2018 Nissan Rogue Review

Name: 2018 Nissan Rogue Review
Brand: Nissan
Price: 9995 USD

Nissan Rogue SL Hybrid 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Nissan Rogue model years

Nissan Rogue for Sale

Nissan Rogue types

SUV
Hybrid

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Front seats are comfortable on long drives
Ride quality remains comfortable over varying terrain
Tech options and features are user-friendly
Cargo space is vast and versatile

Cons

Acceleration is weak and listless
Transmission responds slowly and with an annoying "surge" feeling
Outward visibility is poor

What's new

New optional semiautonomous driving features (called ProPilot Assist)
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
A third row is no longer available
Part of the second Rogue generation introduced for 2014

The word "rogue" gets a lot of play in today's media and conversation. Similar to "maverick," it's often used flatteringly to describe someone who defies convention to forge his or her own singular path. While you can certainly credit Nissan's marketers for smartly tapping into this theme, the 2018 Nissan Rogue is not that kind of car.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Nissan Rogue S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$156/mo

$207/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Really, this is about as mainstream a choice for a small crossover as you'll find. Nissan sells loads of them. And there's a lot to like. Cabin and seat comfort are excellent, as are cargo space and utility. The Rogue's upscale interior materials and design also give the cabin a classy feel. Seventy cubic feet of cargo space makes it one of the roomier and more versatile small SUVs around.

But the Rogue's lethargic acceleration and poor visibility drop it a notch from competitors that do better. Its sole four-cylinder engine and sluggish continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) drag down an otherwise competent package, and there's nary a hint of handling spirit that you'll find in the Rogue's competitors from Honda, Mazda or even Chevrolet. The Rogue is enticing, yes, but it doesn't do much to stand out from the pack or measure up to its namesake.

What's it like to live with?

Get to know the Nissan Rogue even better. Learn about day-to-day ownership from our editorial experts' long-term test of a 2014 Rogue SL AWD. We know it is Nissan's best-selling SUV. How was the fuel economy? How much can you pack in the cargo area for road trips? Is it comfortable? Learn this and more from our test. Note that the 2018 Rogue has better interior materials, smartphone integration, optional advanced driving aids and a hybrid trim, but our coverage of the 2014 model is otherwise applicable.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

6.9 / 10

Despite some noteworthy strengths, the 2018 Nissan Rogue ranks below many of its crossover SUV rivals overall. Cabin and seat comfort are excellent, as is cargo space and utility. But the Rogue's lethargic acceleration and poor visibility drop it down a notch.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 Nissan Rogue SL (2.5L inline-4 | CVT automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, Nissan has revised the current Rogue, notably adding more sound insulation to curb excess powertrain noise and now offering expanded technology, including semi-autonomous driving features. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Rogue, however.

Scorecard

Overall	6.9 / 10
Driving	6.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	8.5

Driving

6.5

The Nissan Rogue's continuously variable transmission paired with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes it feel weak compared to other SUVs in the class. Its handling, though well-mannered, is softer than we prefer.

Acceleration

6.0

The engine has adequate low-end torque right off the line, but its rate of acceleration slows quickly. We measured a 0-60 mph time of 9.3 seconds, relatively slow for a vehicle in this class.

Braking

7.0

The pedal feels soft and moves through a long stroke, but it's effective enough that we don't find it objectionable. The Rogue's panic-stop distance of 124 feet from 60 mph is about average for the segment.

Steering

6.5

Steering effort is fairly heavy on the Rogue, which is something to consider if you prefer a highly assisted wheel that's easy to turn. There's a good feel for the road at moderate speeds, but don't expect a sporty response or feel.

Handling

7.0

The Rogue isn't the sportiest choice in the compact SUV segment, but overall it handles well enough to make the driver feel confident in its abilities.

Drivability

6.0

There's a rubber-band sensation that's typical of CVTs, meaning a noticeable delay between the application of the gas pedal and the delivery of acceleration. In most other ways, the Rogue is an easy-driving vehicle.

Off-road

8.5

The Rogue offers more hardware for light off-roading than most of its competition. The all-wheel-drive model includes a locking center differential, hill descent control and brake-lock differentials front and rear.

Comfort

8.0

Most buyers will be satisfied with the Rogue's ride comfort. It's not the softest in the class, but it's also not the stiffest. The front seats are particularly comfortable.

Seat comfort

9.0

Front seat comfort is as good as it gets in this class. Heated front seats are standard on SL models, and the backseat area has air vents for passengers.

Ride comfort

8.0

Despite the large 18-inch wheels on our top-level SL test model, the ride quality was pleasantly smooth. The Rogue is an easygoing SUV that makes long road trips feel enjoyable.

Noise & vibration

7.0

Before this year's addition of more sound insulation, we noted some mild engine thrumming at very low speeds, mainly because of the CVT. Otherwise, the Rogue's wind and road noise levels are acceptable.

Interior

7.0

The Rogue's interior uses quality materials that are well-assembled. Plastics are soft to the touch, and leather surfaces feel genuine. We do have a few ergonomic gripes, though, and outward visibility is below average.

Ease of use

7.0

The Rogue loses a few points because of the hard-to-reach turn signal stalk and the distant navigation screen, but the other controls are within easy reach and intuitive to use.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

Though the Rogue's seat height is taller than that of some rivals, getting in and out is relatively easy. The doors open nice and wide, especially for rear passengers, revealing large entryways.

