Is the 2023 Nissan Rogue a Good SUV? 5 Pros and 4 Cons

One consumer benefit of the hotly contested compact SUV market is that competition makes for plenty of good choices, whether your priority is fuel economy, interior room or sporty driving dynamics. But if you’re just looking for something that does everything well, you can’t go wrong with the Nissan Rogue.

Related: 2023 Nissan Rogue Review: The Practical Package

A redesign for 2021 catapulted the Rogue to the front of the class, bringing a nicely finished interior with plenty of room, increased fuel efficiency and added features. Other than a switch from the four-cylinder engine to a turbocharged three-cylinder for 2022, little has changed since, and that’s OK because the Rogue remains an excellent choice. In fact, a 2023 Rogue in the top Platinum trim took first place in our latest test of six compact SUVs.

Senior Research Editor Damon Bell recently took a closer look at the Rogue, going deeper into its virtues and drawbacks, and you can click the link above for his expert review. For a quick look, read on for five things we like about the 2023 Nissan Rogue and four things we don’t.

Things We Like

1. Airy Interior

A tall profile combined with a large windshield and side glass, thin pillars and a good view to the rear make for an airier feel and better visibility than in some competitors. Legroom is adequate, and headroom is generous front and rear, even with the optional panoramic moonroof. Editors of various sizes found the seat height to be just right for easy access, and big rear door openings make it easier to install child seats.

2. Premium Furnishings

Interior quality in the Platinum trim is among the best in the class, combining a near-luxury look and feel with the practicality of clever storage compartments. The list of upscale standard features includes rich-looking seats upholstered in diamond-quilted leather, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system and a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster. The available Platinum Premium Package takes things up another notch and adds a head-up display, tri-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

3. Instruments and Controls

Nissan gets a round of applause for skipping touch-sensitive controls in favor of physical knobs and switches that are easier and safer to use on the fly. Better still, everything is clearly labeled and within easy reach of the driver. The 9-inch infotainment touchscreen is vivid and logically laid out, and the available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster uses clear graphics and is easy to navigate between functions.

4. Commendable Cargo Space

The Rogue’s cargo area is more spacious than most others in the category, and loading large items is made easier thanks to a large opening and relatively low load floor. Our top-trim test car included a power liftgate for easier access. Clever Divide-N-Hide configurable cargo panels make it easy to customize the space and keep items in place, make more room for tall cargo or keep valuable gear tucked away.

5. Three Cheers for Three Cylinders

The sole powertrain choice for the Rogue is a 201-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, the engine makes for an agreeable motivational source and feels surprisingly refined and peppy in normal driving. Fuel economy is also a strong suit, averaging 29.3 mpg in our real-world fuel economy test — second only to the Ford Escape.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. Rough-ish Rider

Handling is competent and predictable in normal driving, but some competitors are more entertaining and responsive to drive. At the same time, the Rogue doesn’t deliver a particularly cushy or absorbent ride. The Platinum trim comes with 19-inch wheels and tires, which contribute to a somewhat stiff ride and added tire noise. If a more absorbent ride is a priority, choosing a lower trim with 17- or 18-inch wheels and tires might be a better route to take.

2. Premium Pricing

The Platinum trim adds a lot of nice amenities, but be prepared to pay a premium price. Our test vehicle came to $43,100 (including destination), which is significant for a mainstream compact SUV. Still, it’s not out of line with the top trim models from some competitors. Smart shoppers can shave a few thousand dollars off by being careful with the options list.

3. No Powertrain Choices

Compact SUV buyers looking for a hybrid powertrain or the option of more horsepower will have to look elsewhere because Nissan has chosen to go with only the three-cylinder engine — at least for now. As good as the Rogue’s engine is, it is neither the most fuel-efficient nor the most energetic in the category, and it can run out of steam on the highway.

4. Nit List

Beyond that, our list of gripes is small. The rear seatbacks don’t recline in the Rogue, and ventilated seats are not available, even with the Platinum trim. And though it’s pretty easy to get used to, the sliding shift lever is a bit awkward. None of these are deal breakers, but they may be more important to some buyers than others.

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