The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV that was first introduced as a 2008 model year.
Known for being a well-rounded crossover, it offers handsome styling, a comfortable ride and surprisingly good fuel economy.
In this article, we’ll be going through all of the best and worst model years of the Rogue.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Nissan Rogue Are:
The best Nissan Rogue model years are 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2012, 2010, and 2009. The worst model years of the Rogue are 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, and 2008. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Nissan Rogue?
2023 Nissan Rogue
The 2023 Rogue is the third installment of the third generation that began in 2021, it has received excellent ratings from owners and auto journalists alike.
It has lots of features for the price tag, comfy front seats, a large and versatile cargo area, and advanced driver aids that are easy to use.
It comes in 4 trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Pricing ranges from approximately $29,000 to $38,500.
The most popular trim is the midrange SV variant, priced at around $30,300.
New to this particular model is the new Midnight Edition package for the SV trim and Amazon Alexa compatibility for the high-end SL and Platinum trims.
According to the EPA, this SUV provides 33 MPG for combined driving, 30 MPG for city driving, and 37 MPG for highway driving.
- Edmunds: 3.2 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2023 Rogue, Edmunds review:
“I like my 2023 Nissan Rogue. I bought the SV Midnight Edition and it rides smooth and is overall a quiet ride. The body is what sold me, I like how the brake lights have that curve to them. I’m a Nissan fan now.”
2022 Nissan Rogue
The 2022 Rogue is an excellent choice in the compact SUV segment without breaking the bank too much.
It sports lots of features, great ride quality, a spacious and practical cargo area, and numerous standard safety features.
Our favorite safety offerings are Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Automatic Braking.
NHTSA, through its barrage of standard crash tests, awarded this model year with 4 stars (out of a possible 5 stars).
According to reviews we found online, these are the highlights of the vehicle: interior, engine, technology, lights, driving experience, and overall comfort.
All 4 trims (S, SV, SL, and Platinum) are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine (201 horsepower).
- Edmunds: 3.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2022 Rogue, Edmunds review:
“I have been driving Nissan’s for the last 15 years. 2007 Murano, 2014 Rogue, and now a 2022 Rogue. All of them AWD as the Cleveland winters and my outside sales job requiring 20k miles per year will always have me needing AWD. I have only had my ‘22 Rogue for 4 weeks/1200 miles so far and I already LOVE it. The “turbo lag” takes a little getting used to but I enjoy how this car makes power. Gas mileage is impressive and the acceleration from a 3 cylinder for such a large vehicle is a technology marvel. All the new technology is amazing! Like anything new it takes some getting used to, but it’s all great…”
2021 Nissan Rogue
The 2021 Rogue kickstarted the third generation of the Rogue lineup.
Considered to be one of the most popular small SUVs in the market, this new-age model has modern exterior and interior stylings without sacrificing its utility, passenger comfort, and overall value for money.
Auto critics have praised this vehicle, especially its technology and storage category.
Its maximum cargo capacity is approximately 74 cubic feet.
This is sufficient enough to accommodate large suitcases, duffle bags, sports equipment, folding chairs and tables, and even items as big as baby strollers or car seats.
Our favorite safety features include Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Automatic Braking.
- Edmunds: 3.2 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.7 / 5.0
- JD Power: 84 / 100
2021 Rogue, Edmunds review:
“I have been car shopping for some time now, I decided to check out the Rogue platinum and it was incredible! Quiet ride, panoramic roof plus all other bells and whistles. It lacks power when accelerating, but it’s a great family SUV!”
2020 and 2019 Nissan Rogue
The 2020 and 2019 Rogue model years are a pair of reliable, comfortable, and practical options in today’s used car market.
Both models come with plenty of advanced safety aids as standard features, a roomy cabin, and a spacious cargo area.
When owners were asked, these are the best areas of these SUVs: comfort, seating, sound system, driving experience, spaciousness, and ride quality.
Auto critics, on the other hand, have given high praise to the models’ overall comfort.
On rough roads, these models are surprisingly composed for an SUV with soft suspension tuning.
The ride quality is commendable and road noise and engine noise is minimal.
