A Complete Review of the Nissan Rogue | Merchants Auto

September 27th, 2021 by

Meet the Nissan Rogue

Should I buy a pre-owned Nissan Rogue? If yes, which model year is right for me? How does the Nissan Rogue rank in terms of safety and performance? If any of these questions have crossed your mind, you’ve come to the right place. In this Nissan Rogue vehicle guide, we cover everything related to this popular compact SUV, which is touted as Nissan’s best-selling model. You’ll find a comparison of the 2017-2021 models, an overview of safety and performance features, pricing breakdown, details on how it compares to other mid-sized SUVs, and much, much more.

gray suv driving through a sand dune

Table of Contents

Nissan Rogue Scorecard

Here is our ranking for the Nissan Rogue. We chose these ratings when compared with other similar vehicles.

  • Interior – 6/10
  • Performance – 4/10
  • Safety – 8/10 (4/5 crash test rating)
  • Reliability – 8/10
  • Fuel economy – 6.5/10
  • Value – 7/10
  • Overall rating – 6.5/10

The Pros & Cons of a Nissan Rogue

The following information was compiled from our insights and experience, as well as from MotorTrend, Cars.com, and U.S. News & World Report.

Model Year  Pros Cons
2021
  • Practical like a Honda SUV
  • Large backseat
  • Good amount of cargo space
  • Improved interior quality
  • Good handling
  • More refined powertrain
  • Good fuel economy
  • Loud engine
  • Good (not great) dynamics
  • No sliding second row
  • Average acceleration
  • Transmission can be loud
  • Expensive base price for its class
2020
  • Comfortable cabin
  • Many standard features
  • Good amount of cargo space
  • Good fuel economy
  • Good safety rating and ride quality
  • Feeble engine that drones at high speeds
  • Hands-free technology is sub-par
2019
  • Large cargo area
  • Interior
  • Lots of standard safety technology
  • Excellent gas mileage
  • Weak, noisy powertrain
  • Weak standard audio system
  • Side crash rating lower than overall safety rating
  • AC had some temperature regulation issues
2018
  • Upscale interior
  • Spacious, versatile cargo area
  • Advanced safety features
  • Excellent gas mileage
  • Optional third row
  • Hybrid options available
  • Solid value
  • One engine option
  • Noisy powertrain
  • Many features are SL exclusive
2017
  • Interior with upscale finishes
  • Large cargo area
  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Easy-to-use technologies
  • Star Wars edition
  • Transmission can be loud
  • Engine could be more powerful
  • Many driver assistance features are only featured in the top trim level
  • Not meant for towing

Nissan Rogue Interior Features

The Nissan Rogue has seating for up to five passengers. The SUV received an interior refresh in 2017 and gained automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control, according to U.S. News & World Report. In 2018, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay became standard, and the ProPILOT Assist became available. In 2019, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams became standard. There were no major changes to the 2020 models, and in 2021, the Rogue was fully redesigned.

The newer models feature standard infotainment features such as an 8” touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. Other available features on the newer models include dual-zone automatic and tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, and a moonroof.

black modern car interior

Nissan Rogue Performance Features

The Nissan Rogue offers excellent fuel economy, but many of the model years have a noisy powertrain and transmission and average acceleration. The powertrain is geared for efficiency and delivers a combined mileage in the high 20s. Front wheel drive is standard and AWD is available. The Nissan Rogue also offers good commuter crossover, a fairly smooth ride, and has a good outward vision compared to similar vehicles. It’s best for pavement, not off roading.

Nissan Rogue Safety Features

The 2021, 2020, and 2019 Rogues each earned an overall crash test rating of 4/5 from the National Highway Safety Administration. The Rogue has earned the following marks:

Standard safety features for newer models include:

  • Forward collision warning
  • Pedestrian and cycling detection
  • Lane departure warning
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Driver attention monitoring
  • Rearview camera
  • Rear parking sensors

Older models of the Rogue may not have some of these standard safety features.

How Does the Nissan Rogue Rank?

Nissan Rogue Model Comparison

Which Nissan Rogue model year is right for you? Here’s how they stack up:

2021 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue was fully redesigned in 2021 with sleek styling, modern technology features, and better performance. Nissan offers eight different trims ranging; the starting MSRP ranges from $26,050 to $37,230:

  • S FWD
  • SV FWD
  • SL FWD
  • Platinum FWD
  • S Intelligence AWD
  • SV Intelligence AWD
  • SL Intelligence AWD
  • Platinum Intelligence AWD

2020 Nissan Rogue

This year’s model starts at $26,640. There are three trim options to choose from: S, SV, and SL. As outlined from Car and Driver, the 2020 SV comes standard with heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, dual-size climate control, a motion-activated liftgate, and rear automated emergency braking. The 2020 trim remains largely unchanged from the previous model years, though the Rogue Hybrid is dropped for the 2020 year. Kelley Blue Book gives the 2020 Rogue a 4.2 consumer rating (out of 5).

