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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  So far so Good - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By ALSAVILLNY - May 31 - 11:46 pm

  After researching and comparing the Rogue with the CR-V and CX7, I finally decided to go for the Rogue. I bought it as a gift for my daughter. I am happy with my purchase. It is fun to drive and did not notice the engine drone I have been reading about. I got the SL in wicked black on black interior and Im sure she will love it. Bose 6 disc in-dash changer and bluetooth is cool. And Nissans financing option tops it all. Quality of interior materials is very good. I gave it mostly a 9 to maker room for improvements. As far as reliability, I have to re-assess in a year or two. Otherwise, it is a fun small-midsized SUV that drives like a car.

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  Nissan Rogue SL AWD Review (no prem pkg) - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By ReluctantBuyer - May 17 - 1:20 am

  I dont usually complete reviews but had to share my Rogue experience. As a reluctant buyer after several "car payment free" years, I wanted all the latest safety features, great gas mileage, proven quality, AWD, and a sporty look. Nothing on the market was interesting me enough to warrant the payment. Then I saw the Rogue. Its Altima motor and Sentra platform, both rated above average, helped with the quality concerns with a new model (bought the ext warranty too). I browsed the online inventory of nearby Nissan dealers, chose a Rogue, took it for a drive, bought it and am loving every minute I drive it - its great! Online prep makes dealer part go much smoother and more quickly!

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  Poor rear visibility, road noise, good value - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By mando621 - May 15 - 5:20 am

  I replaced my aging 2004 Honda CRV with a 2012 Nissan Rogue and the difference in visibility on the sides and out the back window is striking. The rear window is small and high, and I never feel confident when backing. Typical cabin. It is next to impossible to retrieve an item that falls between the front seat and the console. You literally need a wire hanger or something that narrow. Huge glove box and console but no small spaces for phone, etc. The performance is typical of any new vehicle, it runs and handles fine. I enjoy driving it except when it comes to backing. Compared to my friends 2012 RAV 4, the road noise is very noticeable. The onboard spare limits cargo space.

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  Very Nice - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By eagleman1963 - May 11 - 7:13 pm

  The Rogue is a very attractive SUV we traded our 2005 Pathfinder in for the Rogue mainly for better gas mileage We have now owned our Rogue for about 3 weeks during this time we took it on a 800 mile road trip it seemed to perform and handle quite well we did notice that on rougher stretches of highway we had some vibration and rattling not what we were use to on the way to our destination we averaged about 22 MPG due to heavy winds part of the way and on the way home about 26.5 MPG not bad but I was hoping for a little better mileage.

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  A Great SUV - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By T O - May 8 - 4:30 am

  I love it. There are 2 things it need: an extra USB port & auto start. I loooove my Rogue!

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  At 58,000 miles it started to go... - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By David Santaniello - May 5 - 11:54 pm

  Bought this 2012 Nissan Rogue SL AWD new in 2012. It is fully loaded, so the leather seats and 8 speaker Bose Stereo are really nice. Rear view is obstructed, but has nice cameras all around. Fun to drive. I dont notice the drone of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that Ive read about. Mileage over the three years Ive owned it so far has been OK; 26 combined, high of 30, low of about 20 mpg. At 58,000 miles - with attention to scheduled maintenance - rust started to form on the hatchback door. Dealership is fixing it for free. Also at 58,000 miles I pulled the keyless entry drivers door handle OFF while trying to open it! Expensive to fix and I was disappointed with the quality of the handle itself.

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  The CVT Is The Kiss of Death... - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Boston Fireguy - May 1 - 3:11 am

  I just put 500 miles on a 2016 S model rental in southwest Florida. It had just 3000 miles on the clock. The positive: The A/C provided plenty of cool, quiet cooling. The engine was smooth at idle, even with the A/C engaged. Plenty of room for 4 checked pieces of luggage. The doors provided easy entering and exiting. The satellite radio reception was very good. Wind noise was minimal. The dash layout was good, with easy to reach controls, easy to read gauges and easy to navigate trip computer & settings. The 12 volt outlets were powered with or without the ignition on. The LED daytime running lights are sharp looking. The leg room front & rear was very adequate. The minuses: The snowmobile transmission always caused the engine to drone loudly during normal acceleration. At around 40 mph the engine would bog down. The sport mode surprisingly made it worse, even with the driver only. The firm front & rear seats were uncomfortable after 25 miles. The space carved out of the dash by the ignition switch made inserting the key difficult. The outside temperature reading was always off 8-10 degrees. The speakers were very weak, even for a basic model. The passenger side wiper arc was small, missing about 25% of the right side windshield. With the cruise control engaged a slight incline caused the engine to drone loudly. The halogen headlights were just so so bright. When opening the front doors ones hand would hit the lock button, a potential problem if the key was still in the ignition. Did I mention that dreaded transmission? If this represents Nissans auto drivetrains I will never rent one again, let alone buy one. Just mine and my wifes 2 cents worth...

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  Big Man in a Small SUV - Just Do It! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By M. Miller - April 25 - 9:36 pm

  We just returned from our second Rogue trip, This one from Nashville to Ft. Benning and back. I am 6 7" 265 lbs, not a small man by any measure and I love this vehicle. I read each and every review before purchasing and so far have not had one negative to think or say about the Rogue. The vehicle is so quiet on the inside that the Bose sound system is a true pleasure to listen to! Acceleration on the interstate was very very responsive, for a 4 cyl amazing! We averaged 27.5 MPG for both trips and find our around town MPG not much less. Bottom line if you are a big man and worried about the size of this small SUV, dont be, get in, and just do it, fun to drive - very fun!

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  Gas Mileage lagging... - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By franky9 - April 22 - 5:03 am

  I have opened a case with Nissan of No. America, due to the fact that I drove away from dealership with new 2014 Rogue, and was getting 15 MPG. They told me to wait till car reaches 1,000 for accurate gas mileage. Now at 2,000 miles and I am averaging 23 mpg. Not what they are advertising. I am NOT getting anywhere near 30, 32, 33 mpg highway, no way. Sucks and I am not a happy camper.

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  I was set to purchase the Outback until - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Female Road Warrior - April 18 - 11:03 am

  I read about the Rogue on Edmunds! I purchased the Rogue S w/360. I love this car! It is very comfortable, fun to drive, and affordable! I am a middle-aged female, 52" and I find this car suits my need to carry my sales samples, suitcases,etc. It is peppy, quiet, easy to maneuver. I really enjoy driving this car. I have put 1800 miles on it in just 2 weeks. I travel by car for my job and this vehicle gives me the room and ride that I require. I have the 360 pkg and I love that backup mirror option! Its "no frills" package is just what I need. the AWD is awesome! Winters should be a breeze with this car.