• 2013

• 2012 Nissan Rogue

• Used Nissan Rogue
• Repairs Nissan Rogue

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Nissan Rogue U.S. News Best Cars 7.5
Critics' Rating:	7.5
Performance:	7.5
Interior:	7.2
Safety:	9.2
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Lots of innovative storage spaces
• Interior controls are easily mastered

• Loud continuously variable transmission
• Underpowered compared with competition

Research Other Years

• 2013 Nissan Rogue
• 2011 Nissan Rogue
• 2010 Nissan Rogue
• 2009 Nissan Rogue
• 2008 Nissan Rogue

Test drivers love the 2012 Nissan Rogue’s innovative storage features and well-made cabin, but they complain about plenty of other aspects of this compact SUV.

One of the Rogue’s biggest faults is its powertrain. Its four-cylinder engine has enough power for most situations, but reviewers say it struggles when passing other cars on the highway and climbing hills. They also dislike its loud continuously variable transmission, even though it lends a hand in improving fuel economy. Inside, test drivers find that the Rogue uses quality materials and has a good number of standard features that are well-organized in the dash, but wish it had more interior space. There are seats for five, but only four people will be comfortable.

Essentially, most reviewers say that if you really like the Rogue, it’s a fine choice, but there are much better options in the class that do a lot of things well rather than some things right.

Other Affordable Compact SUVs to Consider

It’s hard to find a compact SUV with a comfortable second row, but the GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox, which are built on the same platform, have some of the most comfortable back seats in the class. Their ample passenger space does sacrifice overall cargo room, but if you have frequent back-seat passengers, the Terrain or Equinox should be on your list.

If you’re shopping for your next family SUV, consider the Toyota RAV4. It has more cargo space than the Rogue, and also has a V6 engine that reviewers like, as well as an optional third row.

Details: Nissan Rogue

The 2012 Nissan Rogue is available in S and SV trims. This year, Nissan adds an Around View monitor, which is a camera that gives an aerial view of the Rouge, in an optional package on the SV trim. There is also a special edition Rogue S model, as well as a standard sport mode switch on all models, a new exterior color and revisions to equipment packages.

See the full list of 2012 Nissan Rogue specs.

• "Overall, Rogue's competitors are quieter and more refined, but this compact Nissan gets points for sleek styling, high levels of interior functionality, and value pricing. If you can live with Rogue's firm ride and noisy engine, this little Nissan might make sense." -- Consumer Guide
• "Still, the 2012 Nissan Rogue deserves a close look among small crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Although the Honda and Toyota offer more cargo room and versatility, the Rogue is actually a nicer place to sit and a more engaging car to drive." -- Edmunds
• "If you like a really powerful engine or need off-road ability, you won't find either on the 2012 Rogue crossover. With no V6 engine or turbochargers to offer, the Rogue falls behind the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4, and its all-wheel-drive system is intended strictly for on-pavement use." -- Kelley Blue Book