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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  Good efficient crossover - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By RemRogue - October 27 - 4:37 pm

  I love my Rogue its a smooth efficient SUV ever. Has lots of features in class the performance is amazing love the navigation and panoramic moon roof. Rogue gets good gas mileage + using ECO does help a lot love everything well equipped. Believe Im pretty satisfied in purchasing a great crossover as the Rogue. It has good handling plenty of power making even fun to drive at least know can be more secured driving with all of the safety features standard in Rogue. Fit and finish materials are absolutely best for good priced with everything being great instead finding anything cheaply made in the Rogue.

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  Rogues08&15 - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Captain2 - December 28 - 11:20 pm

  This my second, both SLs. The 2015 redesign is a vast improvement and the new high tech gadgets mostly useful. Do wish that Pandora would work Bluetooth. Comfortable and very quiet - new model gets almost 4 mpg more than 08 . Computer overstates FE by 5-10% although display currently says 30.1 for the last 6000 miles. A lot of 40-60 mph country roads, almost no city or highway. Can get a bit pricey (mid 30s) loaded but overall a nice car

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  Rattle Trap - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By dogwood - December 24 - 7:47 pm

  This car is too small and was a rattle trap with 25,000 miles. I drove the car for 2 weeks and found it to be very inadequate. Interior is low budget materials with distracting orange lights in the dash at night. This is very unacceptable. The car seems to be of low quality and would most likely not hold up over time.

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  Only have had my car 3 weeks - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Love my Rogue so far. - December 20 - 8:28 am

  I have only had my Rogue for 3 weeks and so far I am very happy. The only complaint I have I believe is with most vehicles now days is that the paint needs to be tougher. It appears to scratch and get marks fairly easy.

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  Very Fun Car - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By rgp1000 - December 18 - 3:48 am

  Did a lot of research and picked the Rogue in Midnight Jade. Surprised every 3rd car on the road isnt 1. Ive found 4 distinct driving modes. The put it in drive and go mode, the Low mode- for slow, bad conditions driving, sport mode-yahoo. when I get it broke in Ill b using almost exclusively. Last is turning off the OD or over-drive. Great for going up hills. I dont have to worry about mph, live close to work, so when the motor is broke in...sport mode! The active trace- inside wheels brake slightly is nice. But the birdseye-view camera is awesome, better than I thought. I feel if I didnt get a lemon, ill be raving about this car for years.

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  Bad paint job - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Hugh mclean - November 29 - 6:36 am

  Overall I have been pleased with the car except for one thing. I have never owned a car that has such a poor paint job. There are paint chips all over the front end as well as on the sides. I really wonder if this is an inherent problem with the quality of paint or the workmanship.

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  Love my Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By realtor10 - November 21 - 9:29 pm

  Ive had my Rogue for 5 months and have enjoyed every minute of driving. Its the quietest car I have ever had and the smoothest. No road or wind noise at all. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a crossover SUV. I will buy another Nissan!

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  Fun vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By DanTheMan99 - November 20 - 10:10 pm

  Fun to drive. Averaging only 17.5 mpg. Very disappointing as I havent been racing engine. Ive been purposely slow-starting. But I have the a/c running non-stop and only local driving. Unhappy with drivers seat only adjusting 6 Rather than 8 positions. Im 511" & 275. Stocky. I drive with seat all the way back and wish the base of seat reclined even just a little bit, but it cant. Little drivers legroom as my knee bangs into door handle or steering wheel. Interior & exterior design is great. Love black leather trim. A/c works great. Vents are even cool design. Not a ton of legroom in back seat. Bose is great. Storage is good. Gear shifting nonexistent! Like headlights & keyless!

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  Happy Roguer - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Roguer - November 8 - 8:26 pm

  The Rogue is great vehicle. Comfortable ride, great engine responds. Superior Bose audio. Very easy to drive. The car gives feeling that you drive car of 21st century, very quiet inside. Ergonomic dashboard and on board computer give me filing like Im a spaceship pilot. It is pleasant to drive this new toy.

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  FIRST SUV AND LOVIN IT - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By MARLCARL - November 7 - 6:30 am

  We are senior citizens and bought this car for the ease of getting in and out and wanted to sit up a bit higher when driving. This car surprised us with how much fun it is to drive. It is very smooth handling and so far great on gas, getting the 27 mpg it was said to get. It feels like you are driving a much smaller car. We had a Honda Accord before and this one handles much nicer believe it or not. You will not be sorry if you buy this car. You will love it.