Roominess

8.0

You won't feel confined in the Rogue, whether in the front or back. The rear seats offer 9 inches of fore and aft adjustment, and both rows offer a good sense of space.

Visibility

5.0

Although the windshield pillars are narrow enough, the other pillars are on the thick side, obstructing rear-quarter visibility in some situations. A rearview camera is standard on all trim levels, and it's needed.

Quality

7.0

Interior materials and assembly quality are good. The buttons and knobs are above average in feel, but we noticed a few creaks from the cargo area.

Utility

8.5

As far as compact crossovers go, the Rogue offers a lot of cargo space, and the clever organizer is very useful. Unfortunately, installing a child seat is more difficult than in rivals, and towing and interior storage come up short.

Small-item storage

Interior storage is adequate but not generous. There are several small trays and pockets, and cupholders are about average in size.

Cargo space

At 32 cubic feet with the second row up and 70 cubic feet with seats folded, the Rogue's cargo area is better than that of most rivals. The unique configurable cargo area gives it a further advantage, but the slow-operating power liftgate detracts from its convenience.

Child safety seat accommodation

Accessing the LATCH anchors is more difficult than in other vehicles in the class, and a rear-facing child seat will force the front passenger to move his or her seat uncomfortably close to the dash.

Towing

5.0

Though the Rogue has the ability to tow a trailer, its 1,000-pound capacity is low even for this segment.

Technology

Although the audio and navigation system is fairly easy to use, we encountered several reliability issues. Points are also deducted because advanced safety features are available only on the top trim.

Audio & navigation

The infotainment screen is on the small side and slightly out of reach for the driver. We've also had some iPhone pairing issues and intermittent crashes in which the system shut down and rebooted.

Driver aids

Advanced safety features are available on the Rogue but are reserved for the top trim level only. The surround-view camera system (standard on the SL trim) is particularly handy considering the car's limited rearward visibility.

2018 Nissan Rogue models

The 2018 Nissan Rogue is a small crossover SUV available in three trim levels: S, SV and SL. The smaller Rogue Sport model is reviewed separately.

Most Rogues come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (170 horsepower, 175 pound-feet of torque) paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available as an option.

The Rogue Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor (176 hp combined output) and either front- or all-wheel drive. It's available only in SV and SL trims.

Standard features on S trims include 17-inch steel wheels, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats that also slide and recline, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a four-speaker CD player with satellite radio and dual USB inputs. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic emergency braking.

The SV trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a power liftgate, heated side mirrors, keyless entry, push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system.

The SV Midnight Edition styling package adds blacked-out body elements such as 17-inch wheels, mirror caps and roof rails.

The top-trim SL includes 18-inch wheels, automatic high beams, foglights, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, a surround-view camera system, a navigation system, NissanConnect emergency and convenience services, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system that adds HD radio.

Driver assist and safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, and upgraded automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Several of the SL's features are available on the SV as part of the Premium or Sun and Sound Touring packages. Options for the SL include a panoramic sunroof (also available for the SV) and LED headlights, while the Platinum package bundles 19-inch wheels, an electronic parking brake and the ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving features. Quilted tan leather upholstery is also available.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#9 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan Rogue from 2008-2022.}

$456/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.88x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

10.2%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Nissan Rogue.

5 (43%)

4 (24%)

3 (11%)

2 (10%)

1 (12%)

3.8

91 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Maybe the best all around new car I've purchased

Eileen A, 11/09/2018

2018 Nissan Rogue SL 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

I rented the Rogue and drove it for a week while vacationing. Great handling and gas economy. Plenty of pep in the 4 cylinder model. This prompted us to add it to our list of smaller SUV's to check out. We looked at the Ford Escape but smaller overall, poor head room height and tiny GPS screen. We considered the Edge but considerably more expensive. This is our first Nissan (first top …

Made for the Lady

Frank J. Gubala, Sr., 07/06/2018

2018 Nissan Rogue SV 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

Car handles, has loads of safety items, technology is tops, auto braking system, side car warning system, leather seats installed for added comfort and are beautiful. What pick up for 4 cyl. engine. Quiet transmission comfort seats and adjustments to customize. Nice key FOB for safety and pre-cooling on a hot day. Nice headlamps and tail lights. Nissan has out designed many auto …

Great vehicle!

Rogue Owner18, 03/11/2019

2018 Nissan Rogue SV 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

I'm 6'3" tall and finding a car that I can sit in and ride comfortably is hard to find. Before buying this car I tried the Ford Edge which is similar in size and features. The Ford was still a little small in the cockpit area and didn't have all of the features for the same price. I also tried the Nissan Altima, which I liked, but with the seat in the lowest setting and as far back as it …

The good and the bad

John Walters, 08/07/2018

2018 Nissan Rogue SL 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

The Rouge jumped up the sales ladder with its redesign in 2014. Matter of fact it out sells most other brands in the compact SUV class. While all vehicles in this category share a similar shape I was drawn by the new design. The interior is quite comfortable, feels somewhat upscale and is pretty quiet on the road. Love the seats and the secure feeling behind the wheel, thanks to …

See all 91 reviews of the Nissan Rogue

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2018 Rogue Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$24,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$156/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Rogue models:

Around-View Monitor: Overcomes the Rogue's massive blind spots with a bird's-eye view of the car and its surroundings.
Forward Emergency Braking: Helps to ensure that a momentary lapse of driver attention won't result in a collision.
Lane Departure Warning/Prevention: Alerts you and nudges the car back in line if you start to drift out of your lane without signaling.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver3 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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