Buying a Used Nissan Rogue: Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts About the Nissan Rogue

• Nissan’s best-selling vehicle, the Rogue, is a compact SUV that conserves fuel.
• Within its class of non-hybrid compact SUVs, the Rogue’s mpg is among the highest.
• Nissan only offered a Rogue hybrid from 2017 to 2020.

The Nissan Rogue has been the brand’s best-selling model since 2016. That means there’s plenty of used Rogue inventory of later model years from which shoppers can choose. The question then becomes, which model year Nissan Rogue is right for you? Let’s dig a little deeper and help you with an answer. 

• Which Nissan Rogue Should You Buy?
• What to Know About the Nissan Rogue
• Is the Nissan Rogue Reliable?
• Is the Nissan Rogue a Good Car?
• The Nissan Rogue vs. the Toyota RAV4
• The Nissan Rogue vs. the Honda CR-V

Which Nissan Rogue Should You Buy?

Unlike rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, which have several generations of models, the Rogue has only three generations to choose from.

First Generation: 2008-2013

When Nissan launched the 2008 Rogue, the Toyota RAV4 had been on the market for 12 years and the Honda CR-V for 11. Despite the lag time, the initial Rogue, based on the Sentra platform, didn’t seem a serious challenge to the Toyota or Honda. The RAV4, in particular, offered two engines that included a V6. Nissan launched the Rogue with a 177-horsepower 4-cylinder that was adequate, if not earth-shattering. Nissan was an early adopter of the CVT, or continuously variable automatic transmission, which maximized fuel economy at the expense of power delivery. Consequently, Nissan mated the Rogue’s 4-cylinder engine with a CVT. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.

The base S model retailed for less than $20,000. At the time, the Rogue’s affordable price and segment-best fuel economy were the best selling points for this SUV. Aesthetically, the Rogue’s exterior styling outshined that of the RAV4 and CR-V. Although a bit cramped compared to the competition, the cabin was comfortable, and the cargo space was usable. Nissan gave the Rogue a mild facelift for 2011 and made a navigation system and backup camera available. In an effort to put a little spark into the CVT, Nissan added a Sport mode in 2012. Examples of the first-gen Rogue are a bit scarce. We found fewer than 900 nationally when we checked the Autotrader listings. The average mileage should be around 170,000 miles. Prices range from $3,500 to $14,000.

Second Generation: 2014-2020

Ringing in a redesign that included a longer wheelbase but a shorter overall length and an increase in width and height, the second-gen Rogue would catapult to a sales leader in the compact SUV segment. Nissan even managed to shoehorn a third-row seat into the small SUV. Its starting price was close to $24,000. Nissan squeezed out a bit more fuel economy from the carried-over drivetrain. Notable new features were the Divide-N-Hide cargo system, with dividers and shelves, and an available 360-degree surround-view camera. Nissan made Zero Gravity seats standard and added a hybrid version of the Rogue in 2017. Turning up the heat, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard in every Rogue for 2018. This same year, Nissan’s semi-autonomous driver-assist system, ProPilot Assist, became available. Nissan added automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning as standard in 2019. The hybrid disappeared for 2020. The average mileage for this generation is around 85,000 miles. A quick check of the Autotrader listings revealed more than 6,700 models from this generation for sale nationally. Prices range from $10,000 to $21,000.

Third Generation: 2021-Present

Although Nissan once again carried over the same drivetrain, albeit with a slight boost in horsepower, the exterior styling of the 2021 Rogue was a departure from the previous generations. Reflecting Nissan’s X-Motion Concept styling approach, its wrapper featured squared angles and sharp corners. However, its overall size changed little. With a base price of just under $29,000, the reimagined Rogue was quieter, nimbler, and more stable due to a stiffer structure. Finally, Nissan introduced a new 201-hp turbocharged 3-cylinder engine during 2021, eventually replacing the lackluster 4-cylinder. Nissan gave the Rogue a mild makeover for 2024, upgrading the tech in the upper trim levels in the process. The average mileage for this generation is about 24,000 miles. Nationally, we located about 8,700 used models from this generation for sale. Finding a bargain might be difficult. Pricing ranges from $23,000 to $33,500.

