Best Reviewed
Small SUVs
- Best compact SUV overall 2011 Chevrolet Equinox *Est. $22995
- Sportiest compact SUV 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan *Est. $23720
- Best small luxury SUV 2012 Audi Q5 *Est. $35200
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- Low price
- Car-like nature
- Light, nimble handling
- Comfortable seats
- Less refinement than competitors
- Noisy powertrain
- All-wheel-drive models underpowered
- Versatility, cargo space trail competition
Reviewer consensus is that the Nissan Rogue is a good effort from Nissan, and that it should be considered by those who don't need as much "utility" from their SUV as a tradeoff for a low price. With bodywork reminiscent of the larger Nissan Murano, the compact Rogue earns reviewer praise for its style, car-like ride and handling, and interior comfort. It's also singled out as a good value in several reviews, thanks to its combination of pricing and standard equipment. In multiple instances, however, critics note that the Rogue's engine and transmission combination can sometimes feel underpowered and/or noisy. They cost more, but overall, we found better reviews for two other small SUVs, the Honda CR-V *Est. $20,700 to $28,400 and the Toyota RAV4 *Est. $21,100 to $26,670.
The Nissan Rogue is offered with only one possible engine and transmission combination: A 177-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is another Rogue strong point, as two-wheel-drive models are rated at 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway by the EPA. Reviewer opinion differs on some elements of the Nissan Rogue. Edmunds.com, for example, feels that it offers less versatility and cargo space than its immediate competition. Car and Driver magazine's 2008 buying guide, on the other hand, says that the Rogue offers good cargo room.
Edmunds.com provides a detailed review that encompasses all the key elements and talks about how it measures up against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. In a review available only to subscribers, Consumer Reports magazine talks about the Nissan with its usual focus on safety and reliability. The Nissan Rogue is pitted against segment rivals in comparison tests conducted by Car and Driver and Truck Trend magazines, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine names the Nissan Rogue its "Best New Small Crossover" for 2008, taking some financial aspects into consideration.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com calls the Nissan Rogue stylish and comfortable, praising it for being the most car-like compact SUV. Editors don't feel the CVT transmission is a good match for the Rogue's small engine, and they claim that cargo capacity and versatility don't measure up to other small SUVs.
Review: 2008 Nissan Rogue Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports tests the Nissan Rogue, focusing mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety. The magazine is unique among review sources in that it offers predicted reliability ratings based on extensive reader survey data.
Review: Nissan Rogue, Editors of Consumer Reports
3. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver magazine's writers tested nine economical, compact SUVs on gravel and dirt roads. The Nissan Rogue places third in this test and is described as the sports car of the group. Editors weren't impressed with the Nissan Rogue's drivetrain, claiming it's loud at a wide-open throttle.
Review: 2008 Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape and Five More Compact SUVs, John Phillips
4. Truck Trend
Truck Trend compares five compact SUVs in a test on curvy mountain roads and Los Angeles freeways. The Nissan Rogue places second overall in the comparison, earning praise for its sporty performance and good looks.
Review: Crossover Comparison: 2008 Honda CR-V vs. 2008 Nissan Rogue vs. 2008 Saturn VUE vs. 2009 Subaru Forester vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4, Kim Reynolds
5. Kiplinger.comDetails/Subscribe
Kiplinger's annual auto issue considers financial aspects such as service costs, fuel efficiency, resale value and insurance costs. The 2008 Nissan Rogue is dubbed "Best New Small Crossover." Editors praise its standard equipment, safety features, fuel economy and low price.
Review: 2008 Best Crossovers, Mark Solheim, March 2008
6. Cars.com
Cars.com compares the 2008 Nissan Rogue, the 2008 Saturn Vue and the 2007 Toyota RAV4, focusing on such criteria as gas mileage, cargo space, ride and handling. The Nissan Rogue wins recognition from editors for being the best value in the group.
Review: Cars.comparison: Small SUVs, Take II, Mike Hanley, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder
Consumer Guide likes the Nissan Rogue's styling and comfortable seats but finds it less refined than competitors. Power is adequate, according to the review, but all-wheel-drive models have problems with hills and highway passing, and engine noise is pronounced under acceleration.
Review: 2008 Nissan Rogue, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 20, 2008
8. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
In Car and Driver's 2008 buying guide, editors praise the Nissan Rogue's affordability, handling, rear seat, and cargo room, but they do not like the Rogue's CVT transmission, claiming it amplifies engine noise. Acceleration is described as being just adequate.
Review: 2008 Nissan Rogue, Editors of Car and Driver
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