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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  Love My Roguester - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Tina - March 26 - 3:46 am

  After 12 years of driving my reliable, beloved Toyt Corolla, my husband insisted I get a car that he "fits" in. He is 604" and we compromised on getting a small SUV. I have never owned nor wanted an SUV. I literally researched and test drove the smaller SUVs for a year, before finally looking at a Rogue. We both absolutely LOVE it. It is so smooth, stylish, comfortable and unique. I love the fact that my husband does not complain about sitting in my car any more, since he has ample room. And most of all, I love walking up to my car, admiring the sleek exterior, looking around, and getting excited all over again that I am the owner of the coolest looking car on the parking lot.

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  Would Recommend - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By SecondNissan - March 24 - 9:00 pm

  I have had this car for approximately three weeks. Getting used to the CVT transmission took some time, and you have to learn how to "drive" all over again, or your RPMs will constantly be above 3K. The interior is well put together, but I dont understand what the excitement over the Bose sound system is - its OK, but nothing magical. The front seats are comfortable, but it would be nice if the steering wheel telescoped. The shift paddles are nice, but I dont see a need for them with the CVT - if you drive the car right, it knows what to do. The red radio display tends to wash away in bright light. Overall, a nice vehicle that I would buy again.

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  The Rogue is wonderful! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By NewRogue2008 - March 21 - 11:23 am

  After test driving numerous cars and smaller SUVs, I kept coming back to the Rogue. It offers great features (not offered on other cars in its class), numerous safety features, and comfortable seats (unlike the Honda CR-V which I also had considered - the EX-L hurt my back like crazy after a 15 minute test drive). The Rogue has great fuel economy (for an AWD SUV), looks sleek, and drives so smooth! Its visibility compares to every other smaller SUV that I have ever driven. So, as a former sedan driver, visibility in my new Rogue seems just fine to me. I love it!

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  We Liked It So Much ... - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By shiloduffey - January 6 - 7:53 am

  ... we bought another one ten days later. We read about CVT drone, but find it inconsequential. This is by far the smoothest riding and most comfortable small SUV (we drove em all). The engine/transmission provides seamless acceleration and more than adequate power. We have both the SL 2WD Premium and Leather Packages, and still came in at about $22k. Living in TX, we didnt see the need for AWD. The value is outstanding, fit and finish are flawless, and the styling is that of a mini-Murano. I was so impressed with my wifes purchase, I bought one myself. Were still checking mileage, but it appears to be right at EPA estimates. May not be ideal for larger families, but it works for us.

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  Much better than CRV, RAV4 - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Emre - December 31 - 6:10 am

  This is a great small SUV. It handles excellent. It has also very nice packages such as leather and awd premiuim package. I test drove it and felt in love and I bought immediately. But I test drove many other cars before this. And this is much better choice than even best selling CRV. You must test drive it. Words cannot do enough justice.It is very luxurious car at very affordable price.You could fill the cars tank around $40.

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  wonderful - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Laura - December 23 - 12:41 pm

  I. Love being up and able to see the road. I got the Rogue with safety package and love it.

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  So far So good! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Martha Kutik - December 1 - 2:29 pm

  I previously owned a Nissan Altima and since then have been impressed with the intuitive interior design of Nissan cars. Purchased the Rogue after looking at Subaru, Lexis and Toyota as well. I was interested in a hybrid with good gas mileage and all wheel drive capability, and the Rogue felt like the right size and was a comfortable ride! Have not owned the car long enough to know about maintenance costs or repair frequency, but if its like my Altima, itll be an easy car to maintain.

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  Great SUV with Great Gas Mileage - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Beth and Kevin - November 24 - 8:00 am

  We absolutely love this vehicle. We live in WV and we are getting 25.4 mpg. Since we do have hills in WV the mpg for an AWD is great plus the functionality of the SUV. When driving our 4 cylinders in the past going up hill you could always hear them kick down to pull. When we purchased this we couldnt wait to see what would happen. You literally can not hear the transmission at all. The CVT is so quiet and unbelievable. We looked at Honda, Toyota, Kia and Hyundai. For us they just did not have the styling, still square and not sleek like the Rogue.

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  Trading in my pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Michelle - November 16 - 11:33 pm

  I have been a Pathfinder owner for the last 9 years. I decided that I needed something smaller and had done a lot of research on the rogue. Well today, I am the owner of a 2008 Rogue, in blue with leather. So far so good. It is smaller, but for a 4cyl it has a lot of pep. Love the Bose radio and XM is a nice bonus. I think this car will go very well in the snow and I am looking forward to the gas savings.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By reddobie0 - November 13 - 5:25 pm

  Bought a fully loaded Rogue and recieved a deal I couldnt refuse. Traded in my CRV because I had my fill of Honda and their busted up transmissions in thier SUVs and vans. Absolutely love the rogue. From a dead stop it is a little slow but on the highway it has plenty of power to pass. Seems to keep the car right in the powerband. Own a 2010 Escalade and it seems my wife is always taking my Rogue when Im not looking. Could use a little more cargo space but sufficient for my needs. Handles well and I wont have to replace an expensive timing belt ever again(unlike my Hondas). Drove several other competitors and kept going back to the rogue. Very happy and I have fun driving again!