The 2015 Nissan Rogue is offered with just one engine option: a sluggish 2.5L four-cylinder lacking in performance. Combined with its CVT issues, this powertrain makes the 2015 model one likely worth avoiding.
Key Points
- The sole engine available across the 2015 Nissan Rogue range is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired to a CVT. Front or all-wheel drive options are available.
- Producing a mere 170 hp and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.5-liter’s performance leaves a lot to be desired, only getting from 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds at best.
- More than 120 engine and powertrain-related complaints were registered with the NHTSA, with unexpected stalling and spontaneous acceleration both being commonly reported issues.
- The 2.5-liter delivers decent fuel economy at up to 32 mpg on the highway, which is better than many rivals, but still in the middle of the pack overall.
2015 Rogue’s 2.5L Engine is an Under-performer, with only 170 hp and Limited Towing Capacity
When a vehicle is offered with just one available engine, you’d hope the manufacturer has got it right. Unfortunately, the 2015 Nissan Rogue is an example of a company missing the mark. The only engine it’s available with is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. Nissan’s infamous CVT is the only available transmission, but it can be had with either front or all-wheel drive.
Codenamed “QR25DE,” this twin-cam engine with variable valve timing produces a meager 170 hp at 6,000 rpm, and 175 lb.-ft. of torque at a high 4,400 rpm. That’s only enough to get it from 0-60 mph in a lethargic 8.7 seconds for front-drive models, and 8.9 seconds for heavier all-wheel-drive models. It’s also able to tow just 1,000 pounds.
While the 2015 Rogue remained almost unchanged from the 2014 model, it did gain a new Eco drive mode. With this engine already being heavily revised for 2014, Nissan cites a 40 percent reduction in friction loss for this updated QR25 compared to the previous-generation version. This is thanks to a new belt and pulley system, a more compact oil pump, and a new electronic control system.
At each oil change, the 2.5L requires 4.9 quarts of oil. Although using 5W-30 is acceptable, lower viscosity 0W-20 oil is preferred. Oil changes are recommended every six months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. If one of these engines happens to fail, replacements are cheaper than for most rivals. A used engine will cost up to $1,150 according to Car Part Planet, while rebuilt engines are worth up to $3,350.
2015 Rogue’s Impressive Highway Fuel Economy Ensures the QR25 Engine isn’t without its Benefits
Although an even more efficient hybrid version of this second-generation Nissan Rogue was introduced later in its lifecycle, the 2015’s 2.5-liter engine still offers impressive fuel economy on its own.
For front-wheel-drive models, fuel consumption is rated at 28 mpg combined, based on 26 in the city and 32 on the highway. All-wheel-drive models see these numbers drop slightly to 27 mpg combined, 25 city, and 31 highway.
This makes it more economical than the 2015 Toyota RAV4, although the 2015 Honda CR-V and equivalent 2015 Mazda CX-5 still manage to better the Rogue’s numbers.
The 2015 Nissan Rogue has a 14.5-gallon fuel tank, giving an average driving range of 406 miles for front-wheel-drive models and 391 miles for all-wheel-drive models.
Over 120 NHTSA Complaints Related to the 2015 Rogue’s Powertrain were Registered, including for Unexpected Stalling
While we’ve already documented the main problems with the 2015 Nissan Rogue and the recalls that have been issued for it, a combined 123 complaints specifically addressing the Rogue’s engine and powertrain have been registered with the NHTSA among 322 total – over one-third of all complaints submitted.
Among those specifically related to the engine, unexpected stalling while driving stands out as one of the most common complaints. This is a problem that appears to have multiple causes, with accounts of engine control module software issues and transmission failure leading to it occurring.
Premature transmission failure is, indeed, something CVT-equipped Nissans are infamous for, and it can lead to other reported issues such as unintended acceleration or a loss of power due to the transmission slipping. If transmission failure occurs, Kelley Blue Book cites a replacement cost of $4,060 and up, making it even more costly than replacing the engine.
Shuddering, shaking, and jerkiness from both the engine and transmission is also commonly reported. One other complaint specifically related to the engine noted failure of the engine’s intake manifold failing and requiring replacement, with it more susceptible to failure due to being made of plastic rather than metal.
With its Questionable Reliability and Lackluster Performance, the 2015 Nissan Rogue may be One to Avoid
With performance that leaves a lot to be desired and a reputation for powertrain issues, it’s clear the 2015 Nissan Rogue is one of the weaker offerings in this segment among vehicles this age. An engine that could run rough and unexpectedly lose power, and a transmission known for failure as well are certainly liabilities that many wouldn’t want to take a chance on. Plus, the Rogue’s one strength – impressive highway fuel economy – still isn’t the best in class.
At the right price, with a clean bill of health from a mechanic, and after a thorough test drive to ensure there is no roughness at all with its engine and transmission, a 2015 Rogue might be worth considering. However, it’s likely rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V will be a better bet in the long run.
Photos: Nissan