Rogue Sport: The Baby Rogue

In 2017, Nissan ushered in a smaller, less aggressive Rogue-based SUV. With a slightly lower starting price ($23,745 vs. $24,795), a 144-hp 4-cylinder with a CVT, and no all-wheel-drive option, the Rogue Sport sought buyers looking for something even more urban-oriented than the Rogue. Much of Rogue’s cabin layout and interior features found their way into the Rogue Sport. When computing sales numbers, Nissan did include the Rogue Sport sales with the Rogue, which helped Rogue achieve its amazing sales numbers as that decade drew to a close. Nissan produced the Rogue Sport from 2017-2022. The average mileage of a used Rogue Sport should be around 48,000 miles. We found 3,800 listings for used models. Pricing ranges from $10,500 to $28,000.

What to Know About the Nissan Rogue

Nissan launched the Rogue to fill the product gap below its Pathfinder. By the early 2000s, compact SUVs had caught on in a big way, and Nissan wanted a piece of the action. Not only has the Rogue been a sales hit for Nissan, but we consider it one of the more affordable, user-friendly, fuel-efficient SUVs in its class.

Nissan Rogue Mileage

From its launch, the Nissan Rogue has proven to master conserving fuel.

OF NOTE: From 2017 to 2020, the Rogue hybrid delivered an estimated 33 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined city-and-highway driving.

Mileage for gasoline-only Rogue models (city/highway/combined):

*In 2021, Nissan continued producing some Rogue models with the 4-cylinder engine while transitioning to the 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. This row reflects the 4-cylinder’s 2021 mileage numbers.

How Long Does a Nissan Rogue Last?

As with any vehicle, a Nissan Rogue’s life expectancy is based largely on how well it’s treated and maintained. Following the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual is the first criterion for longevity. However, experts say the Rogue can go up to 200,000 miles or more if properly maintained.

How Much Does the Nissan Rogue Cost?

The starting price for the 2024 Nissan Rogue is roughly $30,000, including the inescapable factory-to-dealer destination fee (delivery charge). Because the Rogue has a better-than-average resale value than its in-class rivals, the used models may seem a little high compared to some competitors. When we look at the original cost of the 2020 Rogue SV versus its average transaction price on today’s used car market, we find it had cost about $29,000 when new, including its destination charge. As a used car today, it averages a transaction price of about $17,500.

Is the Nissan Rogue Reliable?

Nissan Rogue’s reliability is about average within its segment. A few transmission problems (mostly during the first generation) caused owners some angst, though Nissan seems to have smoothed those out. However, each used Rogue is different. We always advise shoppers to consider a used car by first consulting its vehicle history report. If the seller doesn’t provide one, you can find it at sites like AutoCheck.com.

What Are the Best Nissan Rogue Model Years?

The current generation (2021-present) is probably the best range of years for the Rogue. Turning back the clock, we recommend 2020, 2019, 2012, 2010, and 2009 model years as among the Rogue’s best and most trouble-free. You can always check out newer model year certified pre-owned Nissan Rogue vehicles for peace of mind.

What Are the Nissan Rogue Model Years to Avoid?

We’d mostly steer clear of the first-gen Rogue models. It’s not always easy to separate legitimate customer complaints regarding the CVT transmission from those from owners unaccustomed to the droning racket they make when accelerating, which is more like moseying than accelerating. Both issues are part of the nature of a CVT. However, the Rogue did present some genuine transmission issues during its first few years.  

Is the Nissan Rogue a Good Car?

We say yes. It’s affordable, economical to operate, comfortable, and provides plenty of advanced technology. It achieves its mission of providing safe, affordable transportation to small families without much drama.

The Nissan Rogue vs. the Toyota RAV4

It’s tough not to give the nod to the Toyota RAV4 automatically, no matter what you compare to it. We think it is that good. However, we give the Rogue props for its affordability and standard features. Both provide a comfortable, safe environment. Toyota has a stronger reputation for reliability, and, in the end, that might carry the day. But there is no wrong choice here.

The Nissan Rogue vs. the Honda CR-V

Closely matched, the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V are leaders in the compact SUV segment. As with the RAV4, the Rogue wins the day when considering price and fuel economy. And, when you travel longer distances, Rogue’s Zero Gravity seats are tough to beat. Not to mention, the Rogue’s rear doors open a full 90 degrees for easy entry and exit. On the other hand, the CR-V has a better pedigree, is a bit more polished, and offers slightly more cargo room.

See used Nissan Rogue models for sale