With four utility vehicles already in their lineup, it’s hard to see why Nissan needs this new Rogue Crossover. But one could argue, as dealers have, that their brand needed a toe-to-toe competitor for the popular Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. And like its X-men counterpart, Nissan has taken on many of the best features of its rivals, expecting the Rogue to absorb more than few of their pretenders. But even with super powers that would be a marvel.
While it doesn’t exactly have super powers, Nissan’s new contender in the crossover melee, the 2008 Rogue, shares the same impressive “C” platform as the Sentra sedan. Wheelbase is a generous 105.9 inches, and with short overhangs, the Rogue measures at a fairly park-friendly 182.9 inches overall.
Next to Nissan’s larger and sleeker Murano crossover, the Rogue comes off as far more utilitarian. But its arched form is dramatic in its own right.
The Rogue’s snub-nosed wears a stylish grid-like grille and large, bug-eyed headlamps, which are available in Xenon.
Its pronounced wheel flares and strong rear shoulder lines give the Rogue a powerful stance, and the raised back-end is nicely sculpted to give the Rogue a pseudo-sporty flair.
Within, you’ll find a simple, yet again sporty, driver-oriented 5-passenger interior. The gauges are clear and the controls are well-oriented. Seats are firm and comfortable with available heat. The steering boasts standard wheel-mounted cruise controls, along with available audio controls. Tucked behind are optional performance-style paddle shifters.
And there’s plenty of small item storage between the dual-level center console and the oversized glove box. The standard 4-speaker stereo is upped by an optional Bose audio system with an in-dash 6-CD changer. Other higher-end amenities include Intelligent Key keyless entry and Bluetooth.
And the Rogue’s interior safety comes from six standard airbags. A spacious back seat offers surprisingly generous room for three, rear cupholders, and a 60/40 split-fold.
With it down, there’s an ample 57.9 cubic feet of storage room. But, that’s still 20% smaller than CR-V. However, the Rogue’s secret weapon is an available, long load, folding front passenger seat that the CR-V lacks. Add to that an optional folding cargo organizer and the Rogue comes off as a smarter, everyday errand-runner.
Power also comes from Sentra, its 2.5-liter twin-cam 4 with variable valve timing, rated at a class leading 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque.
Nissan’s proven CVT continuously-variable unit with manual mode comes next, feeding either standard front-drive, or Intuitive all-wheel drive with 70/30 torque split and yaw moment control.
So equipped, our Rogue had Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 21 city/26 highway and we achieved a fine 24 miles-per-gallon on regular gas. Its Energy Impact Score of 14.9 barrels of oil per year is also a winner.
Track performance is also quite respectable for its class. Our Rogue huffed to 60 in 8.8 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 16.8 seconds at 85 miles-per-hour. The Rogue responds quickly to throttle, but is quite buzzy when worked hard.
Handling is by a capable 4-wheel independent suspension aided by standard stability control and traction control. Overall the feel is tossible yet definitely on the soft side. There is more roll than we like, but understeer is moderate and safe.
4-wheel discs with ABS and Brake Assist delivered stable stops in a good average of 127 feet from 60 to 0 with solid pedal and stability, all of which translates into a very comfortable, and secure car-like street ride.
Pricing for the Rogue is also very competitive. S trim starts at $19,995, while our SL begins at $21,415. AWD adds $1,200 to either.
It’s hard to stand out in the oversaturated crossover segment. Absorbing the correct dose of practicality, style, performance, and affordability just gets you included. The Rogue has that, and just a bit more. It may not have super powers, but it is a fine alternative to the class standards, and we think dealers and their customers will be very pleased.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.5-Liter Twin-cam 4
- Horsepower: 170
- Torque: 175 Lb Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 8.8 Seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 16.8 Seconds @ 85 MPH
- 60-0 MPH: 127 Feet
- EPA: 21 MPG City/ 26 MPG Highway
- Mixed Loop: 24 MPG
- Energy Impact Score: 14.9 Barrels Oil/year
Long Term Updates
Mileage: 2,000We picked the 2008 Nissan Rogue as our MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice pick for Best Small Utility, and after a couple of months and a couple of thousand miles in our long-term fleet, we’ve every reason to think we hit the bull’s eye.
What a pleasant and entertaining to drive compact crossover. And, at 25.7 miles-per-gallon on regular gas, pretty frugal too.
