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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  2 years old and already major repairs. - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By tjleck - February 11 - 8:44 am

  The CVT poses major safety concerns. My car lost power on the freeway in heavy traffic slowing to less than 20mile per hour. My car is 2 years old and just over the power train warranty of 60k. I was told it would be 3k to replace the transmission. This reminds me of the old lemons of the 80s when quality was at all time lows. This is the last Nissan Ill ever own.

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  Love to drive it - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By calchill - January 25 - 9:36 pm

  We have had this car for 3 months and we love it soo much. We dont drive very much but it seems we always find an excuse to take it for a spin. Car has everything we wanted. Sunroof very easy to use and with the deflector added makes it even better. Like the trip computer as u can keep track of mpg or how many miles u have left before refueling.

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  Worth a look - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By John Walters - January 20 - 2:05 pm

  Does it ever make you wonder when reading professional car reviews if the writer thinks hes testing a sports car instead of a CUV. You read things like" CVT drone" uninvolved driving characteristics, slow acceleration etc. Ive got a lot of driving experience behind the wheel and I can tell you the Rouge doesnt disappoint. I didnt buy the vehicle to be able to hit 60 in 6 seconds or test its high speed cornering ability. The Rouge just feels good offering a pleasant controlled ride with little to no springboard effect, unlike some I tried while test driving others in this class. The steering weight is ideal adding to its car like feel. The interior is nicely finished and the cloth seats quite comfortable. The Rouge features an unusual adjustable shelf system in the rear that provides an array of choices to fit storage needs or privacy. Although there is a downside as the shelving may be too flimsy to support heavier items. Must admit I had some reservations over a CVT as opposed to the more flexible 6 speed auto/manual transmission I prefer. Happily those concerns were unfounded. Yes under full acceleration youll notice increased engine noise but overall the vehicle interior is pretty quiet. And there is an allowance to use engine compression to slow vehicle speed when appropriate, a commendable option for an AWD equipped vehicle. The main purpose of the CVT is efficiency which pushes the Rouge up in the MPG ratings. There may be better choices if you plan on towing or carrying heavy loads. But the Rouge should satisfy most family needs, it even comes with a 3rd row seat if so desired. While I prefer my luxury vehicle for long trips, the Rouge is more enjoyable to drive on the windy hilly roads that prevail in this area. I feel better knowing my wife now drives a vehicle that can handle all types of weather and road conditions. Not to mention the utility value of todays CUVs.

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  Rogue S 2016 review - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Karen - January 20 - 10:32 am

  This car presents really well on the exterior. I was given this car as a rental while my 2015 RAV4 was being repaired. I received the base model. The engine in all the 2016 models are the same. (I believe) Acceleration in the Rogue was poor. The gas pedal felt spongy. I would step on it and not get immediate acceleration. In order to pass at highway speeds (60mph) I would step on the pedal only to have it sink down until it finally kicked in with some pick-up. I understand this is because of the CVT transmission. (I now know I dont care for CVT transmissions) The steering felt heavy to me, and the Rogue SUV sat lower to the ground. More car like. The entire vehicle felt heavy to me with most of the weight being toward the bottom of the car. (If youve ever driven a snowmobile youll know what I mean. ) at first I thought the vehicle was front wheel drive only because it felt like the car was being pulled along. But no its awd. So why this heavy feel to the drive train? The ride is okay. The interior is nice. The ac seems to work okay. I can only compare it to the RAV4. The steering is smooth and light but still tactile. The car feels evenly balanced. I dont feel like the front tires are pulling the vehicle along. Acceleration is immediate when I need it. The gas pedal is responsive. The RAV4 sub/seating position is higher than the rogue. I like that. Maybe I had this driving experience because the Rogue was a base model. I wouldnt purchase this vehicle.

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  BAD TRANNY POOR CUSTOMER RELATIONS HELP - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Adam - January 13 - 6:11 am

  My son bought my 2011 Nissan Rogue with 32,000 miles on it, has it regularly serviced the other day the check engine light came on with only 68000 miles on it. He took it to a Nissan dealership, the service manager told him the tranny (problematic cvt tranny nissan knows about) was needed to be replaced. Oh by the way it was 5600$ dollars to replace. He called nissan for any type of assistance and Nissan rep was not only rude but very unwilling to talk to him, all he kept sorry I understand how you feel. This is our 5th Nissan and he didnt care just kept reading from a script sounded like. A car with Nissan supposed quality and known transmission problems you would think they would help in some manner

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  Well worth the money - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By colleen - January 12 - 11:53 am

  After 6 months, Im writing a review. I still believe this was the best purchase Ive ever made. I still love this car, the interior, the CVT, the comfort, the stereo... well everything! I believe this is a must have vehicle!

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  worth it - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By happyrogueowner - January 1 - 6:50 pm

  The rogue brings a nicer design than the RAV4 and CRV for a better price and mpg consumption. The driving is super nice and the engine responds better than the other V4 of the same category.

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  2011 Rogue Review - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By James McKinney - December 31 - 10:06 am

  Ive had my Rogue for 4 years. I just turned 73K without a problem. The vehicle drives just as well now as the day I bought it. I have had several vehicles in my lifetime and I rate this car/SUV near the top of the list. I use the vehicle to commute to work and have taken it on a few vacations without a hitch. My wife liked the Rogue so well that I bought her a 2012 model. It has plenty of power and the CVT is very smooth. You cannot tell that the vehicle is shifting like you do with a regular automatic transmission. There is plenty of room inside. I am 5 11" tall. It may not suit someone much taller though. Plenty of room to haul groceries, etc. Cruise control and A/C work well.

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  Poor built - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By veldatt - December 29 - 10:17 pm

  We bought our fully loaded Nissan Rogue, after reading lots of reviews. We drove the car and it seemed nice. We have driven this SUV for 12,000 km now and it seems it is a poorly built SUV. The paint is cheap and the flap cover over the spare wheel in the trunk jumps making lots of annoying noise (as if you are carrying empty utensils). When shown to the dealer, they say this is the way it is built and when it is cold temperature outside, the rubber knobs shrink and there will some noise. The flap cover is actually loose and not tied down by screws. This is a quality issue which Nissan must address. We paid $38k for this SUV, but are repenting. We should have bought VW Tiguan or Rav4.

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  My 2011 Nissan Rogue SV - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Gary Byars - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Rogue that I have purchased. Traded my 2009 Rogue S for the 2011 Rogue SV. The SV comes really loaded up and the Premium Package really gives you so great options for a really reasonable Price.