Nissan’s 2018 Rogue isn’t the fastest SUV, but ample cargo space and clever storage solutions make it extremely versatile.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
2018 Nissan Rogue: A Quick Overview
- Nissan sold over 412,000 Rogues in 2018, which made it the brand’s best-selling vehicle at the time. Today, prices for a used 2018 Rogue range from about $17,000 all the way up to $24,000, depending on whether you land on the base S trim, the mid-tier SV, or the top-of-the-line SL.
- One of the biggest drawbacks to the 2018 Rogue is its underwhelming engine lineup, which includes a 2.5-liter, non-turbo, four-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter, gas-electric hybrid. The former produces a meager 170 hp, and the latter just 178 hp.
- When compared to competitors like the Ford Escape and its available 245 hp EcoBoost, the Rogue simply can’t compete. Even the base 2.4-liter engine in the 2018 Honda CR-V delivers 184 hp.
- The Rogue’s spacious cargo bay stretches from 39.3 to 70.0 cu. ft., depending on how it’s configured, making it one of the largest in its class. The available Divide-N-Hide adjustable cargo system in the 2018 Rogue allows the trunk floor to be split into two pieces to create partitions, shelves, and cubbies, making it extremely versatile.
- Many critics praised the 2018 Rogue for its storage space and advanced driver technology. However, lackluster engines, combined with average handling and braking and a soft suspension, deliver an underwhelming driving experience.
Pros from Owners
Hands down, best things about it is the gas mileage and space. I am able to travel far with a good amount of luggage. Next best thing about it are the steering wheel and seat warmers. This comes in really handy on cold days, as does the dual A/C feature for the front passengers. The feature I use the absolute most on this car, however, is the Bluetooth function. Absolutely love it!
This vehicle has excellent gas consumption. Lots of miles per gallon. This vehicle also has excellent safety features. Also, this vehicle is very easy to drive. Even though it is an SUV, it drives like a sedan.
This SUV rides like a sedan. In addition, it has a room interior as well as room for all of my beach going supplies. I was surprised at excellent gas mileage. The vehicle has an excellent warranty and Nissan has excellent customer service.
It is a hybrid,, so it gets great mileage. I Love the styling. The leather interior feels luxurious. Controls are well-placed and intuitive. I like the foot-activated liftgate. The back-up camera is also handy. And it has plenty of cargo space.
The things I like most about my 2018 Nissan Rogue SV are: Heated Seats, remote start, new, navigation, heated steering wheel, decent MPG, roomy, AWD, and the size of the vehicle. It is not too large but not too small either.
I felt the Nissan Rogue sport was a very sturdy car. It handles the small hills near where I live easily and I feel very safe when going out of my entryway on a rainy day. The seats are heated and you can adjust them to low or high or off. I love having the seat heated because it takes a little while for the main heat to come on. I particularly like the indicator lights that let you know when there's a car in the blind spot. The rogue is loaded with many options. I use the speed control when on a long trip and one big thing it is good on gas. Also the lights come on automatically and also shut off automatically in case you forget. The rogue also has a small windshield wiper on the rear window. Great on rainy days.
As an older person I find it hard to get in and out and I like that I can adjust seat up am short in fact I think it could go up a drop higher. Otherwise I am happy drives smoothly. I would recommend.
Great gas mileage. Easy to get around and park everywhere. Just really easy to drive. I love the color it is very easy to keep clean and like interior as well. It is big enough for me since my kids are all grown.
Cons from Owners
The only thing I can think of is that there is no third row seating. While I love that it is spacious and gets good gas mileage, I also have a lot of family, and more often than not, we have to take more than one car.
I think a GPS would be an excellent standard addition to this vehicle. Other than that, I would have to honestly say that I feel that there are no cons with this vehicle. Nissan has made an excellent SUV.
I began to hear squeaks and noises from the vehicle's rear end after less than ten thousand miles. The vehicle's heated seats are extremely hot to the point of being uncomfortable. The CD player skips and the back seat does not fold completely flat.
