Revised: October 16, 2023
The Nissan Rogue is a compact, two-row crossover utility vehicle with space for five. Introduced in 2008, the Rogue has undertaken extensive overhauls and regular revisions since. Despite arriving later in the market than most competitors, the Rogue has made up for lost time. Currently, it is one of the best-selling crossovers anywhere.
Chronicling the Changes
2024 – This year, the Rogue benefits from a mid-product-cycle update, featuring a revised exterior design. Nissan now incorporates Google with the SL and Platinum grades.
2023 – A Midnight Edition package is now available with the SV grade. Amazon Alexa comes to the two top trims.
2022 – For its second year, the third-generation Rogue receives a new and more powerful engine. A 1.5-liter three-cylinder motor motivates all grades and makes 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a new continuously variable (automatic) transmission. As a result, the Rogue gains a slight boost in fuel efficiency.
2021 – Nissan launches the third-generation Rogue, representing a complete overhaul of this model. A boxier design and more pronounced LED lighting highlight the exterior design changes. Inside, the cabin benefits from better materials with a cleaner design and upscale vibe. Enhanced ProPilot Assist, multiple USB ports, and an improved touchscreen interface are present. A new Platinum trim includes a wireless charging pad and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Third-Generation Nissan Rogue
2020 – The 2020 Nissan Rogue continues with no major changes of note, the final year for the second-generation model.
2019 – Nissan expands its driver-assist technologies to more grades.
2018 – The changes for 2018 include discontinuing the third-row option. Smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is now standard. ProPilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving function, is available.
2017 — For 2017, the Nissan Rogue is refreshed, sporting a new front end, an available motion-activated liftgate, and expanded safety features. Interior changes include a new steering wheel, an available heated steering wheel, and a revised center console. The first-ever Rogue Hybrid debuts.
2016 — Available forward emergency braking and Siri Eyes Free headline the updates for 2016.
2015 — Trim-level shuffling and available heated front seats mark the key changes for 2015.
2014 — The second-generation Nissan Rogue debuts, coming in larger than the outgoing model. New features include available third-row seating, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. The 2014 Rogue offers S, SL, SV grades; the powertrain is carried over.
Second-Generation Nissan Rogue
2013 — For 2013, Nissan rolls out a new Premium edition. The available Special Edition package gains Bluetooth and a six-speaker audio system.
2012 — A 360-degree camera and an all-new Special Edition trim package highlights the changes for the 2012 Rogue.
2011 — For its fourth model year, the Rogue is refreshed with updated front and rear styling. The options list expands to include alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, navigation, and automatic climate control.
2010 — A backup camera is the main feature in an all-new S grade value package.
2009 — Following its introduction the previous model year, the 2009 Rogue is unchanged.
2008 — The Nissan Rogue is an all-new model and this brand’s first compact SUV. Available in S and SL grades, front-wheel drive comes standard with all-wheel drive available. All models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission.
First-Generation Toyota RAV4
Nissan Rogue Considerations
Nissan continues to improve its bread-and-butter crossover, delivering a product with high customer demand. Its three-cylinder engine and CVT set it apart from competing models, a risky move that is paying dividends for the company.
When cross-shopping the Rogue, we suggest evaluating the range of compact crossovers that have battled since this SUV rolled out. Some models, such as the Saturn Vue and Dodge Journey are long gone. In later years, the competition includes the Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Compass, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, Subaru Forester, Buick Envision, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the GMC Terrain.
See Also — Best-Selling Crossover: 2022 Toyota RAV4
Photo Attribution
Image by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image by SsmIntrigue – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons