2008 Nissan Rogue: Road Test
2008 Nissan Rogue ▼
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- MSRP: $19,430 - $22,170
- Invoice: $18,526 - $20,669
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Our road test for the 2008 Nissan Rogue includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Nissan Rogue from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Nissan Rogue, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Nissan Rogue help you decide if a 2008 Nissan Rogue is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Test AWD Rogues are adequate from a stop and around town, but can be slow to build power needed for highway passing or hill climbs. 2WD models are almost brisk, though are prone to some torque steer. The transmission is generally responsive to driver inputs for more power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD Rogues averaged a reasonably frugal 23.5-24.5 mpg. Rogue uses regular-grade gas. A test 2WD Rogue averaged 20.5 mpg with more city use.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Rogue feels less solid and refined than the class leaders. Washboard freeway surfaces can bring about annoying pitching and bobbing. S models, with their smaller, less aggressive tires, ride better than their SL counterparts.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Moderate body lean registered in sharp corners. Steering feel is tight and responsive. Rogue is subject to wandering in gusty crosswinds, making steering corrections at highway speeds necessary. The brakes provide good stopping control, but one test model suffered from a slightly touchy pedal.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
The engine is rather noisy while accelerating, but it's quiet enough at cruising speeds. Rogue's cabin is not very well isolated--considerable wind and road noise is noticeable at highway speeds, especially for passengers in the rear seat.
CONTROLS
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
The gauges are clear, large, and well laid out. Rogue's steering wheel tilts but is not telescopic, which is detrimental to comfort for some of our testers.
DETAILS
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
The cabin is filled with hard- and soft-touch plastics, but they don't impart a cheap feeling. To Rogue's credit, the faux metal plastic trim throughout the cabin is stylish rather than tacky.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Bolstered and supportive seats remain comfortable during long drives. Legroom and headroom are suitable for most adults, even beneath the sunroof housing. The very tall will probably wish for more leg space, though. Rear visibility is hampered by thick C-pillars and a small, raked rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
The cabin is not wide enough for comfortable three-abreast seating. Legroom is acceptable for the class, but headroom is tight for six-footers, even without the sunroof. Wide opening doors ease entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
Above average small item storage space. Front cabin features a large center console but lacks usable door pockets. Cavernous glovebox is useful but constructed of flimsy plastic. Second row features deep map pockets and a large in-door storage bins. Passenger seat and second row fold almost flat with the touch of a button for more cargo space. SL's rear cargo area features an innovative, one-touch, pop-up storage system. It allows for the separation of cargo with removable nets and plastic bins. Rogue's plastic load floor is also removable for cleaning.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.9 |
Overall, Rogue's competitors are quieter and more refined, but this compact Nissan gets points for sleek styling and high levels of interior functionality. If you can live with Rogue's sometimes harsh ride, this little Nissan might make sense.
Total Score
| 2WD S | AWD S | AWD SL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 61 | 59 | 59.7 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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