I do not love the guidelines on the backup camera - to me, they're just visual noise. There's also a glitch in the software that causes an alert Caution, road with restricted access? Every time I enter my gated complex. To remove it, I have to agree to transmit my cars data to Nissan. I reported it multiple times when I first got the car and it is never been fixed.
The price is a little high. I fill up my tank a little more than I would like. But other than that I do not really have any cons. I really like my car and cannot think of anything wrong with it so I guess I do not have many cons.
The only con I have noticed so far is that I am short and getting in is a little hard for me. I am 5'2'. I have to hold on and hop in. I also had to get use to sitting high up. Sometimes the bells go off and I do not expect them to, like letting me know I am too close to another car in front of me.
Whatever I said before. The only con is that for older short people it is too height get into it needs a step up but one that is wide enough for the foot. I have been on an added on step but not secure for the elderly.
I do not like that is does not have a lot of pick up and go. I used to have a Murano. I loved how you can get on an interstate and not worry. I really do not like the black carpet at all. It is so hard to keep clean.
2018 Nissan Rogue Trims & Special Editions
Three trim levels were offered in the U.S. for the 2018 Nissan Rogue: the base S, the mid-tier SV, and the top-of-the-line SL.
2018 Nissan Rogue S
The S trim is only available with the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. New for 2018, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity came standard. Other standard features include: 17-inch steel wheels, power-folding side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, Divide-N-Hide cargo system, a seven-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Value Package was made available in the latter half of 2018, adding 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, heated wing mirrors, chrome door handles, roof rails, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
2018 Nissan Rogue SV
Stepping up, the SV brought a more economical 2.0-liter hybrid drivetrain.
On top of the S, the SV added: 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, intelligent automatic headlights, power-folding heated side mirrors with LED turn signals, roof rails, a motion-activated tailgate, rear privacy glass, chrome door handles, remote engine start, keyless entry, push-button start, a six-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The SV was offered in a special Midnight Edition for those seeking a sportier look. Options included several blacked-out exterior highlights, like black wheels, exterior badging, roof rails and crossbars, and side-mirror caps. Intelligent auto headlights also were added to the Midnight Edition.
To add more in the way of tech and comfort features, buyers could add the Premium Package, which included: satellite navigation with voice recognition, Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link, intelligent cruise control, a heated steering wheel, front-row memory seats, and a 360-degree camera system.
Lastly for the SV, the Sun and Sound Touring Package adds all of the Premium Package contents, plus a nine-speaker Bose Premium Audio System and a panoramic sunroof.
2018 Nissan Rogue SL
Sitting at the top of the Rogue lineup, the SL offered the greatest range of standard features available on any 2018 model. These include: 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, high beam assist, satellite navigation with premium traffic, Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link, NissanConnect, voice recognition for navigation and audio, HomeLink, intelligent cruise control, and a heated steering wheel.
Other features included in the SL are: leather-appointed seats, memory system for the driver’s seat and side mirrors, 360-degree camera system, nine-speaker Bose system, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Departure Warning with Intelligent Lane Intervention.
To make it even more compelling, the SL was available with three optional packages that added even more features.
The Premium Package offered a panoramic moonroof and LED headlights.
The Platinum Package (only available when paired with the Premium Package) included 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, ProPilot Assist, and an electronic parking brake.
The Platinum Reserve Interior Package swapped the standard Charcoal or Almond leather-appointed interior for a Tan leather-appointed interior with quilted leather inserts on the seats.
What Does a Used 2018 Nissan Rogue Cost?
When it comes to the used value of the Nissan Rogue, Car Edge notes that while it “falls like a stone” during the first year after purchasing the vehicle new, things do flatten out from there.
Using Kelley Blue Book, we’ve compiled the latest pricing estimates for a 2018 Rogue, including the original MSRP, what it costs now on the used market, and what a dealer might give you on trade-in if you’re looking to upgrade your current 2018 Rogue.
