In this guide, I’ll break down all Nissan Rogue generations, highlighting the best Nissan Rogue years to buy and the worst Rogue years to avoid.
With rigorous analysis from reputable sources such as NHTSA, VehicleHistory, and Consumer Reports, our breakdown is built on credible data, ensuring you receive reliable insights on various Nissan Rogue model years.
Go deeper to uncover specifics about Nissan Rogue’s various generations, powertrain options, safety features, resale values, and common problems with CVT transmissions.
Let’s dive right in!
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Nissan Rogue Generations
The Nissan Rogue, a compact crossover, debuted with its first generation in 2008. The initial model was praised for its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and user-friendly features.
As one of Nissan’s best-selling vehicles, the Rogue has undergone several evolutions to stay at the forefront of its segment.
Below is a table summarizing all generations of the Nissan Rogue from 2008:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (S35) | 2008-2013 |
| 2nd generation (T32) | 2014-2020 |
| 3rd generation (T33) | 2021-Present |
By knowing the generational shifts like design updates, technological enhancements, and sometimes even changes in driving dynamics, potential buyers can pinpoint which models suit their needs and preferences.
Nissan Rogue Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
We base our judgments on a comprehensive range of criteria when assessing the best and worst years of the Nissan Rogue. These include:
- Owner-reported reliability (surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds owner ratings
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
In the upcoming graph, you’ll see a visual representation combining ratings from all the above sources, giving a comprehensive overview.
Next, let’s delve into a table that categorizes each model year of the Nissan Rogue into best, neutral, or worst years based on the data collected.
| 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 |
“Neutral Years” performs averagely compared to other years, neither excelling nor lagging significantly.
Certain factors, especially those related to NHTSA recalls, can negatively impact a vehicle’s rating. The higher the number of complaints and recalls, the more it indicates potential reliability concerns.
Now, let’s dive into the Nissan Rogue’s best, neutral, and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Nissan Rogue 1st Generation (2008-2013)
Introduced in 2008, the first-generation Nissan Rogue aimed to capture the compact crossover SUV market, balancing an SUV’s robustness and a compact car’s agility.
NOTE: Although 2011 and 2012 are Nissan Rogue’s best years in this generation, thorough checks are recommended considering widespread transmission issues.
The Best Years: 2011, 2012
Considering fewer owner-reported complaints and recall counts on NHTSA, we categorized 2011 and 2012 as the best Nissan Rogue years to buy in the first generation.
In 2011 and 2012, the Rogue was offered a 2.5L QR25DE four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), producing 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel efficiency was highlighted, achieving approximately 22 city/28 highway mpg.
These years also introduced enhanced trim levels. The SV trim, for instance, featured a rearview camera, a premium audio system, and keyless ignition, making it a preferred choice for many.
However, the CVT transmission, a consistent point of contention, continued to be a source of complaints due to jerking and slipping.
The Worst Years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013
Our research through owner complaints and recalls on NHTSA revealed that 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013 had the highest counts of CVT transmission problems, characterized by excessive jerking and slipping, with some cases even leading to transmission failures.
By 2013, one would expect these issues to have been resolved, but the transmission problems resurged disappointingly.
Recalls during these years addressed various concerns, such as the Occupant Classification System malfunctioning, potential electrical shorts due to water intrusion, and loose steering gear housing.
The combination of these issues, particularly the unaddressed transmission challenges, renders 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013 the least recommendable Nissan Rogue years you should avoid at all costs.
See NHTSA 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013 Nissan Rogue recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for Nissan Rogue 2nd Generation (2014-2020)
Entering its second generation in 2014, the Nissan Rogue matured with revamped aesthetics and technological enhancements, targeting a broader audience in the compact SUV market.
The latest model years of the generation – 2019 and 2020 are Nissan Rogue’s best years of this generation, while you should avoid 2014-2016 Nissan Rogue models like the plague.
The Best Years: 2019, 2020
What year is the best Nissan Rogue? The best Nissan Rogue years of the second generation were arguably seen in 2019 and 2020.
These Rogues came powered by a 2.5L QR25DE four-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission, generating a respectable 170 hp.
The fuel economy was commendable, averaging around 26 city/33 highway mpg.
Additionally, these models flourished in trim offerings. The SV and SL trims were notable, boasting advanced safety features like ProPILOT Assist, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration.
However, even these models weren’t entirely exempt from occasional transmission-related complaints, albeit less frequent than their predecessors.
The Neutral Years: 2017, 2018
2017 and 2018 were transitional years for the Rogue.
While still housing the 2.5L engine and the CVT, power delivery and efficiency refinement were beginning to emerge.
They carried forward technological advancements, making strides with infotainment updates.
Yet, the persistence of some previous issues, primarily related to the electrical system, kept them from reaching the “best Nissan Rogue years” tier.
The Worst Years: 2014, 2015, 2016
2014, 2015, and 2016 are undeniably the worst years for the second-generation Nissan Rogue, which is wise to avoid at all costs.
The 2014 through 2016 Nissan Rogue models primarily confronted electrical system problems, with reports of burning odors, faulty wiring, and stalling engines.
The CVT transmission issues, reminiscent of the first generation, were still present.
Numerous recalls marked these years, addressing issues ranging from under-dash electrical connector corrosion and water-seepage-induced electrical shorts to improperly plated fuel pumps causing engine stalls.
The 2015 Nissan Rogue had the added setback of a recall concerning a shift selector that might unintentionally move, presenting a rollaway risk.
See NHTSA 2014, 2015, 2016 Nissan Rogue recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for Nissan Rogue 3rd Generation (2021-Present)
Marking a fresh start for the Rogue, the third generation, introduced in 2021, sought to redefine Nissan’s position in the compact SUV segment. With bolder aesthetics and tech-forward features, this generation aimed to balance performance and luxury.
2022 and 2023 are Nissan Rogue’s best and most reliable years in this generation, while 2021 has many recalls concerning various mediums, so avoid the 2021 Nissan Rogue.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
The later model years of the generation – 2022 and 2023 are Nissan Rogue’s best years with new aesthetics and full technological features.
Powered by a refined 2.5L four-cylinder engine mated to an Xtronic CVT, these models promise around 181 hp.
Their fuel efficiency stands out, delivering an estimated 30 urban/37 highways mpg.
A significant highlight of these years is the expanded trim selection, with the Platinum trim incorporating luxury elements previously unseen in Rogues.
Features like a larger 9-inch touchscreen, ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, and wireless Apple CarPlay integration set these years apart.
The Worst Years: 2021
Unfortunately, the worst Nissan Rogue year of the third generation – 2021 received many recalls considering possible issues with various domains like fuel pumps, rearview displays, brakes, etc.
This model year was particularly tainted with electrical malfunctions and unsettling reports of fuel odors inside the cabin.
Further, several recalls clouded its debut, such as issues with inoperative rearview displays, potential fuel pump overheating, which might lead to engine stalls, fuel leaks from hoses, and even concerns about brake calipers lacking internal bushings, compromising braking performance.
Considering these facts, we categorized 2021 as the Nissan Rogue year you should avoid in its third generation.
See NHTSA 2021 Nissan Rogue recalls and complaints.
Nissan Rogue Resale Values
Explore the trends in resale values for the Nissan Rogue in the following graph.
Conclusion
It’s clear that 2019 and 2020 are Nissan Rogue’s best years, with fewer reported issues and recalls, while 2008-2010 and 2013-2016 Nissan Rogue model years are advised to avoid.
Have you had experience with any of the best or worst Nissan Rogue years, and did they align with our findings?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
