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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  Yeah, a good choice. - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By paul1944 - February 5 - 5:22 am

  Traded 2010 Tucson Limited, what an upgrade! RAV 4 too much black plastic on ext. Weird door panel design on interior and felt smaller. Ford Escapeescape looks like a Tucson and Ford Touch not easy to use, I have it in my Mustang. Mazda C5 just too small, lacks refinement. Rogue just has a very classy look and it seems larger. Rogues Lexus like interior really well done, tasteful and comfortable. Most Knobs & dials within easy reach. Apps,sound system, blue tooth, touch screen very easy operation. Raised rear seats nice touch, rear passengers can see where we are headed. I rated reliability avg. because it is new. Fun to drive? Not a sports car, but a refined, comfy ride.

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  Love my New Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Bill - January 27 - 2:20 am

  Overall excellent vehicle. I am very happy with the way it drive and rides. So far for a brand new car gas mileage around town 25.1 mpg

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  Love it - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Ken - January 15 - 12:23 pm

  Need high seats for my back, wanted better gas mileage than my Acura MDX was giving me, so I looked at smaller crossovers. Focused on Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 and didnt love either. The Rogue was stylish, very technologically advanced and I didnt think I was giving up much by going to it. So far, so good. I got the premium package and leather. Very comfortable, great ride and handling. Great bluetooth system, which is important to me. Sound system is as good as you could want. I do not miss my MDX.

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  Love my Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By rogue4u - January 11 - 6:10 am

  Just got my new Rogue and love it. A vehicle that looks as good as it is fun to drive. I would not want to have any other vehicle in the Crossover class other than this one. Out of them all this one is the BEST!!!! Any doubts take one for a test drive you will fall in love with it like I did.

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  Mini Mommy Car - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Lou79 - January 6 - 9:36 pm

  I turned in my 07 Altima 2.5 SL Lease for a brand new 10 Rogue SL and am extremely happy. Has the same transmission as my Altima and I love the CVT. I dont think its loud at all and is more fuel efficient. Im a mom of two small children and commute 80 miles round trip everyday to/from work. The Rogue fits the bill as far as more comfort for the family and easier access for storage in the hatchback area. Plus, now I have a place to do a quick diaper change. Much easier to lug the double stroller around, but still fuel efficient for my long commute. I dont find the window in the back to be too small to view my blind spot like others have mentioned.

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  Test drive was rogue - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Lew balser - January 1 - 11:37 pm

  Limited head leg room in front

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  You Get What You Pay For - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Selena - January 1 - 12:18 pm

  I bought this car in 2013 used with 50,000 miles on it from one owner for 12k. I change the oil on it every 3,000 miles and do a yearly general maintenance (not including repairs... of which I do plenty). Pros: (1) Accelerates quickly, (2) brakes quickly and well, (3) handles tight curves well when driving, (4) good size for a crossover, (5) big trunk. Cons: (1) I’ve had a transmission problem for about 2 years now (at 60,000 miles)- I blame the Continuous Variable Transmission… the car basically stops accelerating whenever I go steadily over 65 MPH- which is really dangerous on busy highways, and has become a huge problem for me especially after I hit 90,000 miles, (2) for a 2011 car, the insides are the bare minimum- it doesn’t have USB ports or electric seat adjustments, (3) seats arent that comfortable and backseat passengers tend to feel squished, (4) it’s a gas guzzler- it has a low MPG and a 15.9 gallon tank so I’m constantly filling it up, (5) poor driver peripheral visibility- I literally have to crane my neck to check the road because of the interesting angle of the A pillar, (6) as strange as this sounds, it has a ‘soft’ metal frame- by that I mean that any little ding on the body leaves it scratched at best, dented at worst. All in all, it’s a decent when driven as a local, low mileage car, but I drive a lot and I wouldn’t suggest it to anyone who does a lot of driving. I’ve spent almost as much on repairs on it as I did buying it.

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  3.5 stars. Not bad, but not amazing. - 2018 Nissan Rogue
  By Joe H - December 30 - 3:38 pm

  Ive been driving this car for three weeks now. I leased it for a reasonable amount per month. Its the AWD version of the SV trim (second out of three trims, the top of the line being the SL). This car is another one of those mid $20,000 SUVs that puts more energy into creature comforts than raw performance. It has a delightful interior. It could be better in some areas, but the inclusion of a back-up camera, heated seats, remote start, and Android Auto keep me from wanting to complain too much. The seats are comfortable enough and the ride is good enough. I have no real complaints about it, but I have no real praises either. The car doesnt come with navigation, but I get it for free via Android Auto so Im happy. The interior could be better, but it could also be much worse. The divide-and-hide feature in the back is nice and it does have fairly good cargo space. My friend doesnt complain about the backseat. Again, another one of those middle-of-the-road deals. It takes a moment to warm up, but it has an auto-starter so it helps mitigate that as well. The only real complaint I have is the engine and the continuous variable transmission. Its a very soft, sluggish drive. The set-up is decent for gas mileage, but not so great if you really want to "drive" your car. This is especially true if you need some extra power to pass people on the freeway or idiots on their cell phones on 45MPH roads. Im leasing this thing for three years (2018-2021). I dont regret the lease, but Im definitely not buying it at the end of said lease. I may even trade it in beforehand depending on the circumstances. The creature comforts are nice and for that Nissan deserves 3 stars. The engine gets it half a star because its not useless, but its just not interesting, either. Those who really need decent fuel economy and modern tech at a decent price and dont mind having a less-than-optimal engine could be happy with this one. However, anyone looking for a responsive car with a little juice may want to look elsewhere. I give it a 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4). I dont hate this car. I dont dislike this car. Its like that friend that you dont see that often but you kinda dont mind not seeing that often but theyre still your friend, if that makes sense. Its an okay car.

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  Best for the Price - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By mathews - December 24 - 11:10 pm

  I bought my 08 Rogue in Sep 2008. After 1 1/2 yrs still I love the performance of my SL AWD. In this years worst winter in Philly my Rogue was running smooth without any traction problems. Never got stuck in ice. Never felt like driving in Ice. Fuel economy is incredible while driving long routes.I have been getting 27 hwy and around 23 in city. Plenty of room and comfortable seating providing a great ride on long trips. Also a great design giving a real sporty look . Over all Nissan Rogue is the " Best car for less price".

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  Dont buy - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jackol - November 29 - 10:40 pm

  First, our car has 55K miles. I know how this car performs and I do my own maintenance. This review is based on 2 1600 mile trips, two weeks apart. Received a recall letter from Nissan relative to Trans belt noise. We had no problem but took it in and had the new software installed. Our gas mileage went from 27-32 down to 20-24 MPG. Nissan refused to fix it. I will paint large lemons on it drive to every Nissan dealer I can find. Paint quality is also pathetic.