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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  Rogue is fun, well-built, very nice! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jw rogue 08 - April 15 - 8:30 pm

  Just picked it up, but first impressions is that this is going to be a very fun cross-over. Driven them all, and this one feels like a very nice, sporty car in a small suv package.

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  Brand New Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Dallas Rogue - March 27 - 5:40 pm

  I love it. All the perks of an SUV without being to big. I have had 21-25mpg combined hwy & city.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Art - February 25 - 3:20 pm

  We are really pleased with the new Rogue. Excellent gas mileage and fairly quiet and fun to drive. Our mileage is in the high 20s and we havent used it on a trip yet. The best feature is the CVT and I think this is giving us the high mileage.

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  Transmission Is not repairable - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Brandi - February 25 - 3:08 am

  Stay far away from this car. My transmission is shot for the 2nd time and Nissan is doing nothing about it. Theyve known about it for years and take no accountability. LEMON!

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  Gone Rogue! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Chris - February 23 - 3:56 am

  Shopped around for a long time looking for a vehicle to replace my 2009 Honda Fit which I loved. However, Im a big guy and I was getting tired of a small car. My daughter will get the Fit and I started looking at SUVs. I test drove the Escape, RAV4, CRV , HRV and the new Sportage. I tell you, I like them all but the Rogue, in my opinion, had the nicest interior and I always liked the exterior. The Ford was more sporty and higher tech, the Sportage was real nice too but it didnt even come with a spare tire and the mileage wasnt that good for this class. Can,t go wrong with any Honda product in my opinion but the HRV was a fit on steroids and I liked the Rogue feel better. The Toyota was more expensive for the similar trim level. We have a 2012 Nissan Quest van and its been great. So I opted for the Rogue since I got a good deal. Overall, Im very pleased. The reviews said that it did not have enough power but I find it more than adequate and Ive been averaging 30 mpg! The seats are a little firm but tolerable. The ride is nice and fairly quiet. The Fit had a great sounding stereo but Im pleased with the Rogues. I had a problem with the passenger side front door rattling which the dealer has addressed. I think the Rogue is a excellent value and I would recommend it without reservations.

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  Luxury Wagon - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Pam Lundberg - February 18 - 9:39 am

  I purchased this lovely Rogue because someone t-boned me and totaled my 2009 Murano - :( I LOVED that Murano, so this Rogue had big tires to fill. I bought the SL AWD and it truly is nice. Off the bat though, Im not sitting as high off the road as I was in the Murano, I feel like Im driving in a sedan. Also, the Murano had the V6 and this little nugget is 4 cyclinder CVT - I do notice a slight hesitation when accelerating (but only because Im a brat comparing to the Murano). So those are really the only hmmm moments Im having. Other than that theres plenty of room inside. More head room than the Murano. I was able to go with the almond leather interior and its STUNNING! I have the moonroof that goes the length of the roof, so that is amazing as well. There are cameras galore all over the car, so Im able to look at the screen and see both a normal view AND a birds-eye view of the car.

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  A Bargain - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Rich T. - February 16 - 7:43 pm

  I got the "S" Model with the 360 degree package. It gives you $2,000 worth of extras for $1,000 (privacy glass, alloy rims, backup camera, spoiler, etc). Im glad I opted for the 360 package. The bare "S" model is spartan. I still miss things like an outside temperature indicator and a drivers seat that adjusts upwards. Both are available with the "SL" Model. The base "SL" model is just a few bucks more than a "S" Model with the 360 package. However, most "SL" Models have other options and thats when the price starts to rise. Ive put 4,000 miles on mine and love it. The CVT is excellent. Smooth as glass. Fairly good mileage. Lots of pep, feels like a 6 cylinder. And a Bargain!

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  Frustrated and Disappointed - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By ann8023 - February 16 - 12:55 am

  I purchased a new 2013 Rogue in May 2013. Last week, the malfunction light came on in the car. After experiencing difficulty accelerating while driving in town, I took the car to the nearest Nissan dealer. Eventually, it was determined that I needed a new transmission. The car had less than 5,000 miles! It has been 8 days and the car is still being repaired. I will never purchase another Nissan again. Clearly, there was a defect in the manufacturing process.

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  Not quite perfect - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By newrogueowner08 - February 15 - 6:20 pm

  As a former Corolla owner now working in northern NJ, I was looking for something with a little more power & able to handle the mountains, snow & rain. After driving 1500 miles, I have to give it high marks for steering and braking. That said the ride could be a little smoother. There is also noticeable road noise (wind) that seems to be coming from the hatch area as if it werent sealed properly. Seating is very comfortable. I wasnt happy w/the factory black leather w/red dots so I opted for dealer installed black leather. IMO, its much nicer. The Bose stereo is excellent. Nissan forces XM on you, so you will need to install an aftermkt Sirius radio thru the aux port.

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  Wouldve been a 5 if not for 1 thing - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Nicko - February 12 - 8:28 am

  The car handles nicely for a 2.5L and the entertainment is nice. The only thing i absolutely hate about it is the seats. They are really uncomfortable and push your head forward if youre trying to rest your back on the seat. The bottom part of the seat is ok and holds you in place, id rate the back but the headrest restricts me from resting comfortably and the head rest sucks.