Note: The values listed reflect a Rogue with 30,000 miles on the odometer, in “good” condition, with no added features or premium colors.
2018 Nissan Rogue S FWD/AWD
- Price when new: $24,800/$26,150
- Private party value in 2021: $19,262/$19,841
- Dealer trade-in value in 2021: $17,151/$17,647
2018 Nissan Rogue SV FWD/AWD
- Price when new: $26,020/$27,370
- Private party value in 2021: $20,947/$21,443
- Dealer trade-in value in 2021: $19,012/$19,508
2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid SV FWD/AWD
- Price when new: $27,020/$28,370
- Private party value in 2021: $20,643/$21,139
- Dealer trade-in value in 2021: $18,680/$19,176
2018 Nissan Rogue SL FWD/AWD
- Price when new: $31,180/$32,530
- Private party value in 2021: $23,507/$24,003
- Dealer trade-in value in 2021: $21,731/$22,227
2018 Nissan Rogue Hybrid SL FWD/AWD
- Price when new: $32,380/$33,730
- Private party value in 2021: $23,474/$23,970
- Dealer trade-in value in 2021: $21,697/$22,193
There are some key things that can be taken away from these numbers. One is that for the standard 2.5-liter gas models, depreciation has been at a relatively consistent rate across the range.
The other notable aspect is perhaps a surprising one: Despite its higher list price, the Hybrid model, at least according to these estimates, has depreciated more steeply.
As a result, despite the Hybrid SL AWD having the highest value when new, its depreciation has been so steep that the standard SV AWD is actually the highest-valued used model in the range.
Pre-owned & CPO Options
If you’re looking at buying one privately, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $19,000 all the way up to $24,000 on average for a used 2018 Nissan Rogue. Still, configuration plays a big part in what the Rogue you’ll be looking at is worth.
Those interested in purchasing a used Hybrid model will be pleased to see that now is a good time to buy into its depreciation curve. That is, of course, if you can find one.
What if you aren’t interested in purchasing one privately, and would like to buy a model that is guaranteed to be of a high standard? Nissan offers Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, and while used, they have been inspected thoroughly and certified in good mechanical condition.
These vehicles often are offered at particularly competitive prices. Among those currently available–there are around 5,000 Rogues that are CPOs–numerous examples of the base S model are offered for less than $17,000. That’s a significant savings compared to the private party value of one (with similar mileage and options), according to Kelley Blue Book. It’s even less than the dealer trade-in value that KBB cites.
2018 Nissan Rogue Engines
For the 2018 model, the Rogue soldiered on with the same two powertrain options it had featured for the 2017 model year. Standard on the Rogue was a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine – the same that had been fitted to it since it launched in late 2013. Added to the range in 2017 was a new hybrid drivetrain, which was carried over into this 2018 model, and only offered in certain U.S. regions.
Both gas and hybrid models were available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on all available trim levels. There was a $1,350 premium on all new models for all-wheel drive. All models featured a CVT that simulated ratios between 2.631 and 0.378 per wheel rotation, with a final drive ratio of 6.386.
2.5-liter Gas Engine (QR25DE)
The backbone of the second-generation Rogue range since its initial launch, the QR25DE engine was offered on all Rogue trim levels as standard. A 2.5-liter (2,488 cc), naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder gas engine, it featured dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. Sequential multi-port fuel injection was employed on this engine, and it only required regular gasoline.
In the Rogue, this engine developed 170 hp at 6,000 rpm, while 175 lb.-ft. of torque was produced at 4,400 rpm. Its redline was set at 6,200 rpm, and it had a compression ratio of 10:1. With this engine, the Rogue was rated to tow 1,102 lbs.
2.0-liter Gas-electric Hybrid (MR20DD)
First introduced in 2017, the Rogue Hybrid presented a more fuel-efficient option within the 2018 lineup that was priced only marginally higher than the standard 2.5-liter model. However, it only was offered in the West, Northwest, Mountain, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States when new, and only on SV and SL trims.
