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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  Good to drive,poor equiped. - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jose Lopez - June 15 - 10:00 pm

  Excellent driven experience,like other Nissan that I have had,Altima & X Terra.Incredible power for a 4 cilynder engine.

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  STAY AWAY!!! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Tom Olzak - June 9 - 10:47 pm

  I bought this car used with 38000 miles on it. I drive about 12000 miles a year and have had the car a bit longer then 2 years and the transmission needs replaced (there are 64000 miles on the car) The initial warranty expired after 60000 miles. The Rogues transmission was problematic for years 2002-2010 to the point that there was a class action suite filed against Nissan and as a result they extended the warranty on the transmission for those years to 120000 miles. I was happy with the car till this. Never again will I buy another Nissan or any car with the CVT transmission.....

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  Great small SUV - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By carolinabob - June 7 - 8:36 am

  Great small, but not too small, SUV. The FWD version gets very good mileage and is the most comfortable and quietest riding of any small SUV. Luxurious interior and lots of gadgets, especially if you get the SL with Premium Package. Lots of safety devices. Voice control of infotainment takes some getting used to and is a little slow, but it works fine. Only problem so far is the sunvisors wouldnt hold position, but that was probably a supplier issue. Both replaced and no problems since. NO CVT noise even going up 6-8% grades in the mountains; no searching by CVT either. Prices much more reasonable than CV-T and RAV4.

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  real one (review) - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By imsh - June 3 - 10:16 am

  With every day 8 miles run to work and back home it gives me only 20MPG. Blind spots are awful, rear window is way too small, backing up is a pain... (I understand now why my insurance went up after I gave up Jeep Liberty for Rogue). That small orange, round shaped computer screen is annoying after a week of looking at it, its so cheap and like an alien to the rest of dashboard. Suspension is weak to my taste. Lots of road noise when on poor pavement. With high speed and gusty winds vehicle behaves strange least. When you close your door it sounds like something loose inside. Ignition/access key is huge and ugly. Steering wheel, cruise.ctrl buttons, speakers/sound are poor quality. Etc.

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  Rogue Rocks! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Navyman - June 2 - 8:00 pm

  I have had my 2008 Rogue for 2 years and have put 47,000 miles on it.I drive every day 120 miles to work and back in norhtern Colorado where we get all types of weather snow, rain. heat etc.This vehicle has been nothing short of outstanding.I never worry about the heavy snow, rain, wind or anything on my way to work.I am as comfortable in the Rogue as I am in my Camry or my Altima.I have taken it on long trips in excess of 1400 miles and have loved the performance,gas mileage up to 30 miles per gallon(avg 28.4 overall for city and highway, ) This vehicle was assembled in Japan and the Nissan quality and craftsmanship show.The Tires are Continental and have 47,000 miles on them and are like new!

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  Three month later - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Al - May 29 - 12:33 pm

  Rogue gives lots standard safety including VDS, TCS let alone ABS and curtain supplemental air bags. Enough cargo space for the family errands like shopping, travel and small household items (vacuum cleaner, etc). Having safety and utility above and beyond its price tag it gives sporty look and comfort ride. Noise level is low by any standards. Three months later I am as much happy as on the day one.

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  Major Rogue Transmission problem - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By DJ - May 26 - 9:26 pm

  I want to get the message out to all those considering buying a Rogue..DONT DO IT!! There are countless people out there myself included who after 3000 miles are having major transmission problems. Nissan is aware of the issue but cannot fix it. They know its in the transmission but they dont know what it is. Theyve replaced transmissions just to have the car come back. If you have one, what you will hear is a rattling noise when slowing down < 10 MPH. After a while it will start doing it at all speeds as mine is.

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  2016 Rogue...NICE!!! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Audra - May 19 - 8:15 am

  I only had the car for about a month, but I am very pleased with what you get for the price, I look at other SUVs in the Rogue class, but none I found came with the Navigation system standard....it was always an option. I am also impressed with the ease of steering the vehicle and the safety features and the overall ride is wonderful!

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  Extremely disappointed - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By dogprson - May 14 - 10:31 am

  I purchased my 2008 Nissan Rouge brand new about 5 and a half years ago and have had nothing but problems. The current tally is two transmissions, two gas tanks, two gas gauges, one steering column and one speedometer at only 47,000 miles. Not only does the car have mechanical problems, but the car gets door dings and scratches if you look at it wrong! I no longer take my car on trips, even short ones and I barely trust it to get me to and from work as it has broken on this 5 mile trip! I cant wait to get into a car that I can rely on and you can bet it wont be another Nissan. Worst car I have ever owned!

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  2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tarmstro - May 9 - 4:40 pm

  This car is truly a value. We looked at Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and the Rogue. We liked the Rogue the best... very functional, drives great, quick acceleration and it looks great! We are very happy with our choice!