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:

• 

  Overall love it - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By kdavis82712 - June 22 - 3:01 pm

  We got hustled into buying a 2014 Ford Escape SE. Traded it two weeks later for the 2014 Nissan Rogue SV w/ premium package. Best decision ever! The only issues weve had are 1. the nav screen will say loading & you have to cut the car on & off a few times to get it to work. 2. The air takes about 5 mins to get cool. We live in a pretty hot place but even when the temp drops, the air still takes awhile to get cool. Asked the dealership about it. They did nothing. For a brand new car 5 mins to have COOL (not cold) air is ridiculous. Anyone else have this air issue??

• 

  Mouse in the house - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Canadian Rogue Owner - June 15 - 6:30 am

  We love this car. The clearance and fuel economy were the deciding factors for buying it. We live on a farm and have experienced in the seven months that weve owned it: two separate mouse nests in the heater fan, dirt and ice build up in the wheels and grinding noise from the front end (which is now on going). We didnt have problems like this with the Oldsmobile we used as a trade in. We also added a spoiler to reduce the dust and snow build- up on the back window, but it didnt do that. The spoiler did help the fuel economy somewhat though. We are getting the stated fuel economy and it is fun to drive.

• 

  Nice SUV but bad AC - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By jscak - May 23 - 9:38 am

  Bought AWD SL 2014 Rogue in Apr 14. Only 4800 mils on it but havebeen to dealer two times due to auto AC problems. Dealer replaced seal on one visit but AC still not efficient. Seems to take forever to switch from recirc air to outside air in a relatively mild climate (Maryland). Dealer said AC working properly during last visit - if thats the case then AC is poorly sized for this vehicle. Had several other vehicles witn Auto AC and never had this problem - it was basically set-and-forget. Latest problem is cool air comes out of driver side vents but warm outside air out of passenger side with both sides set at 72 deg. Going back to dealer again.

• 

  Everything I want in a small SUV! - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Michael Mason - April 7 - 6:48 pm

  I had been researching for 2 months on which small SUV I wanted. I had finally decided on the Nissan Rogue and I have never been happier! The 2 key factors I wanted most was plenty of back seat space and great gas mileage and my 2016 Rogue fits the bill on both! I am a 6 tall and i have plenty of head room and decent leg room and the back seat room is huge and the back seats even recline. Even the base model I drive has an elegant looking interior. It handles great on the road and rides very smooth! The miles per gallon on this SUV is amazing! Probably my most favorite feature is the eco button located left of the steering wheel. This setting allows your vehicle to achieve the best gas mileage possible. I commute 30 miles back and forth to work 5 days a week and and I go 7 days before having to refill my tank. I have no complaints at all with My Rogue and I have not experienced the popping sounds some reviewers complained about coming from the wheels when i make turns. I am at 25,000 miles right now and everything is still smooth as silk. I am very satisfied with my Rogue!

• 

  Sporty yet practical, safe alternative - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Val - March 22 - 8:23 am

  I am impressed with the exterior, very nice design giving the feeling of a luxury vehicle. The interior is basic but also attractive. Some things I found to be missing that were bothersome to me were: volume control on the steering wheel, one-click power- up window control (there is one-click down, but not up)and auto headlights, no navigation system. The seat adjustment controls, power steering and dash controls are basic. These features may be available if you purchase the premium package. The Rouge handles nicely, although it is loud upon acceleration and it is noticeably a 4 cylinder vehicle. The new technology transmission takes getting used to, the car can feel a bit "put-put."

• 

  Very nice, but... - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By joe945 - March 9 - 5:22 pm

  We have had this car only 2 months now and have already had an issue with it. The navigation/entertainment system stopped working for about 24 hours. It happened when I went to move the car off the street and into the garage. I noticed it start and then turn off when I shifted into reverse. Then it would not turn on no matter what buttons were pressed. A day later it started working again. My guess is that I shifted into reverse too quickly as the system appears to need time to boot up or maybe it was because I did not fasten my seat belt. Whatever the cause was, we havent noticed any issues with it since. I saw a couple of other posts about this before, but now they are gone? Anyone else?

• 

  terrible - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jessica hebert - March 7 - 5:50 am

  i have been having this car for a year and a half. So far i have replaced the transmission the sun roof and now the radiator. they told me that besides the transmission this is normal wear and tear and that i am over reacting!! i have news for them ! No car not even 2 years old should be giving any trouble much less the transmission ! I will never buy a nissan again !

• 

  wife needed awd now has a 2015 rogue sv premium - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By james a mcmahon - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Wife loves her new rogue great in snow, looks good ,cvt very smooth , roomy and nice in inside

• 

  Great small car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By me - February 11 - 6:40 pm

  Got this car to replace my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. Wanted something more fuel efficient and smaller. I really love this little car. It is fun to drive and I really appreciate better gas mileage. Love the Bluetooth! Nissan packs a lot into a small package with this one.

• 

  what a scam, NISSAN CONNECT - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Kelly - February 3 - 9:56 am

  very disappointed, had to pay for sirius to make sure my nissan connect was connected. now I have to pay and additional subscription for the NISSAN CONNECT. You would think that paying over 33K for a vehicle that the technology that was sold with the vehicle would be included with the vehicle.!!!!!!!!