Which Used Nissan Rogue Is Right for You?
Choosing the right pre-owned Nissan Rogue can be tricky, but it’s not as hard as it might seem at first—it’s even easier when you choose the right dealership that’s ready to help you find the perfect option. Three generations of the Rogue have been available, so looking at certain model years and their available features can make it a lot easier to see what’s out there and find the one that’s right for you. You’ll want to look at the specific details of any used model you’re interested in because this will give you a good sense of where to start and which years to focus on.
The 2008 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue was first released here in Canada for the 2008 model year when it replaced the X-Trail, which was a similar model sold here from 2005 to 2007. This is as far back as you’ll be able to go when looking at a used Rogue model, though you’re not likely to find ones quite this old at most dealerships. Still, it’s worth taking a look at where things started to see how the Rogue has been updated and improved upon over the years.
With its initial release, the Nissan Rogue was a compact crossover SUV, and it has remained as such ever since. The 2008 Rogue had a single engine available: a 2.5L 4-cylinder that delivered 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, which came with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) was standard on the Rogue, though All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was available, which means you’ll find both drive types on used models. This is important to note since the performance and traction you’ll get while driving the Rogue can vary depending on whether you choose one with FWD or AWD.
Two trims were offered here in Canada on the Rogue: the starting S trim and an upgraded SL trim—both were available with AWD. S models for 2008 included a four-way adjustable driver’s seat and power locks with keyless entry. Rogue SL models, however, included a number of upgrades such as a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and available options included things like a power sunroof, leather seating, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, so the kinds of features you’ll find on a used Nissan Rogue can vary quite a bit. All Rogue models came with a comprehensive airbag suite, but advanced safety systems like you can find today weren’t available on 2008 models.
The 2011 Nissan Rogue
Sometimes the differences between one model year and another for a vehicle can be pretty minimal, but in some instances, they are much more important. For the 2011 model year, for example, the Nissan Rogue received a number of important changes as part of an overall update. For starters, the exterior and interior were both restyled, including new exterior colours that became available, which you might notice when looking at used Rogues from different years.
However, the most important part of this update was the addition of a new trim level and a revision of offered features. The S remained the starting trim and continued with features like keyless entry and cloth seating. With the SV trim, the Rogue gained privacy glass, a backup monitor, and heated seats plus an 11 cm colour Infotainment display. Added to these was a new SL trim, which included automatic climate control, a power sunroof, a navigation system, and much more. While the S and SV models were available with FWD or AWD, the SL was exclusively AWD.
The 2014 Nissan Rogue
For the 2014 model year, the second generation of the Nissan Rogues kicked off with a number of major changes compared to the previous year. For starters, a third row of seating became available for the second-generation Rogue, so you will find that in some models as you look at different used options. The engine in the Rogue remained the same for this generation, and FWD and AWD were both offered on the S and SV trims, with AWD-only for the SL trim.
A four-wheel independent suspension became standard on all models for the second generation, along with electric power-assisted steering and four-wheel disc brakes, making this Rogue even more enjoyable to drive than previous models. Safety features like a rear backup camera and Brake Assist were standard on all Rogue models this year, along with cruise control and a tire pressure monitor. More advanced options like a Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, and Cross-Traffic Alert became standard on the SV and SL trim, but not the S.
The 2017 Nissan Rogue
A few years after it was first released, the second-generation Nissan Rogue received an update and facelift for the 2017 model year. This included reshaped headlights with LED daytime running lights and a revised grille that gave the Rogue a bolder overall style. A new rear bumper and LED brake lights added to this overall appearance upgrade, while 43 cm wheels became standard for the S and SV with 48 cm wheels on the SL. Interior updates for 2017 included a new, heated steering wheel that became available, along with a remote start system and an available driver memory option to make it easier for multiple drivers to enjoy the Rogue.
The 2018 Nissan Rogue
Although there weren’t many updates or additions for the 2018 model year, since it had been restyled just the year before, some new standard safety features were added. Impressive technology, including a Lane Departure Warning, Lane Intervention, and Automatic Emergency Braking, became standard on every Rogue model starting in 2018. A Hands-Free Power Tailgate became standard on the SV trim too, and all models received Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, which makes this a great model year to look for when shopping used. This was also the last year that third-row seating was offered.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue
An all-new third generation for the Nissan Rogue just kicked off with the 2021 model year; while you might not find too many of these on the used market, they’re out there and becoming more common. Perhaps the biggest news for the third generation was an updated engine: the Rogue features a new 2.5L I-4 that delivers 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque for boosted performance compared to previous years. Both FWD and AWD have remained available, though AWD is the sole option still with the highest trim.
The trim levels have changed slightly with the latest generation—the S and SV remain, but the highest trim option is now called the Platinum. Rogue S models feature 43 cm wheels, cloth upholstery with heated front seats, and a 20 cm Infotainment display. The SV comes with 45 cm wheels, added safety technology, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. While the Platinum has 48 cm wheels, Nappa leather seating with heated front and rear seats, a 10-speaker sound system, and more. As you can see, there have been many changes to the Rogue over the years—now, all you have to do is find the used model with everything you’re looking for.