2020 Rogue:
- Edmunds: 3.8 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
- JD Power: 80 / 100
2019 Rogue:
- Edmunds: 4.0 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
- JD Power: 80 / 100
2020 Rogue, Edmunds review:
“This is my second Rogue SV with premium package. It has more bells and whistles than anything else in class and they all come standard. Test drove the Honda CRV which has horrible body roll, is noisy and an uncomfortable seat if your butt is a little larger. Test drove Toyota, Rav 4 which is more peppy but has fewer features as standard and the warning light for a nearby vehicle is in the mirror so not easily caught in peripheral vision the way the Rogue is. Like the high stadium back row – much better for stopping car sickness in kids, the adaptable trunk layout – holds a week of groceries, a stroller, and some general junk without any problem – and the birds eye reversing camera stops me hitting the garage door when I park. New features on the 2020 include automatic emergency braking when the kids are running behind the car. Perfect for family living.”
2012 Nissan Rogue
The 2012 Rogue offers a smooth ride, capable handling, a high-quality cabin, and extremely comfortable front seats.
New for this particular model is a Special Edition trim package, as well as a 360-degree camera view and more stylish wheel designs.
Other than this limited run trim, the Rogue comes in 2 variants: S and SV.
The entry-level S trim comes standard with 16-inch wheels, folding side mirrors, cruise control, and full power accessories.
The top-spec SV, on the other hand, gains bigger 17-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry, premium upholstery, and a 6-way power driver seat (with power lumbar adjustment).
Owners praised the following aspects of this SUV: comfort, interior, driving experience, spaciousness, seating, and sound system.
- Edmunds: 3.6 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
- JD Power: 81 / 100
2012 Rogue, Edmunds review:
“I approached the purchase of a new crossover SUV with a very open mind. In fact, I had a slight preference to buy an American car. After looking at the combination of price, value, style and reliability, I went with the Nissan Rogue SV with SL package. It is fun to drive, and has a Sports feature for when you are going on a pleasure drive that will help you negotiate curves and hills more like a sporty car. I bought it fully loaded with the SL package and so I have the camera that is so useful when backing up, a great BOSE sound system, XM radio, sunroof, navigation, 18 inch chrome wheels and the great CVT transmission that is standard. For a price of $25740, it is a great deal!”
2010 Nissan Rogue
The 2010 Rogue is primarily known for its avant-garde styling, but there is more than meets the eye for this model.
It has great handling, excellent interior build quality, and comfortable front seats (regardless of trim).
The S trim receives a new Value package that provides exterior styling enhancements and a backup camera with a rear-view mirror-mounted display.
EPA estimates claim that this model can reach 24 MPG for combined driving, 22 MPG for city driving, and 27 MPG for highway driving.
These efficient figures are thanks to its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (170 horsepower) paired with a CVT system.
The vehicle is available in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. In most circumstances, the front-wheel drive should be enough for day-to-day activities.
- Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
- JD Power: 80 / 100
2010 Rogue, Edmunds review:
“I have no problem with this vehicle. Great mileage for an all-wheel drive crossover. Enough power for a 4-cylinder CVT engine. You will not be disappointed.”
2009 Nissan Rogue
The 2009 Rogue possesses car-like driving manners, a smooth ride, a well-crafted interior, and first-rate braking.
For music enthusiasts, an optional Bose audio system can also be availed.
While there are virtually no differences between this model year and its direct predecessor, it did well in minimizing the common problems and issues that plagued the 2008 model year.
Fuel efficiency estimates are also very promising. According to the EPA, this vehicle can provide 24 MPG for combined driving, 22 MPG for city driving, and 27 MPG for highway driving.
Based on owners’ feedback, the following aspects are the best areas of this model: comfort, appearance, interior, handling, steering, and overall driving experience.
- Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
- JD Power: 76 / 100
2009 Rogue, Edmunds review:
“I read these reviews and don’t understand. Some positive, some negative. We have had our Rogue for 2 yrs. currently has about 25,000 miles and it has been a very good reliable car. Never had any problems, just scheduled maintenance. We live in Utah, we have snow, mountains etc. and the AWD is awesome! So far… I highly recommend this car. If you asked me one issue I MIGHT have is the blind spots in the car. The way the back end is formed may make it difficult for an amateur driver. I personally don’t mind it, just use your mirrors. Hope this helps.”
