Since its 2007 debut, the Nissan Rogue has been one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs in the U.S. Furthermore, it has a well-earned reputation for reliability, consistently receiving high marks from independent organizations like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. This makes finding a used Nissan Rogue for sale an excellent option if you want a solid all-around vehicle that costs a lot less than a new steed.
The challenge is finding the used Rogue that has what you want while remaining within your budget. This vehicle has evolved over the years with changes to the powertrain, seating, infotainment tech, safety, and more. Not only do vehicle shoppers have different budgets, but they also have different priorities and tastes.
We created this used Rogue buyer’s guide to help people who are trying to decide which version of this compact crossover to make their next vehicle. Starting with the introduction of the second generation in 2014, we’ll look at how the Rogue has evolved so you can find the model year and trim that’s best for you.
2014: The Second Generation Rogue
The Rogue was starting to become widespread towards the end of the first generation, but a major reinvention for 2014 sent it into the stratosphere. Based on the third-generation Nissan X-Trail T32 sold in Japan, the 2014 Rogue is arguably most famous for introducing an optional third-row bench seat. While certainly not a big third row (basically enough to fit young kids), it was a rarity in the compact segment and gave buyers an alternative to the two-row layout.
Each 2014 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 2.5L I-4 engine. Delivering 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, the engine was mated to a CVT and had an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined in FWD or 27 MPG combined with the optional AWD. Several active standard driving aids like Trace Control, Ride Control, Engine Braking, and Hill Start Assist gave drivers a smoother and more dynamic feel.
Three trim levels were available on the 2014 Rogue: the S, SV, and SL. The basic infotainment and tech loadout on the S trim included halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a five-inch infotainment screen, a four-speaker sound system with CD, USB, and auxiliary media input, and multi-row air vents.
Other features that could be added on higher trims or upgrade packages were a seven-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, LED headlights, a 360-degree camera system, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, leather upholstery, and a power moonroof. Driver safety aids such as lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and moving object detection were also largely limited to the higher trims. (Interestingly, the first-generation Rogue was still sold in 2014 and 2015 as the Nissan Rogue Select.)
2017: Second Generation Refresh
The Rogue remained largely unchanged in 2015 while receiving a few tech updates for 2016, such as NissanConnect with onboard navigation and Siri Eyes Free voice control for iPhones. In 2017, though, Nissan gave its compact crossover a mid-cycle refresh with several big changes.
Safety tech was a focus point, introducing Rogue Safety Shield driver assistance tech like rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The interior was redone as well with a new center console design, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and higher quality materials. A heated steering wheel, remote start, and driver’s seat memory setting became options for the first time.
Most significantly, the Nissan Rogue Hybrid variant was introduced in 2017. A 2.0L engine and electric motor increased total output to 175 hp with an EPA-estimated 34 MPG combined in FWD and 33 MPG combined in AWD. The third-row seat wasn’t available on the hybrid because the battery took up more space.
It was a portent of things to come, as Nissan discontinued the third-row option entirely for the 2018 model. To compensate, the automaker made several safety features standard for the first time, including blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2018 model was also the first with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there were new available features such as a motion-activated liftgate and ProPilot Assist for semi-autonomous highway driving.
The year 2019 also saw small but notable changes. The seven-inch touchscreen became standard on all trims, and a new six-speaker audio system slotted between the four- and nine-speaker choices. The safety expansion continued with lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams joining the list of standard features. In 2020, Nissan dropped the hybrid powertrain due to poor sales.
2021: The Third Generation
The 2021 and 2022 model years were the next big overhaul for the Rogue. A new 2.5L engine was a little more powerful at 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. More significantly, the Rogue switched to the Renault-Nissan CMF-CD platform, which was 1.5 inches shorter for more nimble handling. Despite this, total cargo space increased from 70 to 74.1 cu.ft., and rear legroom also rose, though front legroom took a small hit. Little things also stood out, like the second row doors opening a little wider so people could get in and out more easily.
The trim lineup expanded for the first time, with the new Nissan Rogue Platinum receiving the best of everything, down to quilted leather seats. The lower trims were still pretty well equipped. The 2021 Rogue had the most expansive safety suite yet. Safety Shield 360 included eight standard driver assistance features, ProPilot Assist was available on everything but the S trim, and LED headlights were now universal. Infotainment also got bigger with an eight- or nine-inch touchscreen, a new 10-speaker Bose premium audio option, and an optional 12.3-inch digital gauge display and head-up display. To the dismay of old-school audiophiles, the 2021 Rogue dropped the standard CD player as part of the digital shift.
As it turned out, the revised 2.5L engine only lasted one year. For 2022, Nissan switched U.S. Rogues to a 1.5L turbo I-3 engine. Despite the downsize in displacement, it was the fiercest Rogue power plant yet, generating 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, and having more capability at lower RPMs. There was also a redesigned CVT, which together increased EPA-estimated fuel economy to 33 MPG combined. The only other notable change in 2022 was the addition of standard rear sunshades. In 2023, the one key update was the availability of Amazon Alexa integration on the Platinum or as part of the SL Premium package.
2024: Third Generation Refresh
Apart from some interior and exterior style tweaks like new wheel designs, the most recent Rogue revamp was about infotainment. The eight-inch base screen remained the same, but the SL and Platinum trim levels were graced with a 12.3-inch screen featuring Google integration. These Rogues also received wireless smartphone mirroring, and the SL now came with digital instrumentation. USB-A ports were replaced with USB-C ports, and buyers now got three years of pre-paid NissanConnect Services instead of six months.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
As you can see, plenty has changed about the Rogue in just 10 years. While everyone has unique needs and wants, here are a few recommendations based on key factors.
- Focus on the newer Nissan Rogue models (2021 to 2024) if you prioritize more power, extra cargo capacity, larger screens, and more standard safety features.
- Aim for older Rogue models (2014 to 2020) if you want more retro tech (like the CD player), don’t like as much driver assistance, need the most front legroom, or are on the tightest budget.
- If you want a third-row seat, buy a Nissan Rogue from the 2015 to 2017 range.
- Look at the 2017 to 2019 models if you want a used Rogue with a hybrid engine for the best fuel efficiency.
Whichever used Nissan Rogue you buy, you’re getting a vehicle that is great for everyday commuters, growing families, and those who like the occasional road trip.
