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:

• 

  BUY A ROGUE! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By ashley17 - February 1 - 7:24 am

  Overall....BEST CAR EVER! I dont know what is wrong with people who fuss about the shape of the car, nothing is wrong with it! Rides like a dream, purrs like a kitten,and will never let you down unless it is a minor problem like an oil change or tires. BUY ONE!

• 

  it is just okay - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kiowa - January 20 - 5:10 pm

  I have had this car about 9 months now. I should have bought a used luxury for the price. If you have a family larger than 4 forget about space in the hatch, there is no room. Makes a lot of noise on the express way. Not fun to drive in winds at high speeds. Handles like a gem in the snow and ice.

• 

  84,000 and still going strong - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tamoshanter - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Follow up after purchasing new in 12/07. With 84,000, going strong. Am religious with oil changes, replaced the transmission fluid once, upon recom. From my mechanic. No problems mechanically or aesthetically at all - very pleased with ride, reliability and comfort. Small back storage, but have towed 10 uhaul with no problem when moving college age kids. Passengers in back comfortable in back. Overall, very happy

• 

  Rav4 or Ford Escape are better options than Rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By BalaChander Nalamothu - January 3 - 4:27 pm

  Interior Color is Bright Red, which is bad. Door buttons dont have any light to look up in Dark/nights. Gear nob is not comfortable. 1 USB is not sufficient. Makes Lot of noise while accelerating and driving, even cant hear audio/music inside while accelerating. Poor Materials inside.

• 

  Nice handling vehicle. - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Two Old Crows - December 14 - 3:23 pm

  Now I understand why all the complaints on this forum about the poor visibility out the rear of these Rogues. I was backing down my driveway at night and scraped the left rear wheel rim on a low stone wall because I couldnt judge distance properly due to the small rear window. Hope my gas mileage improves. Lowest has been 19.9 and highest is 21.6. Vehicle has less than 2000 miles on it, so Im hoping for improvement as my mileage increases. Car drives and handles beautifully.

• 

  My Rogue has the Nissan Drone - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Lewis Muldrow - December 7 - 9:58 am

  When you test drive this car please make sure you find a long test drive route where you can maintain 1,500 RPM. The CVT transmission causes a harmonic vibration in regular mode. It is caused by moving into the highest gear possible, as quickly as possible to obtain the best fuel economy. You are no doubt asking how does this guy know this. Well I bought a new Rogue in July and have a vibration in my steering wheel at 1,500 RPM. I took it back and the the dealer said nothing could be done. I called Nissan and they said they are aware and nothing could be done. The dealer got me in touch with the regional technical service representative. He rode in the vehicle and said this is what you have. Once again nothing can be done. If a fix becomes available we will let you know. This is a feature on all Rogues and you should have felt it when you test drove the car.

• 

  Whistling Windows - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Debra Engel - December 2 - 12:53 am

  For 2 1/2 years now we have been trying to get the problem with the whistling windows resolved. I realize it takes someone to drive the car to hear it but that is their job. We have located the noise and have told them time and time again but it never gets resolved. We continue to have to listen to this annoying noise every time we go 60+ mph which is every day. My husband who drives the car to work is fed up with the inadequacy of getting this fixed and so am I since I am the one usually inconvenienced by the time it is left in the shop. I just dont get it in this economy that they dont want to take care of their existing customers. Especially since we bought a 2008 Altima Hybrid also.

• 

  Really enjoying our rogue - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By njackson3148 - October 29 - 8:14 am

  we have had our rogue for abour 10 weeks now. We traded in our 2013 mazda CX-5 for our new rogue. was happy with the cx-5 minus the very hard seats. on a long trip I would start to get very sore in as little as an hour. The seats in the Rogue are amazingly comfortable. As soon as you sit in them you can feel the quality and comfort of the NASA designed seats. The quality of the interior fell well above average and I love all the high end features (LED headlights, Panoramic sunroof, etc)

• 

  Beware of Design Defect - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Perk - September 30 - 12:06 pm

  On the 2009 AWD SL the dash passenger & driver side trim around the vent reflects into the side mirrors (sunny day or cloudy) and is a huge distraction when looking to change lanes. Going to cause an accident. I brought this to the dealers attentions which the service area blew it off, i called corp and they could care less,the only person that made any effort to help render was the sales person. NISSAN listen up and dont bring out the vent so far on the dash and this will get rid of the problem.

• 

  How can they call this a NAV system? - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By sparky196 - August 19 - 4:54 pm

  I recently bought a 2015 Nissan Rogue with "NAV". This car is not equiped with a NAV system it is a map system only. If you want NAV you have to pay a monthly fee to Sirius something the dealership neglected to advise me of. . I have owned the car for 2 months, and during this time during the free trial period have been stuck several times in traffic situations Only to be "warned" of a problem while already stuck in it. This system is totally uselees and a complete waste of money