Consumer Scores For Best Nissan Rogue Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2023 Nissan Rogue | 3.2 / 5.0 | 3.7 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2022 Nissan Rogue | 3.3 / 5.0 | 3.7 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2021 Nissan Rogue | 3.2 / 5.0 | 3.7 / 5.0 | 84 / 100 |
| 2020 Nissan Rogue | 3.8 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
| 2019 Nissan Rogue | 4.0 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
| 2012 Nissan Rogue | 3.6 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 81 / 100 |
| 2010 Nissan Rogue | 4.1 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
| 2009 Nissan Rogue | 4.1 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 76 / 100 |
Related: How Long Do Nissan Rogue Last? (Solved and Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Nissan Rogue?
2018 Nissan Rogue
According to online stats, the 2018 Rogue is the most problematic model year ever produced. The unwanted engagement of the automatic emergency brakes is the most frequently reported problem.
A number of owners reported that the vehicle would suddenly apply the brakes with full force whilst driving and the AEB (Automatic Emergency Brakes) light would come on the dash.
The reports below best explain this issue:
“On several occasions, my car has slammed on its own. There is a warning message that appears saying either there is a malfunction or the front radar has malfunctioned. Then the car will just stall or break on its own with a screeching sound. This has been terrifying as it has happened while driving on the highway.”
“Automatic emergency braking engaged with no warning, slamming on the brakes with no obstacle around. I was driving to work and the car slammed on the brakes and flashed a warning light, there were no other cars or anything around luckily. It would have caused a accident if someone were behind me.”
The 2018 Rogue had a total of 817 problems according to CarProblemZoo.com and 55 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common problems:
- Low oil pressure light on
- AEB system engaging spontaneously
- Brakes without warning
2017 Nissan Rogue
The 2017 Rogue closely follows the 2018 Rogue in terms of total problems and complaints.
While it also had its fair share of automatic emergency brake-related issues, there were also a high number of complaints due to the air conditioning not working, the sunroof shattering for no reason, stalling and transmission issues.
Here’s what owners had to say:
“A/C does not work properly, air does not blow into the cabin no matter how high you turn the fan or if you change any of the settings.”
“Transmission problems. It jerks, stalls when driving or having the car on for a long time.”
“The sunroof on my 2017 Nissan Rogue exploded. I was driving down the freeway (paved), no cars in front of me for as far as I could see. Outside temperature was 100-degrees, driving roughly 60-65mph. Suddenly there was a very, very loud crash/pop!”
“The car will not accelerate when the gas is pushed. It hesitates and jerks. Sounds like I’m trying to drive in neutral. I have only had the car for a little over a month.”
The 2017 Rogue had a total of 657 problems according to CarProblemZoo.com and 54 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common problems:
- Sunroof drainage clog
- Juttering
- Steering wheel squeaks when turning
- Transmission failure
- Air conditioning not working
2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 Nissan Rogue
The 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 Nissan Rogues experienced severe transmission-related issues, many of these failure occurred before the 100,000-mile mark.
Issues involved transmission fluid leakage, gear jamming, rough shifting, jerking, intermittent loss of acceleration, and total transmission failure.
In many cases, owners were required to completely replace the transmission system, which has led to several irate customers and a lot of money spent to carry out the needed repairs.
Here’s what owners had to say:
“Vehicle will lurch, stutter and sometimes nearly stall usually upon acceleration. Feels unsafe to drive. Our mechanic inspected the vehicle and found the CVT needs replaced ($5500 repair). We have had the car just less than 7 years and it had less than 70k miles when the issue began.”
“CVT transmission failure. Loss of vehicle propulsion and burning smell on highway. Warning light came on after symptoms of failure. Owner has only driven 24k miles since purchase and goes for routine vehicle service at Nissan regularly. Further research show identical safety-related issues for models with cvt from 2012-2016. There are no recalls despite pending lawsuits for this issue.”
- The 2016 Rogue had a total of 556 problems according to CarProblemZoo.com and 113 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
- The 2015 Rogue had a total of 580 problems according to CarProblemZoo.com and 166 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
- The 2014 Rogue had a total of 544 problems according to CarProblemZoo.com and 157 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
- The 2013 Rogue had a total of 745 problems according to CarProblemZoo.com and 206 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common problems:
- Noise from front end when making turns
- Air conditioning not working
- CVT failure
- Brake failure
- Transmission failure
- Paint chipping
- Loss of acceleration
2011 Nissan Rogue
The 2011 Rogue was problematic for some of the same reasons that the previous batch of models suffered from.
Specifically, owners of this model experienced spiking in RPM, transmission slipping, overheating and transmission failure.
