Nissan’s 2025 Rogue enters the crowded compact SUV market, offering seating for five. It stands shoulder to shoulder with competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. Combining practical features with appealing design, the Rogue provides a solid option for those wanting flexibility and style in an already competitive class of vehicles.
DESIGN
For 2025, Nissan’s Rogue showcases a complex exterior design, juxtaposed with a simpler, more refined cabin. The updated grille integrates seamlessly, but the split headlights give off an odd, futuristic vibe. Despite some sporty elements like the V-shaped grille and prominent air intakes, the Rogue doesn’t deliver on a performance-focused promise.
From a side view, the Rogue’s silhouette feels disproportionate, with its bulky rear section clashing with the front’s streamlined look. Inside, the cabin stands out with intuitive controls and a stylish layout. Higher trims offer upgrades, replacing basic black cloth with premium materials like leather, adding a touch of sophistication. A 12.3-inch touchscreen enhances the dashboard’s appeal, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience than the standard 8.0-inch display.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the 2025 Nissan Rogue is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Despite this, the SUV’s considerable weight hampers its performance. The CVT is smooth under normal driving, but passing power on highways feels sluggish, thanks to delayed responses from the transmission.
Where the Rogue truly shines is in comfort. With 19-inch wheels on the Platinum trim, it offers a smooth ride, though it can feel slightly unsettled at times. A flat-bottom steering wheel suggests a sporty nature, but the driving experience doesn’t quite live up to that promise. While precise, the steering lacks sharpness, and body roll is noticeable in corners.
Sportiness is not the Rogue’s strong suit, especially compared to agile rivals like the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V. However, it does excel in braking performance, with solid stops. Highway stability is also impressive, especially with the help of adaptive cruise control, making for a smooth and relaxed drive.
VERDICT
Rogue faces a tough challenge from its rivals, each offering a compelling mix of features. Subaru’s Forester, while more refined than before, sticks to the tried-and-true formula of its previous model without introducing radical changes.
Honda’s CR-V remains a popular choice, with hybrid options available on specific trims, although its appeal lies in a balanced approach to performance and efficiency. Hyundai’s Tucson, newly redesigned for the year, impresses with its bold new design and an upgraded interior, positioning it as a formidable player in the segment.
Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV offers a unique proposition with 38 miles of electric range, appealing to those who want a blend of efficiency and versatility. Meanwhile, the Kia Sportage, with its hybrid powertrains borrowed from the Tucson, presents a strong alternative, though the Rogue still holds its own with its balanced mix of style, practicality, and value.
