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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  Bad back seat - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Mary Grow - April 15 - 12:32 pm

  Only a very small kid can fit in middle of back seat. Also the buckles in middle of back seat dont recess so you ride on hard buckles and they feel auful.salesman said you need not worry because I will be driving

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  Bad back seat - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Mary Grow - April 15 - 12:11 pm

  Only a very small kid can fit in middle of back seat. Also the buckles in middle of back seat dont recess so you ride on hard buckles and they feel auful.salesman said you need not worry because I will be driving

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  Running Rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By lisa hogan - April 13 - 4:35 pm

  This is my third Nissan Rogue and each one is better than the last. The car is comfortable for a wide range of heights, Im 52" and my friend is 64" and we both fit comfortably to drive with good visibility. The Rogue is the only car that I found that has the surround monitor where I can see 360 degrees around the car with the four cameras. The navigation system is very easy to use and the bluetooth quality has improved since my last Rogue. Acceleration is okay, but not great; we make jokes about the "roar of the four". All in all, I am happy with this car and the deal I got and when this lease is up, I will probably lease another Rogue.

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  DO NOT BUY A NISSAN - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Sally Bell - April 13 - 3:53 am

  I will never buy a Nissan again! I own a Nissan Rouge and my car stopped working while I was on the freeway while my daughters were in the car. I found out it was my transmission (CVT) but Nissan refused to replace it since I was 1,700 miles outside of the warranty. There was no indication there was even an issue or that I should take my car in; which would have saved me thousands of dollars, prevented being without a car for over a week, and putting me and my family in grave danger. It is extremely upsetting and disheartening that Nissan cares so little for their loyal customers.

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  Great so far - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By THardey - April 11 - 4:16 am

  Just leased the S version with AWD. As it is built on the Sentra chassis and I previously owned a 2007 Sentra, it improves tremendously on that cars driving feel and performance. Steering feel is MUCH better. CVT takes some getting used to but overall I like it in the early going

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  Best of its class, and good value - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Froggy PA - April 10 - 6:56 pm

  Did extensive shopping after deciding to replace our 2000 Subaru Outback. Subaru has taken a step backward with the 2010 redesign. The Rogue is a nicer vehicle than CR-V, Tucson, Equinox, CX-7, and better value. Great handling and ride. Good passenger room front and back. Good front and side view - limited rear view, as others have pointed out. Rear seats are a bit "benchy", but lots of room. And yes, the fuel door should be inside release. But if you rarely haul bigger cargo and want a comfortable, nice riding, stylish, AWD, well-built crossover at a decent price, get a 2010 while you can. We have the "premium" package and the Bose sound system is awesome.

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  Outshines the CRV - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Kassidy - April 10 - 1:53 pm

  My 2nd rogue. So much better than the Honda CR-V!!! Much more value for the money

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  Finally have a Nissan, and its a winner: 11 Rogue SV AWD w/SL Package. :) - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By nissmazlover - April 10 - 12:16 pm

  Proud new owners of a Black Amethyst 2011 Rogue SV AWD w/ SL Pckg. Favorite thing about it is its beautiful color! It has touches of black, purple and brown, looks different in all types of light and is gorgeous! The rest of the car is great, too! Were amazed at how much you get for the $ - its LOADED! IMO, its the best looking CUV in its class, feels far more expensive than it is, its refined, comfortable, roomy, powerful (feels more powerful than the specs suggest), feels solid, the CVT is an actually interesting affair, and its fun-to-drive. Have had 2 Mazda 5s that I LOVED, but have always wanted a Nissan, too, and now we have a winner w/the Rogue!

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  Luxury SUV in Disguise - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Hector - April 9 - 8:08 pm

  Our 2017 Nissan Rogue SL AWD w/Platinum Reserve Package is, by far, the NICEST car weve ever owned - and definitely deserves a much higher, Edmunds rating than just 3 stars. The Rogue exudes quality and truly feels like a luxury car in disguise - and like it should cost a LOT more than it does. We constantly get compliments from everyone around us who either just sees it (its black with beautiful, silver/black, 19" allow rims, with the tan/camel colored, leather interior) or rides in it. When people do ride in it, they come away supremely impressed and express interest in getting one. And, we continue to be supremely impressed with it, as owners. Theres a reason sales of the Rogue are exploding, people. Its a great SUV! I really dont understand all the adoration the CR-V gets. For us, the Rogue is hands-down better. Its more comfortable, more soothing to drive, better-looking, just as roomy and spacious, and has a more flexible cargo system - not to mention having MUCH more comfortable seats and a smoother ride. Plus, Nissan always works with you to get a good deal, unlike Honda. I admit that the Rogue could be a little faster, but its definitely not objectionable, in the least. The engine is a reliable workhorse, and gets the job done - and with a pleasant, masculine growl to it. Also, the CVT now features "steps" to make it feel more like a regular automatic with much less "drone" - if thats important to you. (I, personally, prefer CVTs over regular automatics - I mean, why would you need to feel gear shifts in an AUTOMATIC transmission, anyway? If you want to feel gear shifts, just get a manual.) Its interesting how Edmunds calls the Toyota RAV4s acceleration "average" for the class, yet calls the Rogues "slow for the class" even though, literally, only 0.1 milliseconds differentiate the two. Biased much? The Rogue, also, handles very confidently. Does it "feel" as "sporty" as the CX-5 or Escape? Maybe not. But, does a car need to "feel sporty" in order to be considered good? Is it no longer a good-enough car simply cuz it doesnt "feel sporty?" Sometimes, automotive journalists are too jaded. The fact of the matter is that it handles well perfectly safe, especially for an SUV, and it instills confidence. Plus, the handling/performance numbers between all the competitors are all similar to each other (things that make you go: "Hmmm."). Also, the Rogue is, actually, a good off-roader that performs awesomely in the snow! Its AWD system is so good that it only trails behind stalwart AWD systems from Jeep and Subaru (btw, there is nary a mention of AWD performance in all these crossover reviews, which all feature AWD. How is that not an important feature to report on? Hello!) The Rogues AWD system is superior to the Honda CRVs (outright useless), the RAV4s, the CX-5s and the Escapes. The Rogue TRULY is a great SUV, people, and youd do yourselves a disservice by simply, automatically and/or blindly going for a Honda, Toyota or Ford without checking one out and driving it - and forming your OWN opinion. Dont let yourselves be influenced by biased, CVT-hating automotive journalists (who, many times, have hidden, money-backed agendas). Go check the Rogue out...youll thank me for it. ;)

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  Amazing SUV for what you pay! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By slakshman - March 31 - 6:09 pm

  I bought this car after two months of analysis and ground work and test drives. I will not say this is the best SUV you will get. But this is the best SUV if you like the options it is giving and ready to forego a few if you dont need them. I am not sure about the mileage still since it needs to drive more than 2000 miles for the engine to get into appropriate mileage. Other than that, this is absolutely best. We love it in our family. Overall, if you dont want more space or more cargo area, then Rogue is for you at a "cannot beat me" price with nice technology package. Hope this helps!!!