And that’s with a more than adequate 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine, and very smooth CVT automatic transmission. The steering wheel paddle shifters just add to the enjoyment.
Now, if it only had a backup camera!
Still, the Nissan Rogue is no rascal, and a welcome addition to our fleet.
Mileage: 8,500The appealing smaller utility 2008 Nissan Rogue is a full bore compact crossover available in both front, and all-wheel drive, like our top level SL model. But, beyond versatility, the Rouge is that rare utility that is also entertaining to drive. Its tossible nature would work well in a compact car.
Mileage is also better than most of its rivals, with our 4-month average of 23.8 miles-per-gallon on regular after 8,500 mostly urban miles.
The Rogue’s 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine and CVT automatic transmission are a well mannered combo. The steering wheel paddle shifters just add to the enjoyment.
With no mechanical problems, staff gripes are limited to not enough front seat travel, and the need of more lower back support.
Still, the Nissan Rogue is a well mannered, welcome addition to our fleet.
Mileage: 13,000It is one thing for us to pick a Drivers’ Choice Award winner based on a two-week test, and it’s quite another to live with our selection for a full year. But, so far so great for our 2008 Best Small Utility, the Nissan Rogue.
This stylish compact crossover is available in both front, and all-wheel drive. But, it also has the power train and suspension to be entertaining to drive.
The Rogue’s 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine is peppy and smooth, and while we have been luke warm to CVT automatic transmissions in the past, Nissan has that technology nailed, with steering wheel shifters a nice extra.
CVT’s are known for good fuel economy and after six months and just past the 13,000 mile marker, our Rogue has climbed to 24.7 miles-per-gallon of regular. That’s very good for any utility.
How would we make it better? More front seat travel and firmer lower back support. But, that’s it.
If we were giving out awards today, the Nissan Rogue would still be our small utility of choice.
Mileage: 17,000This 2008 Nissan Rogue, our Drivers’ Choice Award winner for best Best Small Sport Utility, is fairing nicely in our long-term fleet.
Our staff loves its high seating position, versatility, and handling. Negatives include loud tires, and not enough small item storage space.
After 8 months and nearly 17,000 miles, our all-wheel drive Rogue’s 2.5-liter 4 and CVT transmission combo is returning 24.4 miles-per-gallon of regular. That’s a good result for any utility, especially one as entertaining as the Nissan Rogue.
Mileage: 19,000When it comes to this 2008 Nissan Rogue, our Drivers’ Choice Award winner for best Best Small Uitlity, there is a lot to like.
That includes the high seating position, versatility, and handling. Dislikes include loud tires, and not enough small item storage space.
After 10 months and 19,000 miles, our all-wheel drive Rogue’s 2.5-liter 4 and CVT transmission combo is returning 23.6 miles-per-gallon of regular. That’s a good result for any utility used in daily commuting, especially one as pleasant as the Nissan Rogue.
Mileage: 21,000We’ve never thought the name Rogue fit Nissan’s compact crossover that well. Rather than a scoundrel, it’s a very user friendly vehicle that’s in perfect step with its class. There is a lot to like about the Rogue, including its high comfortable seating, more than ample cargo flexibility, and sporty driving habits.
It also delivers the kind of fuel economy that we expect from a 5-passenger crossover. After 11 months and nearly 21,000 miles, our all-wheel drive Rogue’s 2.5-liter 4 and CVT transmission combo is returning a consistent 23.6 miles-per-gallon of regular. And that’s in mostly around town driving.
We are noticing some abnormal steering noises of late, so that has to be checked out. But otherwise, our Rogue is certainly no rascal.
Mileage: 23,700Throughout it’s year long stay, the Nissan Rogue proved to be a near perfect compact crossover utility. It’s comfortable for five adults, and the cargo bay can handle a small mountain of gear. And, after 23,727 mostly urban miles, our Rogue’s 2.5-liter 4 and CVT combo returned a fine 23.7 miles-per-gallon of regular. Plus, the optional all-wheel drive system was more than up to Mid-Atlantic ice and snow.
Towards the end we did notice the engine become a bit less willing. Road noise also increased greatly when driving in the rain. Plus, we heard some strange sounds from the steering gear.
But, more importantly, we liked driving the Rogue, and proved that with a MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award. So, never a scoundrel, the Nissan Rogue proved to be a very good friend indeed.
