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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  09 SL AWD 9 months and rolling - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By sschrupp - February 11 - 5:40 am

  Overall Im pretty happy with this vehicle, but no longer quite as ecstatic as I was in the beginning. Within a couple months of driving the trans started making a chattering noise. Dealership replaced the trans. Now they need it for about 3 hours for various recall issues. The Bose stereo sounds like all the sound is focused on front center speaker. The headrest is uncomfortable, and doesnt stay down, always slides back up. The sideview mirrors whistle at higher speeds and gusts of wind. Gas mileage isnt great, but hilly area with 65+ speed limits accounts for that. On positive note, it rides smooth, accelerates nicely, looks great, handles like a pro, great in inclement weather.

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  "Very Disappointed" - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By LISA - February 1 - 3:03 am

  I buy my Rouge in July 2008 in my 4 months used the car CheckEngine on. The dealer say me nothing happen only need be careful to gas plugin correctly and the checkengine is off. But that not happen. My second request to check the car dealer found a problem is the gas censor had fabric damage. The dearler repair but in 1 year have the car appear more problems at this time is the temperature very high, airconditioner dont working and shaky all car.

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  Burned by the CVT - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By wiulax - February 1 - 12:24 am

  I been very happy with my 2008 Rogue over the 1st 126,000 miles. I liked it so much that I decided to hold on to it beyond the 120,000 warranty on the CVT. That decision is now going to cost me 4,000 for a new CVT since the transmission failed to the point where I had have it towed to the dealership. Of course Nissan has not offered to pay 1 penny of the replacement cost. When it comes to the CVT failure, I think it not a matter of if, but when it will fail. Hopefully the replacement CVT is better than the original

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  Where is the quality? - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By SXZ62 - December 9 - 6:50 am

  Bought the car last December. About 8800 kilometers (in Canada). Today I found the "Service Regine Soon" light is on. Havent taken it to the dealership yet. But come on, this is brand new car, where is the quality and reliability? I bought a new car because I dont want to have trouble of going to garages.

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  3rd Time is the Charm - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By twowhldoug - November 3 - 6:06 am

  This is the 3rd rogue we have bought. The 2008 was ok but the awd was noisy. The2009 was just horrible, electrical and intell key problems, Nissan couldnt repair it. We tried to get them to replace it but that was a no. The dealer stepped up and helped us get into a 2010 at no cost to us. We have had no trouble with th 2010. It has been a pleasure to own and drive. Have aver 2200 mile in the last 3 weeks and it has gotten 27.6 mpg. If the 2008 we bought first was this good we would still have it. While we were fighting with Nissan about the lemon 2009 we could not decide on another make vehicle that we would Rather have. The rogue is a good a all around SUV with ample power and economy. We like it.

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  Problem Pairing Voice Connect with iphone - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By hbjohn - October 1 - 2:20 pm

  I am very happy with my 2015 Rogue SV with one exception. When it works the voice connect is great, but Voice Connect loses pairing with my iphone 5 with ios 8.3 I have followed directions for pairing and even tried a factory reset. Voice connect worked for the first two weeks then it called a different number than the number the system displayed. The dealer had no idea how to fix. Up until yesterday it worked by magic. Now today I get The message on my phone is Connection Unsuccessful Make sure "My ROGUE" is turned on and in range I have followed directions for pairing and even tried a system reset I have been to the dealer twice. He says the system does not support IS 8.3

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  Love the Rogue! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Jill - September 29 - 12:30 am

  I dumped a 2004 Audi A4 that had given me constant trouble. I still wanted something fun to drive that got great gas mileage but not so pricey or high maintenance. Did a lot of research and chose the Rogue. I drive 18-20k miles a year and need something reliable and comfortable. Having owned a Camry, Maxima and A4, this my favorite. Excellent gas mileage (25-31 mpg), fun to drive, comfortable, and looks great. I was concerned about the CVT after constant problems with the Audi CVT but so far it has been fine. For a small SUV its unbelievable how much it holds. I tailgate at football games and am able to fit the whole setup, luggage, and 3 passengers comfortably on 6 hour road trips. Love it!

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  Great SUV for the money!! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By jeep53 - September 22 - 2:33 am

  Im writing this review after having just purchased this SUV today, but I just wanted to give my first impressions of it. After wanted to purchase the Murano, I decided to test drive the Rogue. After only a few minutes of driving, I was very impressed with the options and the way the car handled. It drives like a car, except with the height and comfort of an SUV. It has a very smooth ride. We opted for the SV with the SL options. It has everything we need, including navigation, and cost over $8,000 less than the Murano.

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  Good purchase for the price - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By snottygirl - August 21 - 12:03 am

  I just purchased this car (base S version without any options) 2 days ago, love it so far. Much bigger than expected, good road performance with the CVT, it just takes some time getting used to the no shifting thing, lock out the OD in hilly sections and enjoy the ride. While more features would be nice the cost of the car was quite reasonable for the quality. I needed a new commuter car because my 1999 subaru forester with 140K miles was about to die and the new forester seemed very cheap feeling, tried the crv (great car) but it all came down to price. While not looking forward to the first real snow it will be interesting to experience the worst nj can throw at this car.

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  Cool Star Wars limited edition Rogue one in white. - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Debra Arrigo - August 14 - 8:40 am

  I love the look of the white with black details. It makes it unique which is hard to find when suvs are all so similar looking. I like the ride, but still trying to get used to the steering. Mine is an SV model with the sun and sound package. The glass roof is great since Im used to the roof height of a truck. The Bose sound system is Bose! Excellent of course. Backing up in this truck isnt my favorite thing to do. It has the rear camera and adjustable mirrors, but I am not comfortable with the view when I turn around to see behind me - another thing to get used to using. The interior design is good, and its comfortable for everyone in the car. It even has AC in the back seat - my dog loves that option. I added leather seats for easier fur cleanup and the front seats are heated. I had it Simonized inside and out, which is well worth the price.