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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  MPG is so far off - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By cs4420 - July 2 - 8:56 pm

  I leased a Rogue when a lease on an Altima was expiring. The car is bad. The sticker MPG says 31 highway, 25 city. I have never gotten over 24 MPG since I got the car, and I drive mostly highway. Also, the battery in the car was defective and had to be replaced 10 days after I got the car. Fit of the drivers side door is poor. It makes a grinding sound every time I open the door. Lastly, the windshield wipers are brand new and whenever they return to the down position, there is a place on the windshield that is not cleared of water. Terrible vehicle.

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  Sporty and Comfortable, Bad Visibility - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By seasidemom - July 1 - 2:58 am

  Rear visibility and rear side visibility out the little rear corner windows is just awful. The head rests are so big it is hard to see looking back. The moonroof/sunroof cover does not retract fully to provide full view of opening. The CVT engine is definitely noisy even when you are just accelerating around town. Very bothersome. I am used to not hearing such a noisy engine. Once you have accelerated and are at cruising speed it is fine, but getting there is loud. I will say that driving the Roque is fun, and comfortable and sporty and zippy. I really do like driving it on the highway, around winding roads and everywhere. If not for the noise and esp. the visibility, it would be great.

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  "This Car ROCKS!" - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Clyde - June 26 - 1:33 pm

  This car is quick for a 4 cylinder! We took it out on a test drive and by the time we merged with traffic we had hit 80. It is smooth riding, roomy, none of that shift surge you get with geared car, in fact the "pro" reviewer said he could hear the engine rev up, and be noisy; when you accelerated. We heard none of that. No run up in RPM. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. The car is for my wife. She had an expedition with an 8 cylinder and she was afraid the Rogue was going to be underpowered. NO WAY, she was a happy camper after the test drive.

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  R1 - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Janasnake77 - June 25 - 10:25 am

  I love my Rogue! True that blind spot is a hazard, but other than that, I am very satisfied​. Great family vehicle. Fun to drive!

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  Fantastic! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By aesgemini529 - June 21 - 8:25 am

  There isnt much I dont love about this car. Ive had it for 8 months now and I have the SV/SL "everything" package. The leather is nice, my friend says the seats are more comfortable than in her CR-V. Im slightly disappointed with the gas mileage, but I have a lead foot (20/22 city with AC in Texas heat, 28 tops highway). I went from a 2000 Cavalier, so I really love sitting up higher, and the sunroof and back-up cam are must haves. It is very quiet, and it doesnt feel too large unlike some others in the category. Accessories feel high-quality, not cheap.

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  Somewhat disappointed - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Rogueguy - June 20 - 2:16 am

  Transmission had to be replaced after only 8,000 miles. Hope it gets put back without any "new" service provided surprises. Some road noise. Ill try undercoating. Good ride and handling. Fuel economy better than advertised. 26 MPG overall. 32 mpg at 55 mph, 28 at 70 mph. I believe that there is enough power to slow engine to 2000 rpm at 70 mph and improve highway milage with CVT. Rear visibility is a problem. Wide angle stick ons on outside mirror helps. Some engine and air conditioning compressor noise.

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  Not the right car for you? - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By The car master - June 16 - 2:00 am

  You are making a big mistake if u buy this car or should i say "circular shaped car" I thought i was doing the right thing but. i was hardly mistaken. People told me i had the best looking car they ever seen. I heard it all and then when i finally got rid of it then they started telling me the truth. I felt so bad because everyone was talking behind my back about this bubble that im driving. Not a good look for a middle age guy with a very important job. Not for nothing but i cant even put up a ceil fan to save my life yet drive this car. make sure you take a second guess before u just go and buy this "bubble",they call it. Make sure it is the right car for u. Trust me im saving ur life.

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  Not Happy - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Matt - June 16 - 2:00 am

  After having this car about a month I could tell something wasnt right. It finally messed up for someone else to notice a month or so later. Took it to the dealership twice and they could not find anything with their computer test. Now I am over 500 miles from home and the check engine light comes on and they lovely computer test says I need a brand new transmission.

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  My New Rogue SL AWD loaded - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By KYTexan - June 5 - 1:06 pm

  We love our new Rogue. Traded out of a RAM1500 quad cab, now getting almost double the mpg which is very nice. Drove all the vehicles in the small SUV segment, liked the Nissan the best overall. I splurged and got all the options; leather, moon roof, heated seats, paddle shifters, etc. I will be ordering the rear wing/spoiler as it wasnt available when I purchased my Rogue. Ive had a ton of folks say they really like its looks. Avg MPG so far on 2 tanks of gas is 22.6 with a 60/40 split of city/hwy driving. Pretty good for something my wife and kids can fit in comfortably.

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  From a Ford to a Nissan - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Rogue17 - June 5 - 6:10 am

  After years of driving Fords I bought my first Nissan back in August when I decied I wanted to go back to an SUV I absolutely loved it!!! I compared the Rogue SL to the Escape Titanium loved them both but the Nissan was about $8,000 less and has all the features that the Escape had. Its more fun to drive and has a sportier styling. Theres not much difference in the gas millage between the too. I just might a Nissan man from now on