A lot of people expressed their anger over the CVT (continuously variable transmission) used and complained about the manufacturer’s inability to fix it in a timely manner.
The 2011 Rogue had a total of 472 problems according to CarProblemZoo.com and 147 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common problems:
- Will not accelerate
- Stops while driving
- Transmission failure
- Loud whining
2008 Nissan Rogue
The 2008 Rogue, the first-ever model year produced for the lineup, seemed to be the start of all the transmission-related concerns that succeeding model years experienced more prominently.
Owners of this model included sudden loss of power, transmission shuddering, jerking, whining, and roaring.
RPM spiking was also quite common, as explained by one report below:
“Started the vehicle and drove well. Stopped at an intersection and when it was my turn to go, the car RPMs were high but the car wouldn’t move. The light changed and I found myself in the middle of the intersection and the car would not move. I took my foot of gas and then it just sped up and I had to use the brakes to make it slow down. Also it would slow down in the middle of the highway which is dangerous cause the speed limit was 70 mph and I couldn’t move the car to get it out of the way.”
The 2008 Rogue had a total of 577 problems according to CarProblemZoo.com and 105 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common problems:
- CVT failure
- Car will not accelerate
- Loud grinding when accelerating
Related: Nissan Rogue in Snow and Winter Driving? (Explained)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Rogue | – | 85 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Rogue | 5 | 56 | 5 |
| 2021 Nissan Rogue | 14 | 136 | 8 |
| 2020 Nissan Rogue | 9 | 139 | 1 |
| 2019 Nissan Rogue | 25 | 434 | 4 |
| 2018 Nissan Rogue | 55 | 817 | 4 |
| 2017 Nissan Rogue | 54 | 657 | 6 |
| 2016 Nissan Rogue | 113 | 556 | 7 |
| 2015 Nissan Rogue | 166 | 580 | 9 |
| 2014 Nissan Rogue | 157 | 544 | 10 |
| 2013 Nissan Rogue | 206 | 745 | 1 |
| 2012 Nissan Rogue | 97 | 379 | 2 |
| 2011 Nissan Rogue | 147 | 472 | 2 |
| 2010 Nissan Rogue | 92 | 398 | 2 |
| 2009 Nissan Rogue | 86 | 418 | 3 |
| 2008 Nissan Rogue | 105 | 577 | 5 |
What Problems Do Nissan Rogues Have?
- Loss of acceleration
- Air conditioning not working
- Transmission failure
- Paint chipping
- CVT failure
- Brake failure
- Stops while driving
- Loud whining
- Noise from front end when making turns
Related: 11 Most Common Nissan Rogue Problems (Explained)
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Nissan Rogue?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Mazda CX-5 | 8.7 | $26,700 – $39,650 | City: 22 – 24 /Highway: 27 – 30 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 8.5 | $26,900 – $37,660 | City: 23 – 25 /Highway: 28 – 32 |
| Honda CR-V | 8.4 | $28,410 – $35,760 | City: 27 – 28 /Highway: 32 – 34 |
| Ford Bronco Sport | 8.3 | $29,215 – $44,655 | City: 21 – 25 /Highway: 26 – 28 |
| Mazda CX-50 | 8.2 | $27,550 – $42,300 | City: 23 – 24 /Highway: 29 – 30 |
| Nissan Rogue | 8.2 | $27,360 – $38,640 | City: 28 – 30 /Highway: 34 – 37 |
| Subaru Forester | 8.2 | $26,395 – $36,495 | City: 25 – 26 /Highway: 28 – 33 |
| Ford Bronco | 8.1 | $32,295 – $73,780 | City: 15 – 20 /Highway: 16 – 21 |
| Kia Sportage | 8.1 | $25,990 – $36,790 | City: 23 – 25 /Highway: 28 – 32 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 8.1 | $27,975 – $37,680 | City: 25 – 27 /Highway: 32 – 35 |
| Ford Escape | 7.8 | $28,000 – $39,460 | City: 23 – 42 /Highway: 31 – 36 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 7.8 | $26,590 – $37,320 | City: 21 – 23 /Highway: 28 – 30 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: Nissan Rogue Beeping? (11 Causes & Solutions)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/rogue
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/nissan/rogue
https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/rogue/
https://www.kbb.com/nissan/rogue/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/nissan/rogue
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Rogue/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/nissan/rogue/
https://www.cars.com/research/nissan-rogue/recalls/