At its core, it utilizes the MR20DD 2.0-liter (1,997 cc), naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder gas engine. Like the standard QR25 engine, it features dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder, and runs on regular gasoline. Unlike it, however, it features direct injection. It’s also paired to a 30 kW electric motor, with an Intelligent Dual Clutch System used to switch between electric and gasoline power.
The gas engine itself produces 141 hp at 6,000 rpm and 144 lb.-ft. at 3,600 rpm, with its redline set at 6,400 rpm. The electric motor adds in an additional 40 hp and 118 lb.-ft., giving it a net power rating of 176 horsepower.
2018 Nissan Rogue Fuel Economy
With four different drivetrain options on offer for the Rogue, fuel economy ratings vary quite a bit depending on which option you choose.
The base gas-powered Rogue offers a strong highway fuel economy figure and a combined figure better than that of the smaller (and unrelated) Rogue Sport, somewhat surprisingly.
However, those opting for the Rogue Hybrid are treated to drastically improved city gas mileage, as indicated by the official Environmental Protection Agency ratings below.
2.5-liter Gas MPG
- FWD: 26 city/33 highway/29 combined
- AWD: 25 city/32 highway/27 combined
2.0-liter Hybrid MPG
- FWD: 33 city/35 highway/34 combined
- AWD: 31 city/34 highway/33 combined
2018 Nissan Rogue Driving Performance
The 2018 Nissan Rogue offers decent safety ratings, comfortable cargo space, and good fuel economy, but how does it feel behind the wheel?
To gauge the 2018 Nissan Rogue’s driving performance, we turn to trusted auto influencer “Gold Pony,” whose 2018 YouTube review netted nearly 120,000 views as of this writing. After climbing inside the Rogue and putting it in Sport mode, he hits the pedal. “Not too bad,” he says while highway driving, “not the quickest thing in the world, but definitely not too bad. I don’t foresee any issues with it merging onto the highways.
“And you can tell it’s a continuously variable transmission,” he adds, “which kind of feels like one smooth gear on this one… I will say, when it comes to the steering feel, it is actually a heavier steering feel than I’m used to, at least compared to other vehicles in its class so, that’s pretty nice.
“As far as ride quality goes,” he continues, “definitely having no issues there. If there was any constructive criticism on the Rogue, I would say it is the road noise, specifically pertaining to the panoramic moonroof.”
The Car Gurus website also provided a video review of the 2018 Rogue when it debuted, and they seem to agree that the driving performance is just so-so.
“It’s a slow car,” notes Car Gurus. “Pressing the Sport button makes the Rogue take off quicker at lower speeds but for the most part, it just makes the engine sound grittier and louder than it is already.
“The steering is vague,” they add, “and in most dynamic instances, the Rogue is merely average.”
2018 Nissan Rogue Cargo Space & Dimensions
The cargo space in the standard 2018 Rogue is one of the largest in the compact crossover class. With the second-row seat still in place, there’s a total of 39.3 cu. ft. of room in the cargo area. Folding the second-row seats flat helps expand this to an impressive 70.0 cu. ft.
Removing the Rogue’s optional third-row seat for 2018 helped make cargo space a higher priority, too.
However, those who opt for the Rogue Hybrid will find that it offers slightly less in the way of cargo space due to the battery pack under the rear floor. Nissan’s official figures note cargo capacity of 27.3 cu. ft. with the rear seat up, and 61.4 cu. ft. with it folded down.
In addition to being roomy, the Rogue’s cargo area is also very versatile. Key to this is the Rogue’s Divide-N-Hide cargo space system, which allows the trunk floor to be split into two pieces to create partitions, shelves, and cubbies.
Fitted to all Rogue models is the clever EZ Flex rear seating arrangement, which allows the rear seat to be split-folded or reclined. Adding to the Rogue’s cargo space versatility, sliding the rear seat forward deepens the cargo space from 33.5 inches to 42.5 inches – a nine-inch increase.
