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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  2500 Mile Mark - Update - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By rogueman41 - August 13 - 12:39 pm

  After 2500 miles, Im still enjoying my Rogue. Finally getting used to the CVT. It could use a little more power. It scoots around town just fine. Passing and entrance ramps are another story. Maybe with the next re-design, they will address that issue. If they would just figure out a diesel option for this vehicle, the low end torque would be awesome. Ride is just ok for a crossover....many times you can tell youre in an entry level vehicle (although it really doesnt LOOK entry level). I get a lot of complements on it. But you can usually hear and/or feel small road imperfections. Gas mileage has been right around 25mpg (combined city/hwy).

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  What its missing - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By texasholly - August 1 - 9:41 pm

  I bought my car about a month ago and I just hit 1,000 miles. averaging 22.8 MPG and I drive 45 HWY miles to work 5 days aweek. I thought I would get better gas milege... its fun to drive and I love it but it lacks in rear visibility, the backup camera is a MUST, but Its difficult to use if youre not used to it. switching lanes is a challenge as well, a small car would be difficult to see and miss... I hope this gets better the longer I have the car. I would buy this car again.

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  We Love It - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By andreaken1 - July 15 - 8:09 am

  Havent used the shift paddles yet. Blind spots. road noise, wind whistling re cross wind. 32 mpg hwy with a/c heater off. Same brakes at 89,000 km but lot of hwy driving but reconditioned for $400.. Low tire indicator on and off. Love the bluetooth, miss a GPS, Rear door plastic hand grab keeps falling out. On the small size though.

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  Starting to get concerned.... - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By AnnaB - May 30 - 6:53 pm

  My husband and I were looking for an Suv/crossover that got good mpg and was functional for work or family. We love the look of the Rogue and have an 08 Altima that has been great. We bought this in Feb 2010 and noticed alot of road noise as the weeks went on...especially in the rain. I am 510" and my husband is 62 so the rear view mirror has become a real issue because of the blind spot it creates. My biggest concern has been the vibration and hesitation when accelerating from a stop or onto the freeway. I had it looked at and was told it is the CVT and is a "normal" function. Then, a few days ago, I started it and the motor started revving without warning...just a fluke? or a sign?

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  Just Purchased a new Rogue - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By shattered - May 7 - 1:23 am

  Have had my Sl Rogue for 2 weeks. The car is fun to drive. Im getting used to the cvt tranny. Im coming from a truck so its a bit different but so far I really like it. The inside is very sporty gray and black. the Bose system is awesome if you love music and blue tooth on steering wheel is a great safety feature, I wish my wife had it in her car. I also drove the Santa fe and Tiguan. Santa Fe was boring but a lot bigger, Tiguan drove nice and had a lot of power for 4 cyl.They are a bit more money and less features though. Hope this helps anyone with making a decision. As note in other reviews there are some bad blind spots. Thats my only negative so far in 2 weeks of ownership.

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  Update on third Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By twowhldoug - May 1 - 10:00 am

  This us our 3rd Rogue. 2008 AWD was very noisy. 2009 was a lemon, Nissan could not fix it. Dealer helped us into 2010. So far this one has had none of the problems of the 2009. It has averaged 29 MPG all around driving. The trans is still noisy (as all are).The seats are good We take a lot of road trips (last week 2,983 mile trip). Fuel gauge is wacky (as all are). Disappointed that this 2010 has no in mirror compass. Would we buy a 4th? Cant say for sure (due to the way Nissan Company treated us with our 2009). But the dealer will have our biz for sure.

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  Very Happy so far! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Harleycag - April 28 - 2:30 am

  Ive had my 2010 Rogue for a week...and I LOVE IT! I bought a base model with the 360 package...definitely worth it! I added heated leather seats, Bluetooth and remote start...all for under $2000, which still brought the sticker price of this car in well under $26K. LOVE the CVT...drives smooth, no transitioning of gears. Ive yet to drive in the snow, but am hopeful from all the reviews Ive read. The 4 cylinder is powerful enough for me, but Im a "chick" and was told that the 4 cyl. is a "chick car" because of that, lol. It is a quiet and smooth ride...which after owning a Subaru Forester is a nice change!

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  Better than Expected! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By TALL IN THE SADDLE - April 7 - 9:46 pm

  I got this Rogue on Dec 1st, as a company vehicle. I drive on many rural roads as a sales rep, so needed good clearance & the AWD is great. I was used to V6 engines, so it took a bit to get used to the 4 cylinder. I think the CVT is great. I average about 25-26 MPG, when driving normally. If I really drive it hard (80 MPH) on the interstate, mileage drops to 22-23. I like everything about it except the visibility out the rear window. I guess thats why they put mirrors on vehicles. The wheel design on the SL model seems to hold snow & mud that freezes in the winter causing vibrations like the wheels are out of balance as well. Not a problem now that summer is here.

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  WOW - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By larryk - March 23 - 6:49 pm

  I bought mine 6-20-16 and was on the road a week later to Oklahoma, and was comfortable and Im 6"1 230lbs so I have no complaints as of now.

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  One of the best I have ever owned! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By cardinalbama - March 23 - 3:22 am

  I was looking for a mid priced crossover and decided on the Rogue. I bought the Krom edition and love it.