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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  Watch Out from Behind - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By sw1974 - July 14 - 1:00 am

  I bought my 2009 Rogue S used with 14K miles on it. I had researched it & heard about the rear view issues, but WOW! It is bad. The blind spot on each back corner is a complete design flaw and must be fixed with larger windows in new versions. Its not so much the back window as it is the 2 small side windows. Its a real danger if you ask me, but the rest of the car is fine. I had an 07 Honda CR-V before this one and theyre comparable. I dont mind the CVT transmission and feel the car accelerates better than my CR-V did. I have had no issues in these first few months. Gas mileage is great. AC is COLD, which is nice. The sound system-- the factory version, not Bose--is still good quality.

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  Like the Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By lilbit - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my rogue in May and I really like it. The gas mileage is great for getting me too and from work in the Atlanta area. I looked at other small suvs and found the rogue to be the roomiest for a vehicle of its size. I have the navigation system in my rear view mirror and when it is on, there are times when it shuts off during normal driving, then comes by on. The next time its in the shop, will have it looked at.

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  I AM THOROUGHLY DISGUTED WITH NISSAN - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Henry Bartos - July 8 - 1:52 pm

  My particular model has side view mirrors that rotate down automatically when car is in reverse. This is dangerous as I use my r outside mirror to navigate out of garage. Nobody can tell me how to disable this feature

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  Perfect car! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By iluvkev - July 5 - 5:10 am

  I just purchased the Rogue on Sept. 3, 2008 and so far its wonderful! It rides so smooth I can barely feel the bumps in the road. It has plenty of room for my family of 5. Its cute, peppy, and a reliable Nissan. Ive had several cars in the past but this one I refer to as my "baby". I have the pretty blue one and I love the color!

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  One satisfied customer - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By contilover - July 1 - 11:03 am

  Up to now Ive driven 850 miles and car performed exceptionally well. No even small problems at all. Its fun to drive. CVT, when you are used to it, provides very smooth and comfortable ride, especially at traffic jams, and "stop and go". Brakes are excellent. Seats are comfortable, dash is elegant looking, especially at night. My Rogue is stripped down SL AWD version, so I cant say much about performance package, Bluetooth etc. The fuel economy was one of the selling points for me, and Im having about 28.5 mpg with 70/30 mix. Considering that car still is braking in, that mileage is very good. Talking about reliability, there is no issues at all yet. Everything looks like build to last

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  WORST CAR EVER! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By steversteves - July 1 - 1:24 am

  I hate this car so much, I would give anything for someone to crash into me and total it. I have invested so much money in fixing this car its disgusting and after you fix one thing, the other thing breaks. I bought it used with new tires and breaks and it was a very handsome car. Since owning it I have had numerous issues with the tires, I have had the drive shaft blow out on me, leaving me stranded in the middle of a city where I was alone and far away from home, breaking system problems, sensor problems, drive quality issues, heat shield issues and the windshield cracks like its no ones business. I am counting the days till its gone! I drive it in constant fear of it breaking down.

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  Fun to drive! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Sherrice - June 29 - 2:03 am

  I have had this car nearly a month and all I can say is wow! I replaced my much loved Pathfinder with this and I could not be happier. Yes, I lose space and some off-road capability (which I did not use much anyway), but the handling is terrific. I feel like I am in a sports car! Now I look for excuses to drive and I can because it uses a lot less gas than my Pathy. I totally recommend this little crossover to anyone who needs utility with a great sporty ride. Buy it for the fun of it!

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  82000 Miles of frustration - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By lemondepresion - June 26 - 5:02 pm

  This car has been nothing but problems after 41000 miles. Brake rotors keep warping replace and or surface every 10000 miles, and no I dont ride the brakes. Transmission replaced 62000 miles and at 80000 whining again!. Frustrating rattle under front end after a front seal was replaced. Dealer couldnt locate. A.C just went out coming home from Las Vegas. Back seat rattles from latch. Nissan Consumer relationship doesnt care. CVT transmission is junk.

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  Very Big Disappointment - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By truecarchat - June 21 - 4:56 am

  Sorry to report that after 40 days of ownership, I have been able to drive my new Rogue less than 600 miles. Car wasnt properly prepped so it spent one day in service. Air bag control module and sensor went bad, 9 days in service awaiting back ordered part. Average city and highway mileage is about 19 MPG but cant be addressed according to dealer until 1000 mile break in period. Adage "looks arent everything" certainly applies here.

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  Great 2 years! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By lexky - June 19 - 12:40 am

  We have owned our Rogue for a little over 2 years with about 28,000 miles and have only had to have one thing fixed by warranty. Climate control dials that are supposed to light up during the night went out. Very happy with our purchase!