2019 Nissan Rogue

The 2019 Altima has become a favorite for commuters and small families. The SI model comes loaded with extra luxuries. Forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, automatic high beams, land-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist became standard for the Rogue in the 2019 models. Rear door alert was also added. Trims include the S, SV, SV hybrid, SL, and S hybrid. Several safety features also became standard in 2019.

2018 Nissan Rogue

ProPILOT Assist became standard in 2018, in addition to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities. Another change in this model year is the loss of the third row of seating. The 2018 model comes in three trim levels: S, SV, and SL. This model year features a large cargo area and many advanced safety features, in addition to good gas mileage (25-26 miles per gallon in the city and 32-33 miles per gallon on the highway).

2017 Nissan Rogue

The 2017 Nissan Rogue, which had a style refresh, features a classy interior but falls in the middle of the pack against other compact SUVs due to a loud transmission and a lackluster engine. It does provide excellent fuel economy and ranks well in terms of safety and overall comfort with an option for third row seating in some trims. The 2017 Rogue’s average performance features, however, keep it from topping the list of best compact SUVs.

Is the Nissan Rogue a Good Car?

The Nissan Rogue is a great car for commuters with excellent fuel economy and a smooth ride. This popular, reliable SUV also features a large cargo space and can last 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance.

Should I Buy a Nissan Rogue?

Yes, you should buy a Nissan Rogue if you’re looking for a commuter or small family car. The Rogue offers low maintenance costs, good fuel economy, reliability, and is one of the best-selling SUVs in the U.S.

How Much Does a Nissan Rogue Cost?

It depends on a variety of factors, including the year, mileage, and overall condition of the vehicle. A new Nissan Rogue starts around $26,000, but pre-owned models are available for thousands of dollars less than the base price. The exact price will depend on the model year and mileage.

Nissan Rogue Insurance

Insurance for any type of vehicle will vary. Here are some factors that will affect the price of your Nissan Rogue insurance:

  • Driver’s age, gender, and marital status
  • Car make, model, and year
  • Where the vehicle is regularly parked
  • Annual mileage
  • Driving record
  • State requirements
  • Credit history
  • Vehicle’s safety features
  • Type of insurance coverage
  • Deductible amount
  • Discounts

Since the rates will vary, it’s hard to provide an exact number, but here are some general estimates to give you a good idea of the range:

BankRate lists USAA, Geico, State Farm, Erie, and Amica as the most affordable car insurance for a Nissan Rogue.

There are a variety of popular auto discounts that may provide additional savings. These include the following:

  • Accident-free
  • Safe driver
  • Low mileage
  • New car
  • Defensive driving
  • Military
  • Multi-vehicle
  • Multi-policy
  • Vehicle safety features
  • Anti-theft features
  • Good student
  • Teacher
  • First responder
  • Pay policy in full
  • Paperless billing
  • Alumni associations
  • Professional memberships/organizations

If you’re looking for more information, SmartFinancial offers a complete breakdown of Nissan Rogue insurance by model year and age group.

Nissan Rogue vs. the Competition

When it comes to compact SUVs, the 2021 Nissan Rogue falls in the middle of the pack, landing at the #6 spot (out of 15) on U.S. News World Report’s list of Best Compact SUVs for 2021. Topping the list is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson (#1), the 2021 Honda CR-V (#2), and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 (also #2).

The 2021 Rogue boasts more front headroom and legroom than the 2021 Toyota RAV-4 and 2021 Honda CR-V. There are also some features in the 2021 Rogue that are not available or standard in the RAV-4 and CR-V, such as a fully digital dashboard, USB-C connectors, and blind spot intervention. See the complete breakdown here.

MotorTrend praises the Rogue’s 2021 redesign and says the matchup versus the Toyota Rav4 is a close one — but gives the edge to Nissan as “the better all-around performer,” and that “the tech is better, there are more practical touches inside, and it’s at least as well equipped as the Toyota, yet costs less.”

Find Your Next Nissan Rogue with Merchants Auto

If you’re considering a pre-owned Nissan Rogue (or any type of SUV), we can help! Merchants Auto is the largest pre-owned dealership in New Hampshire and the largest family-run pre-owned car dealership in New England.

The inventory on our 26-acre lot is always changing. We have hundreds of vehicles to choose from with more than 30 different makes — including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, fuel-efficient models, compact cars, and work vans.

We strive to save our customers time and money, and our ultimate goal is to provide an enjoyable and hassle-free car buying experience.

Ready to get started? View our Used Nissan Rogue inventory now!

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