On SV and SL models, a motion-activated, power-operated tailgate is featured as standard equipment. However, U.S. News pointed out, “While it’s convenient to not have to manually open the back, the power liftgate operates slowly, which may be frustrating when your arms are loaded with items you want to put down.”
2018 Nissan Rogue Safety Ratings
In safety testing performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2018 Rogue performed well in most regards. However, there were some key areas that could have been improved.
Crash testing revealed that it achieved a “Good” rating for most metrics. However, in the passenger-side small overlap front test, and for the vehicle’s main structure and safety cage, it achieved an “Acceptable” rating, which is one rating below “Good.”
The IIHS also found the standard halogen reflector beam headlights fitted to all models to be “Poor.” The adaptive LED headlights available as an option on the SL model were rated “Acceptable.” The low beam lights were reportedly slightly short on distance on left-hand curves.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also performed crash testing on the 2018 Rogue. The 2018 Nissan garnered a perfect five-star rating for its side crash test and a near-perfect four-star rating for both its rollover and frontal crash tests.
2018 Nissan Rogue Technology Features
All Nissan Rogue models came fitted with a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center stack as standard. Given its small size, it might feel outdated, especially by today’s standards, although the operating system was new for 2018.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring were standard on all models as of 2018, along with AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, CD player, and Bluetooth.
However, stepping up to the SV Premium or SL adds Nissan Door to Door Navigation to the infotainment system, along with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM also are available on the SL model, although a paid subscription is required to utilize this service.
Safety technology is plentiful on the 2018 Rogue. It includes AEB, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent trace control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Adding to this, top-spec SL models also feature intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, intelligent lane intervention, and AEB with added Pedestrian Detection as standard. Also available optionally on the SL Platinum is Nissan’s ProPilot Assist advanced driving assistance system. ProPilot Assist combines Nissan’s cruise control and steering assist technologies, and includes a stop and hold function that can bring the vehicle to a full stop, hold it in place, and then bring you back up to speed when traffic starts moving again.
2018 Nissan Rogue Exterior & Interior Color Options
Nine exterior colors were offered on the 2018 Nissan Rogue, including two new colors: Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine. Some colors were offered only on select trims, and others came at an additional cost.
Exterior Colors
The S model was offered in Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Caspian Blue, Glacier White, and Magnetic Black.
The SV and SL trims add Midnight Pine, Scarlet Ember, Pearl White, and Monarch Orange to the above.
The special SV Midnight Edition is an exception, and only was offered in Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic, and Pearl White.
Interior Colors
Three interior color palettes were available across the 2018 Nissan Rogue range, with both cloth and leather-appointed upholstery options available.
The base S model was offered exclusively with a Charcoal cloth interior. The SV model featured the same Charcoal cloth, but also could be purchased with Almond cloth instead.
On the SL model, leather-appointed upholstery was offered as standard in either Charcoal or Almond tones. On models optioned with the Platinum Reserve Interior Package, a Tan leather-appointed interior with quilted leather seat inserts was added.
Reviews: What Critics Said Then and Now
What Critics Say
When it was new, reviews for the 2018 Rogue were mixed. In a 2018 review by the Philadelphia Inquirer, the publication was impressed by the SUV’s looks, particularly its 18-inch wheels. Also noted was the roomy interior, which is “quite pleasing,” thanks to its “seating [that] proved to be as comfortable as the ride.” However, its overall performance was something that left more to be desired.
The Philadelphia Inquirer described the Rogue’s acceleration as “leisurely,” and the braking and steering as “average.” Notably, the soft suspension “doesn’t engender crisp fun during ambitious turns.”
The Rogue Hybrid was also reviewed by U.S. News and World Report in 2018, when it received an overall rating of 7.5 out of 10 overall. The review mentions that the regenerative braking of the Rogue Hybrid “does feel a bit grabby and abrupt” in comparison with the standard model’s brakes.
