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Compact SUV; Built in Japan
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,100 – $21,600*


2008 Nissan Rogue Front


2008 Nissan Rogue Rear


2008 Nissan Rogue Interior


2008 Nissan Rogue Profile

Pros:
  • Cargo room
  • Fuel economy
  • Front-seat comfort
Cons:
  • Noise
  • Ride (especially SL)

Overall, Rogue’s competitors are quieter and more refined, but this compact Nissan gets points for sleek styling and high levels of interior functionality. If you can live with Rogue’s sometimes-harsh ride, this little Nissan might make sense.

Overview

Launched for the 2008 model year, Nissan’s Rogue was a new compact sport-utility vehicle from the Japanese-brand automaker. Based on Nissan’s Sentra compact sedans, Rogue was a four-door crossover wagon with seating for five. S and SL models were available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (the latter lacking low-range gearing). Sole powertrain consisted of a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). SL models were available with steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual shifting.

Standard safety features included all-disc antilock brakes, an antiskid system, traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated front seats, a sunroof, and xenon headlights were optional. So were a wireless cell-phone link, keyless entry, and pushbutton engine start. Each Rogue had a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat and a partitioned glovebox. A pop-up cargo organizer and a trip computer could be installed. A washable, removable storage tray also was optional. Rogue rivals included the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and forthcoming Volkswagen Tiguan.

Yearly Updates

2009 Rogue
Several new features and options became available for 2009. New items included automatic speed-sensing door locks, a fold-down front passenger seat, driver’s seatback pocket, and dual-level center console tray. Mood lighting went into SL models, along with an outside temperature display.
2010 Rogue
The 2010 Nissan Rogue lineup gained a new sporty trim level. S and SL models were joined for 2010 by the sporty Krom. It had specific body cladding, wheels, and a sport exhaust system.
2011 Rogue
The 2011 Nissan Rogue got freshened styling and a slightly revised model roster, as the former SL was replaced by the SV.
2012 Rogue
The 2012 Nissan Rogue received only minor trim changes.
2013 Rogue
Rogue saw no major changes for 2013.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or 4-wheel drive

All Rogues have a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/152
Engine HP 170
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 175
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
CVT automatic

 22/27

 24.1

Road Test

Acceleration is adequate from a stop and around town, but Rogue is slow to build the power needed for highway passing or hill climbs. The CVT is generally responsive to driver inputs to provide more power.

Fuel economy beats the SUV norm. AWD Rogues averaged a reasonably frugal 23.5 to 24.5 mpg. Rogue uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride quality is generally car-like, though most large bumps and grooved surfaces are not well absorbed. Washboard freeway surfaces can produce annoying pitching and bobbing. S models, with their smaller and less aggressive tires, ride better than their SL counterparts. Overall, Rogue feels less solid and refined than the class leaders.

Steering feel is tight and responsive, but Rogue is subject to wandering in gusty crosswinds, making steering corrections at highway speeds necessary. Expect moderate body lean in sharp corners. Brakes provide good stopping control, but one test model suffered from a slightly touchy pedal. ABS and traction control are welcome standard features.

Although the Rogue’s engine growls rather noisily while accelerating, it quiets down sufficiently at cruising speeds. Rogue’s cabin is not very well isolated. Considerable wind and road noise are noticeable at highway speeds, especially in the second row.

Gauges are clear, large, and well laid out. Rogue’s steering wheel tilts but does not telescope, which may be detrimental to control for some drivers. The cabin is filled with hard- and soft-touch materials that don’t impart a cheap feel. Simulated metal plastic trim throughout the cabin adds a touch of style.

Bolstered, supportive seats for front occupants remain comfortable during long drives. Armrests and the center console are also padded for comfort. Headroom and legroom are plentiful for most adults, even with a sunroof installed, though the very tall may wish for additional head clearance. Rear visibility is hampered by thick C-pillars and a smallrear window.

Second-row seats are adequately comfortable but lack a center armrest. Legroom is acceptable for this class, but headroom is tight for six-footers, even without the sunroof. Wide-opening doors ease entry/exit, but the cabin is not wide enough for comfortable three-abreast seating.

Small-items storage space scores above average. The front cabin features a large center console but lacks usable door pockets. Though the cavernous glovebox is useful, it’s constructed of flimsy plastic. The second row features deep map pockets and large in-door storage bins. Rogue’s passenger seat and second row fold almost flat with the touch of a button for more cargo space. In SL models, the rear cargo area features an innovative, one-touch, pop-up storage system that allows for separation of cargo with removable nets and plastic bins. Rogue’s plastic load floor is removable for cleaning.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL w/AWD

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 7
70%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 53

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
105.9 182.9 70.9 65.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
57.9 15.9 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.4 38.3 42.5 35.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Nissan Rogue 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Fuel gauge
Description: The fuel gauge may not read full although the tank is full or may respond slowly due to faulty sender in tank. (2008-09)
Wipers
Description: Rain-sensing function for windshield wipers may operate intermittently or unexpectedly when sensors come in contact with items including exhaust fumes, dirt, moisture, fingerprints, and insects. (2009-2013)
None
Description: The center console may make a creaking noise when turning. (2008)

Recall History

2007-08 Rogue
Description: Sensor in passenger seat cushion may fail, preventing the air bag from deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2008-09 Rogue
Description: A screw in the steering gear housing cover may loosen over time and could fall out. This could result in a complete loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the steering gear cover screw and repair if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge.
2008-2013 Rogue
Description: Certain 2008 through 2013 model Nissan Rogue vehicles made between March 7, 2007 and November 26, 2013 may have an electrical connector that can become damaged and short out because of snow or water with salt mixed in seeping through the carpet on the driver’s side floor area.
2011 Rogue
Description: Incorrectly positioned electric power steering (EPS) circuit board could result in cracking and separation, possibly disabling power steering.
2012 Rogue
Description: Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) was not activated during assembly.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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