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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  Rogue . . . So-So - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By MPATTER - November 8 - 2:23 am

  Ive been driving my Rogue for 3 wks. now. It has a comfortable ride, but the int. ergonomics are terrible. I believe it must have been designed for someone with the arm length of a veloco-raptor. The window switches are set back about 4 inches too far. The center armrest is also back too far. The cup holders are too close together and are also set back a bit far. The side mirrors are nice and large. This is good because the rear window is the same size as the rear view mirror. Performance wise, it is not bad. Smooth ride, with OK pickup for a 4 cyl. engine. It does have an unusual resonance when at 40 MPH. Must be the CVT trying to find a sweet spot. MPG is between 21-23.5

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  Great SUV - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By redred - November 2 - 7:43 pm

  I kept reading these reviews about the Rogue and I decided to test drive one. I loved it the minute I got behind the wheel. It drives great and its very comfortable. The CRT engine noise takes some getting used too. But, overall Im very happy with my purchase.

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  Best in Class...No Complaints! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By New England Driver - October 30 - 10:40 am

  My very first car was a Porsche 944 and since then Ive converted and driven nothing but Saabs...then we had a baby and it was time to be more practical. So we started our research and compared all of the different mid-sized SUVs out there in the <$30K price range. I was truly surprised when we finally test drove the Nissan Rogue. It had many of conveniences youd find in a luxury car, the performance experience youd want in a sports car, the fuel efficiency youd expect from a compact car, the storage space you need in a SUV, and the safety features youd demand in a family car. So we got one for my wife, and every day since Ive beggged her to take the Saab so I can drive the Rogue!

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  Horrible - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By evangelista09 - October 20 - 2:53 am

  Initially I was excited about this vehicle. After 4 months I was in the shop to get the car fixed and tuned up more than any other vehicle Ive owned in my life. then I get a recall notice from the govt. The car is at risk for losing control and crashing. I cant believe the money I spend for this vehicle. Gladly trading it in tomorrow! ]

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  Smooth - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By R. Grantham - October 16 - 9:44 am

  Love this little car. Back seats have plenty of leg room. Engine runs so smooth you will love just trying to listen to it.

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  Unbelievable - 2018 Nissan Rogue
  By Jack paugh - October 8 - 2:32 pm

  My big thing is no digital speedometer? With all the technology,no digital reading on speedometer. Has a digital average speed though! Rest of car is basic. Great gas mileage, and that is what I was wanting . Road noisey at higher speeds. I have owned most of simulator suvs Honda,Toyota,gmc ,Subaru all have some hold backs.

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  Long Commute Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Long Commute Rogue - October 4 - 8:30 pm

  I was searching for a crossover SUV with at least 27 mpg highway mileage. My work commute is 104 miles round trip, 90% of which is highway in Atlanta. I test drove many crossover SUVs (Honda CRV, Mazda CX7, and Toyota Rav 4) and liked Rogue the best. It had the quietest engine, nicest stereo, and most comfortable seats. After just 1,400 miles I am averaging 26.1 mpg. I am writing this because I read almost all 95 Edmund reviews for this car before making my decision. I thought it was only fair to return the favor. BTW - I am probably not the target consumer - I am 54 years old but love this fun car to drive combined with my moonroof, music, iPod interface and awesome Bose stereo system.

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  The Car is a Lemon - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By pcappello - September 29 - 5:24 am

  Since April of 2011 I have had my car into Nissan for auto lights not functioning my ipod turns on when the audio is off and the electronic driver seat moves forward by itself. This has been reported and supposedly services more than 10 times already happening. Saturday all my dashboard settings changed by themselves and my trunk would not open even though my engine was on. On Sunday my engine locked and my smart key nor the key would unlock the steering column. I was out of state &had to have it towed to a dealer where they claim it is all due to an undersized battery. hello- it is the factory battery. DONT Buy this car nor any NISSAN as they do not stand behind their service not the

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  Happy with my choice - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By LCB - September 23 - 6:30 pm

  One month into the purchase and I am very satisfied. Ride is good, view through rear window is limited, but workable given the other windows in the back of vehicle. Seats are comfortable for longer rides and there is enough room to pack my family of four for a week at the beach. Have not experienced the transmission "shifting" mentioned on hwys. Use the cruise control and all is well. For the money I am very satisfied with the performance, comfort and look of the vehicle.

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  Very pleased for the price - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tamoshanter - September 17 - 9:03 am

  Just bought the rogue last week and I love it. Compared it with CR-V, RAV4 and CX-7, and am happy with the ride, comfort, handling, and engine (for a 4 banger). The CVT takes some getting used to, coming from someone who as a teenager had a firebird formula 400; but works well enough and getting 28 mpg on highway w/out the engine broken in. Bose stereo sounds boss, bluetooth through the stereo with steering wheel buttons is great! My wife loves the styling and the kids (actually 21 & 17) find the rear seat very comfortable, with plenty of room behind them for their junk!