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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  Id rather chew glass then buy another Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By applesanni - April 7 - 3:31 pm

  I bought February 2009 brand new, April I already started the CVT problems...the noise NOONE could here BUT me...1000 miles and I had the trans replaced, August 2009 AGAIN the trans had to be replaced, then we have the love Tire Press Light that no matter how much I fill my tires it never went off...again it was ME who was crazy. I just hit 40,000 miles and so far 2 Trans,4 Brand New Tires for $1k,front brakes $400, rear brakes another $400...n now my remote key stopped working, the "fixed both the key and spare....still not working, bluetooth never worked either! Thank god I claimed the Lemon Law or Id really be unhappy!!!! Save your $$$$$$$ nothing but a headache!!!!

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  America wake up - stop buying shoddy SUVs! - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Alvin - November 27 - 9:37 am

  Not all SUVs are created equal, and not all SUVs are worth buying - yes you can buy this car new for under $20k but a great price does not mean it is a great deal. I had the opportunity to drive the Rogue and, in todays competitive crowded SUV marketplace, the Rogue is simply outclassed by most of its rivals and for $20k, you have MUCH better options such as the RAV4. The Rogue lacks some basic amenities such as bluetooth or a backup camera. The powertrain, while meeting basic needs, is severely underpowered in todays turbo-charged world. Nissan clearly hasnt been investing in the Rogue while America makes this the #2 selling vehicle in the US (YTD November 2017) - I feel bad for the 300k consumers who have purchased this vehicle because it lacks refinement, power, convenience and checks a single box which is "SUV". Do not make your purchase decision on the fact that this is an affordable SUV because that is the only thing the Rogue has going for it.

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  The Car is a Lemon - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By pcappello - September 29 - 5:24 am

  Since April of 2011 I have had my car into Nissan for auto lights not functioning my ipod turns on when the audio is off and the electronic driver seat moves forward by itself. This has been reported and supposedly services more than 10 times already happening. Saturday all my dashboard settings changed by themselves and my trunk would not open even though my engine was on. On Sunday my engine locked and my smart key nor the key would unlock the steering column. I was out of state &had to have it towed to a dealer where they claim it is all due to an undersized battery. hello- it is the factory battery. DONT Buy this car nor any NISSAN as they do not stand behind their service not the

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  DONT buy the Rogue!!!!!!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By S.Crow - August 5 - 11:03 am

  This was the 9th Nissan we bought in 10 years. My husband worked at nissan for 6 years and we were proud to drive cars with high quality. However, the Rogue is not an suv I would ever recommend! In 9 months we have had it in the shop 4 times. New ignition switch because it would not start sometimes. This still has not fixed the prob. The car was making noises when I idled around parking lots. They replaced the cv shafts and the transmission. The problem went away but has since returned. The dealer told me that Nissan has said that this is "normal" when a steel belt wears in and that I am just too picky with the noises that it makes. AWD transmissions will do this after 7,000- 10,000 miles

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  Two years old less than 45k engine FAILURE - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By bowiestategrad - May 30 - 9:01 pm

  Two years in as im driving down the highway truck began to rev high and loose speed rapidly. Took it to the dealer and was told they found an error code but would need to duplicate the problem. After they had it for three days and put over 100 miles on it, the final decision was since it did not have engine failure on them the vehicle was safe and reliable to drive. Spoke with Nissan USA, and was informed I would have to get stuck on the side of the road again, bring the vehicle back and then they would look further into fixing my troubles. This will be the LAST nissan/Infiniti I EVER purchase as they do not stand by their vehicles.. as previously stated I had less than 45k!

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  Nissan does not deliver - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By sicofnissan - April 4 - 9:06 am

  I purchased my 2008 Rouge in Dec. of 2007 and have had it back to the dealer 4 times, resulting in the replacement of 2 transmissions and 1 trans case. Now I am experiencing the transmission slipping when slowing down or stopping.

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  You Get What You Pay For - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Selena - January 1 - 12:18 pm

  I bought this car in 2013 used with 50,000 miles on it from one owner for 12k. I change the oil on it every 3,000 miles and do a yearly general maintenance (not including repairs... of which I do plenty). Pros: (1) Accelerates quickly, (2) brakes quickly and well, (3) handles tight curves well when driving, (4) good size for a crossover, (5) big trunk. Cons: (1) I’ve had a transmission problem for about 2 years now (at 60,000 miles)- I blame the Continuous Variable Transmission… the car basically stops accelerating whenever I go steadily over 65 MPH- which is really dangerous on busy highways, and has become a huge problem for me especially after I hit 90,000 miles, (2) for a 2011 car, the insides are the bare minimum- it doesn’t have USB ports or electric seat adjustments, (3) seats arent that comfortable and backseat passengers tend to feel squished, (4) it’s a gas guzzler- it has a low MPG and a 15.9 gallon tank so I’m constantly filling it up, (5) poor driver peripheral visibility- I literally have to crane my neck to check the road because of the interesting angle of the A pillar, (6) as strange as this sounds, it has a ‘soft’ metal frame- by that I mean that any little ding on the body leaves it scratched at best, dented at worst. All in all, it’s a decent when driven as a local, low mileage car, but I drive a lot and I wouldn’t suggest it to anyone who does a lot of driving. I’ve spent almost as much on repairs on it as I did buying it.

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  Wind noise problem - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jar - September 9 - 6:26 pm

  Like the size and outside design of the car. Fuel economy is good. MAJOR wind problem driving over 70 mph on highway. Howling and screaming wind noise comes from both sides of the front windshield. Have taken it in twice to add foam sealer. Nissan Corp said the noise was "acceptable". We also own a Honda CRV which has a super quiet ride. Would not recommend the Rogue.

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  Very disappointed! !!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By kiki - March 22 - 6:28 am

  My first car. Its a shame that I am not too happy. Two days every other week I have to call out of work. Because it will blank out in the middle of traffic the same distance everytime. Now a few months later. Its getting kinda cold. When I start it in the morning. When I press the gas the car goes no where. I Will Then Have To Turn Off The Ignition Then Turn It Back On Five Minutes later. I hate it. My biggest turn off.

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  Whats all the hype about? - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Sofie - March 10 - 2:36 pm

  I have read numerous reviews that are all so positive on the Rogue. I really feel like I am missing something. I have only had the car 1 week and I am sooo disappointed I REALLY WISH I could take it back! My main issue is the Huge design flaw (and I believe its also in the Murano (which really wasnt too much better, slightly bigger, way more $$) the rear windshield is too small! The back seat headrests block the sides of the rearview window!!! This "Crossover" drives like a cheapy made compact car. My other auto is a Sonata and that has a far more quieter, smooth ride. I did Not expect this auto to ride so rough,my 06 Pathfinder had a smoother ride! Rate this auto a 5 all around.