Buckle up, car enthusiasts! We’re diving into the Nissan Rogue’s history, from treasures to flops. Using data from NHTSA, VehicleHistory, and Consumer Reports, we’ll explore each generation’s highs and lows.
We’ll cover everything from powertrain options to those infamous CVT issues. By the end, you’ll be a Rogue expert, ready to spot the champions and avoid the lemons.
Ready to strike the road?
Let’s go!
Table of ContentsShow
Nissan Rogue Generations
The Nissan Rogue burst onto the scene in 2008, quickly becoming a fan favorite in the compact crossover segment. This agile SUV won hearts with its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and user-friendly features. It’s no wonder the Rogue has become one of Nissan’s top sellers!
But Nissan didn’t rest on its laurels. The Rogue has undergone several alterations since its debut, always striving to stay ahead of the pack.
Let’s take a short trip down memory lane:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (S35) | 2008-2013 |
| 2nd generation (T32) | 2014-2020 |
| 3rd generation (T33) | 2021-Present |
Understanding these generational shifts is essential for potential buyers. Each new iteration brought design tweaks, tech upgrades, and sometimes even changes in how the Rogue handles on the road. By knowing what each generation brings to the table, you can pinpoint the ideal Rogue for your needs and preferences.
Nissan Rogue Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to picking the cream of the Rogue crop (or avoiding the duds), we don’t mess around. Our assessments are based on a wide array of criteria, including:
- Owner-reported reliability (straight from the horse’s mouth)
- Annual maintenance costs (because nobody likes surprise bills)
- Safety ratings (because you can’t put a price on peace of mind)
- Consumer Reports reliability and owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB), VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
Ready for an optical feast? Check out this graph that combines ratings from all these sources:
Now, let’s break it down even further with a table that sorts each Rogue model year into the outstanding, the bad, and the “meh”:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (S35) | 2011 2012 | N/A | 2008 2009 2010 2013 |
| 2nd generation (T32) | 2019 2020 | 2017 2018 | 2014 2015 2016 |
| 3rd generation (T33) | 2022 2023 | N/A | 2021 |
A quick note on those “Neutral Years” – these are the Goldilocks of Rogues, neither exceptional nor terrible. They’re just… ordinary.
Keep in mind that NHTSA recalls can really pull down a vehicle’s rating. The more complaints and recalls, the more likely you are to encounter dependability issues.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of each Rogue generation!
Best & Worst Years for Nissan Rogue 1st Generation (2008-2013)
Back in 2008, Nissan threw its hat into the compact crossover ring with the first-generation Rogue. This innovative kid on the block aimed to blend the ruggedness of an SUV with the agility of a compact car. But did it hit the mark?
Let’s investigate!
The Best Years: 2011, 2012
Why do 2011 and 2012 take the crown? Simple – they racked up fewer complaints and recalls on NHTSA’s scoreboard. Here’s what made these years exceptional:
- Under the hood: A 2.5L QR25DE four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, pumping out 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque.
- Fuel sipper: These Rogues could stretch a gallon, managing about 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- Fancy features: The SV trim introduced goodies like a rearview camera, premium audio, and keyless ignition.
But it wasn’t all sunshine and lollipops. That CVT transmission still had a few schemes up its sleeve, with some owners complaining about jerking and lurching.
The Worst Years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013
Now for the years you might want to avoid. Our thorough dive into NHTSA data revealed that 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013 were plagued with CVT transmission woes. We’re talking excessive jerking and slipping, with some unfortunate owners facing total transmission failures.
You’d think by 2013, Nissan would have ironed out these defects. Sadly, the transmission gremlins made an unanticipated comeback.
These demanding years also saw recalls for:
- Malfunctioning Occupant Classification Systems
- Potential electrical shorts from water intrusion
- Loose steering gear housing
The bottom line? The combination of these issues, especially those persistent transmission problems, makes 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013 the Rogue years to avoid.
Want additional details?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013 Nissan Rogues.
