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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  A fool and his money - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By a fool and his money - March 21 - 8:33 pm

  Center display showing how fast you are going and odometer reading failed after three days purchase, (tuned white) no data could be read, display cluster on backorder for over a week no date on when we will getting a new part. First tank of gas not used, the dealer has had the SUV longer for repair then we had it to drive it. UPDATE WEEK 2 has passed still no date on when the replacement display cluster will be here. They say (Nissan) is making a new display cluster when they get it done, will take another 5 days for the Model company to have it loaded with our ROGUES, VIN # and mileage only 85 miles. Then it will need to be installed by the dealer. UPDATE WEEK 3 has passed still no date on when the replacement display cluster will be here. They say they sent the display to the Model company but they do not know where it is no tracking number, right. Next week the state LEMON car LAW ( 30 days ) will start so this will be ending some how next week. Called consumers affairs at Nissan the person assigned to the problem is to busy to call us back they must have a lot of people with Nissan car problems to fix. UPDATE WEEK 6 has passed still no date on when the replacement display cluster will be here. The part department said the a new display would be them to install in our SUV ROGUES 3/13/2017 BUT NEVER CAME and surprise no PART and NO FEDEX tracking number for part at wits end.

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  A good Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Robert - March 20 - 7:13 am

  My Rogue handles very well even in the wind. Acceleration is good, it rides very comfortably, the sound of the transmission was odd at the beginning but I dont notice it now. No problems getting around this past winter. Im very happy with the vehicle.

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  Not bad for a last minute choice - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By golfprof76 - March 17 - 11:46 pm

  So, I like others got stuck with the cash for clunkers deal (traded in a Jeep Grand Cherokee) but I have to say that for a last minute choice, I think I did ok. For starters the engine is loud, really loud. Almost to the point that Im waiting for an explosion to happen when I hit 4000 rpm. Fuel economy is great (considering I went from 16 mpg to 23) and the ride is quite comfortable. The price, well I still think Nissan could have done better with the S type. $19000 is a bit much for just about the same stuff you could get in a Sentra.

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  I LOVE IT - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By TamaraP - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I am a Nissan owner. I traded my 2007 Nissan Xterra for the 2011 Nissan Rogue. Yes, there is a difference. Height wise, I am 5"11 and 250 pounds, but I fit comfortably, I have only had it for 2 days. Gonna see how it does with fuel for a month. I had a 97,2001,2004 Pathfinders & 2007 Xterra and loved them all. I am a Nissan lover and not many things upset me about any of my vehicles and I had them all brand new. I researched them all before I bought them. I was a little skeptical over the Rogue at first because of my size and height, but it is an adjustment that I can make. The steering wheel size drives me crazy. Need a cover. Any ideas, they seem to all come standard 14.5 or 15.5.

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  I love this car! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Kari - March 9 - 12:56 am

  We just bought this car, and it is a thrill to drive! I love the CVT, very peppy and smooth 0-60. I researched and tested Rav4, Volkswagen, Mazda, etc., and none compared to the Rogue style/value. I traded a Pathfinder only due to poor gas mileage, but have always loved Nissan quality. This car looks awesome and is a blast to drive. It is very nimble and responsive... you dont even notice that it is a 4 cyl. I chose the AWD because we are moving back up North in a few months. I was impressed with the 5 star crash rating. I couldnt be more thrilled with this crossover!!

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  LOVE my Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jldono2 - March 6 - 2:43 am

  I have been driving a V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the last 6 years, and so far I love my Rogue. I was worried about a 4 cyl not having enough power, and this car has plenty of power passing, going up the mountains. So far I love my new Rogue!!

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  LOVE MY ROGUE - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By pgh1559 - March 5 - 6:08 pm

  I purchased my Rogue 3 weeks ago. I traded in a 2009 Altima on it. It is comfortable and fun to drive. I like sitting a little higher than in a car, it is very easy to get in and out of... I looked at and test drove the Equinox and 2012 CRV, though both of them had some better features than the Rogue, I went with the Rogue for looks and the keyless feature. I have only filled up my tank 2 times and the last fill up I got was 25.3 mpg and that is just around town, no highway driving, that is me figuring the mileage not the computer on the car. I would recommend the Rogue. I really love the car despite a few negatives of the Navi and Bluetooth.

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  I had never even heard of the Rogue! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Female traveler - February 28 - 11:23 pm

  For 2 weeks I was shopping for a crossover for my sales job. I travel by car every day, weeks on end and I wanted a crossover to carry my samples,etc. I was drooling over the Subaru Outback Premium w/All Weather pkg for those 2 weeks but I compared other cars. (Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, Honda CR-V). My husband pointed out the Rogue on Edmunds and I went to see it the next day. I loved it, the price, the ergonomics and the overall "feel" of this vehicle. I purchased it the day after the test drive. So far I just LOVE this car and esp LOVE the price/value of it! I look forward to the many road trips ahead. I put 400 miles on the car the first week I owned it and I enjoyed every mile!

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  I felt comfortable the first time I drove it.... - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By jcnninin - February 22 - 9:05 pm

  I bought a used 2011 Rogue with 28,000 miles on it, a "program car" in excellent shape. I test drove the Honda CR-V, RAV4, Altima, and brand new Rogues, but for some reason when I drove this one, it felt like "my car." It just fit. The ride is nice and smooth even with the 4-cylinder (Im used to driving full-sized V-8s). It has quick response in the 25-45 MPH range that makes moving around in traffic very easy. I guess you could call it "nimble." Gas mileage is very good, but not great. After driving 900 miles (mostly city driving), Im getting about 24.2 MPG. I have XM satellite radio, which rocks. More roomy inside than it looks. All in all, I love it.

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  Little Bit of Everything - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Mr. T - February 19 - 6:46 am

  Was looking and test riding CRVs and RAV 4s. Stumbled upon the Rougue and found it to be every bit as good as a CRV which I previously owned and better than the Toyota. Toyota and Honda would not deal but Nissan came down $6K off the list last August and that clinched the deal. About 12Km now and no complaints other than gas mileage not quite as good as I expected it to be. Its versatile and fund to drive both in the city and on the highway. Always admired the looks of the Merano, this shares many of those good looks and makes RAV 4 and CRV look dated.