However, what early reviews can’t tell you is how the 2018 Rogue will feel after a few years on the road. For that, we turn to some current reviews that shed some light on the subject.
Current Reviews See Most 2018 Rogue Owners Very Satisfied
In a 2020 Motor Biscuit review, the 2018 Nissan Rogue was called the best model-year Rogue you can buy, “due to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and [the fact it] has a very affordable price.”
Also, in recent Vehicle History owner reviews for the 2018 Nissan Rogue–1,208 reviews as of this writing–the compact SUV earned an impressive 4.5 out of a possible five stars. Many reviewers praised the roomy interior and cargo space. In a June 2021 five-star review, Marisela G. called the Rogue the “best purchase I have ever made.” She was happy with a lot of the features, but specifically with the interior, stating, “It is very spacious when moving items from place to place.”
Some reviewers mentioned problems, but still left the 2018 Rogue great reviews. In May 2021, Frederick R. said the need for frequent oil changes, and said, “The more miles you put equals more repairs. Battery goes out after three years.” However, he still left a five-star review for his Rogue. In fact, four- and five-star reviews accounted for 92% of the user reviews left on Vehicle History‘s site.
2018 Nissan Rogue Maintenance Costs
When it comes to maintaining the 2018 Rogue, Repair Pal notes an average annual maintenance cost of $467. While highlighting that it’s not often you’ll find a repair that is severe, parts prices for some components are noted as being quite expensive. For instance, replacing an engine mount can cost between $532 to $564. The radiator fan assembly is also expensive, costing around $521 to $557.
Another cost estimate comes from Edmunds. Using the mid-spec SV grade as an example, 2.5-liter, front-wheel-drive variants are expected to cost $1,635 per year to maintain. AWD variants bump that estimate up slightly to $1,687 per year.
Meanwhile, maintaining the FWD Hybrid model is expected to cost $1,649 per year, while the AWD Hybrid is predicted to cost $1,700 a year.
Known Issues, Common Problems, and Recalls
Great news: Only one recall was issued by the NHTSA for the 2018 Rogue, relating to the backup camera’s functionality. It was reported that a faulty setting made the camera’s image no longer visible when the vehicle was in reverse. As a result, affected vehicles were in breach of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard pertaining to rear visibility.
This recall was issued for early-release 2018 Rogue models, meaning those built after May 2018 (and Hybrid models), were not affected.
Though there are few problems with the 2018 Rogue, the most common issue noted is with the AEB system activating unexpectedly. This is something referenced in over half of all complaints raised with the NHTSA. While it wasn’t recalled, the NHTSA is conducting an open investigation into the widely-reported issues with the 2017-2018 Rogue’s false AEB system activation.
In March 2019, there was a complaint regarding the AEB system activating while there was no obstruction in the path of the vehicle. An investigation was launched and remains open today.
Mechanical issues appear to be few and far between. However, Engineswork points out that the QR series engines, which include the QR25DE fitted to the standard Rogue, can suffer from overheating issues caused by a faulty coolant pump. This concern is likely one that only would appear over a much longer period of time. Stretched timing chains also can be a potential issue, but again, it’s unlikely this would be a problem this early.
Samarins also notes that a Technical Service Bulletin was issued to address a popping noise that can come from the front coil springs when turning. If the issue presents itself, both the springs and strut bearings need to be replaced. If out of warranty, this may cost between $570 and $750.
Overall, the 2018 Rogue is mostly problem-free, with only one issue recalled for early 2018 models. Plus, the only mechanical issues that may arise are likely to occur only when the vehicle has aged much more.
2018 Nissan Rogue vs. the Competition
The compact SUV class that the 2018 Rogue competed in is a strong-selling and highly competitive one. As such, the Rogue faced stiff competition when it was new, and still does now on the used market. To see how it fares against the competition on the used market, we look at some of its chief rivals: the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4.