Best & Worst Years for Nissan Rogue 2nd Generation (2014-2020)
In 2014, the Rogue entered its awkward adolescent years… I mean, second generation. This new Rogue sported a sleeker look and some advanced new tech, aiming to win over even more compact SUV shoppers.
Hold onto your hats, folks – the latest models of this generation (2019 and 2020) are the stars of the show. But watch out for those 2014-2016 models – they’re more problematic than they’re worth!
The Best Years: 2019, 2020
So, what’s the verdict on the finest Nissan Rogue year? For the second generation, 2019 and 2020 take the top spot. Here’s why:
- Power plant: A 2.5L QR25DE four-cylinder engine coupled with a CVT, churning out a respectable 170 hp.
- Fuel-sipper: These Rogues could squeeze out about 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- Trim bonanza: The SV and SL trims really upped the ante with goodies like ProPILOT Assist, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
But let’s keep it real – even these top dogs weren’t immune to the occasional transmission hiccup. Still, they were far less moody than their older siblings.
The Neutral Years: 2017, 2018
Think of 2017 and 2018 as the Rogue’s “discovering itself” phase. These models:
- Kept the 2.5L engine and CVT combo, but started to smooth out some rough edges.
- Brought some cool tech upgrades to the infotainment system.
- Still battled some electrical gremlins, keeping them from reaching “best in show” status.
The Worst Years: 2014, 2015, 2016
Brace yourselves – 2014, 2015, and 2016 are the rebellious sheep of the Rogue family. Here’s why you should steer clear:
- Electrical nightmares: Reports of burning smells, faulty wiring, and engines deciding to take an unscheduled nap.
- CVT drama: Those pesky transmission issues from gen one? Yeah, they stuck around.
- Recall central: These years saw a parade of recalls, including:
- Corroding under-dash electrical connectors
- Water-induced electrical shorts
- Fuel pumps with an identity crisis (improperly plated)
- 2015’s special: A shifter that might go rogue (pun intended) and cause rollaway risks
Want the dirt and filthy?
Check out NHTSA’s 2014, 2015, and 2016 Nissan Rogue recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for Nissan Rogue 3rd Generation (2021-Present)
In 2021, the Rogue entered its third act with a splash! This generation aimed to redefine Nissan’s place in the compact SUV world. With daring new looks and tech that would make a smartphone envious, the latest Rogues try to strike an ideal balance between performance and luxury.
Here’s the scoop: 2022 and 2023 are the radiant stars of this generation. But 2021? Let’s just say it had some growing pains.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
The subsequent models of this era – 2022 and 2023 – are the Rogues you want in your driveway. Here’s why:
- Heart of the beast: A refined 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with an Xtronic CVT, pumping out a respectable 181 hp.
- Fuel sipper: These Rogues can stretch a gallon, delivering an estimated 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
- Trim bonanza: The Platinum trim brings luxury to the Rogue lineup like never before.
- Tech paradise: We’re talking a 9-inch touchscreen, ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
The Worst Years: 2021
Oh, 2021. You tried, but you stumbled out of the gate. Here’s why this year gets the “avoid” stamp:
- Recall central: Issues popped up with fuel pumps, rearview displays, brakes, and more.
- Electrical gremlins: Malfunctions that would make even an IT pro scratch their head.
- Something smells fishy: Unsettling reports of fuel odors creeping into the cabin.
- Brake drama: Some calipers lacked internal bushings, potentially compromising braking performance.
Want the full picture?
Check out NHTSA’s 2021 Nissan Rogue recalls and issues.
Nissan Rogue Resale Values
Curious about how well Rogues hold their value? Take a gander at this graph showing resale price trends:
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks! The 2019 and 2020 Rogues stand tall as the best of the bunch, with fewer headaches and recalls. On the flip side, you might want to think twice about those 2008-2010 and 2013-2016 models – they’re more trouble than they’re worth.
But hey, don’t just take our word for it! Have you had any encounters with these Rogue years, positive or negative?
Did your experience align with our conclusions?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear your Rogue stories!
