  I bought my Rogue in November and have loved it ever since. I get about 24MPG on the road, and up to 30MPG highway. People stop and ask me about my car, they say it looks like a little Murano, or Lexus RX. Im having a great time driving my rogue around town, to the mountains, beach, everywhere!

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  Rogue - nice tool around town CUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jekcartalk2 - August 31 - 2:03 am

  After 1200 miles the car is avg 26.1 MPG which is one of the reasons we bought this CUV. The ride is good for such a small CUV. Downsized from a 03 MDX. Overall the car is fun to drive, smooth CVT (do not use paddle shifters), the displays and controls are located in logical areas. The leather seats are comfortable, the sound system is more than adequate.

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  Our Third Rogue: - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By pkrfan - August 29 - 6:26 am

  We leased a Rogue in 2009, and again in 2012. We turned the 2012 Rogue in early and leased a new 2014 recently. We enjoyed the earlier Rogues but find this new one to offer features that will be to our benefit.

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  Bad CVT Transmission - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By neddnee - August 26 - 11:14 pm

  Unfortunately, my 2010 Rogue has begun to give me problems when driving up hill. I lose power and the car does not accelerate even when I have my pedal to the floor. The local Nissan dealership had my car all day and their conclusion for my problem was that the cars safety mechanism turns on so the transmission wont overheat. Well I guess thats fine except for when Im driving in 75-80 mph traffic and my car suddenly loses power. Thats not really safe. I really hope that this problem is resolved and these cars are recalled.

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  Not impressed - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By fayettedale - August 16 - 7:39 am

  I have owned my 2011 SV AWD for 3 months now. I have put 2300 miles on it and keep it the garage and baby it. The interior build quality is spotty at best. I had to have the instrument cluster replaced because of a rattle inside the cluster. The stereo rattles in the center console. There other rattles throughout the cabin, very disappointed in the build quality. The CVT is horrible. It is very noisy and doesnt really help fuel economy, I average 24.6 mpg. I would take this back in a minute and buy something else if I could. On the bright side, it does feel and drive like a sports car. Very smooth ride, as long as the road is smooth and the stereo is very good.

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  Love my Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By golfer4000 - August 15 - 12:18 pm

  Traded an07 camry hybrid for the Rogue SV with premium package and I coulnt be happier,Paid as much for the camry as the Rogue but got Xenon lights leather int. moon roof navi,backup camera and more with the Rogue it is also quieter better handling has better visibility and more fun to drive.I would recommend it to anyone looking for an SUV,its well worth a look,I,m glad I did .I especially like the backup cam.,the looks and fit and finish.I would sugest the addition of an interior hatch release