2018 Nissan Rogue vs. 2018 Ford Escape
When it was new, the pricing of the 2018 Ford Escape was directly in line with that of the Rogue. Prices opened at $24,845 for the base model, while stretching to just north of $33,000 for the top-spec. However, while Kelley Blue Book notes that the Escape hasn’t held its value as well as some other rivals, the Rogue is one that it beats out for resale value.
The Escape’s base 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine is comparable to the Rogue’s in terms of power. However, the Escape is still noted by KBB as, “among the nimbler, fun-to-drive compact SUVs,” thanks to an available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 245 hp – enough to blow the Rogue out of the water.
Practicality is where the Rogue wins out over the Escape, with the latter only offering 34.0-68.0 cu. ft. of cargo space to the Rogue’s 39.3-70.0 cu. ft. capacity. However, the Escape can tow far more than the Rogue, anywhere from 1,500 lbs. for base models up to 3,500 lbs. for the 2.0-liter turbo.
Additionally, the Escape’s Sync 3 infotainment system is more advanced than that of the Rogue, thanks to its eight-inch screen.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Nissan Rogue vs. 2018 Honda CR-V
In 2018, the Honda CR-V took the title of Motor Trend‘s “SUV of the Year.” This really sets the tone for how it manages to outclass the likes of the 2018 Nissan Rogue.
While pricing when new was within a stone’s throw of the Rogue, strong resale values mean that you’ll be paying around a $3,000 premium for the CR-V. However, it will continue to hold its value better over time as a result.
Both the base 2.4-liter, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder and the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine options outgun the Rogue’s comparatively meager outputs. The CVT in the turbocharged CR-V is noted as working much more intuitively with the engine than that in the Rogue.
Although cargo space is virtually identical with the rear seats in place, folding the rear seats of the CR-V down – which can be done with levers in the trunk – reveals more overall cargo space. It bests the Rogue with a maximum of 75.8 cu. ft. of space.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Nissan Rogue vs. 2018 Toyota RAV4
Only one SUV outstripped the Nissan Rogue for sales when new in 2018: the ever-popular Toyota RAV4.
While the 2018 RAV4 claimed best-in-class cargo capacity, this was only true when maximum cargo capacity (73.4 cu. ft.) was taken into account. The Rogue offers more space with the second row in place, 39.3 cu. ft., to the 38.4 cu. ft. of the RAV4. Like the Escape, the 2018 RAV4 can be equipped to tow up to 3,500 lbs. as well.
Like the Rogue and also the Escape, a 2.5-liter engine is standard, and its 176 hp puts it roughly on level footing with the Rogue’s outputs. The RAV4’s hybrid options, which include a 2.5-liter, gas-electric hybrid with 194 hp, best the Rogue Hybrid’s performance. Still, the Rogue Hybrid is the more economical of the two.
The cost of a new RAV4 ranged from around $25,500 up to more than $37,000 – considerably more than the Rogue. Given it depreciates at a similar rate to the CR-V, you can expect to pay a premium of at least $2,000-$3,000 on the used market.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Is the 2018 Nissan Rogue a Good Buy?
From all the research we’ve done while compiling this buyer’s guide, the 2018 Rogue looks to be a mixed bag.
It offers a lot of handy driver technology, particularly the ProPilot Assist tech, which made its debut on this model. The availability of the more economical Hybrid model will appeal to city buyers, although finding one can be a challenge. The Rogue’s cargo space is undoubtedly impressive as well, particularly thanks to the clever Divide-N-Hide cargo system.
As critics widely highlighted when it was new, its performance is incredibly underwhelming. The longevity and durability of its CVT is also something that should be called into question for those thinking about long-term ownership.
If there’s one real strong point for the 2018 Rogue as a potential used car purchase, it’s the price. Given most of its depreciation happens early, and how much cheaper it is compared to the competition on the used market, you’re getting a lot of car for the money.
Photos: Nissan, Ford, Toyota, and Honda