With the release of the 2025 Nissan Rogue, the brand doubles down on refinement, technology, and family-friendly functionality while playing it relatively safe in terms of powertrain innovation. For buyers looking for a comfortable, efficient, and well-equipped crossover, the latest Rogue delivers a well-rounded package—but not without a few trade-offs.
Styling: Familiar, But Sharpened
On the outside, the 2025 Rogue is more of a light refresh than a redesign. Nissan has chosen to keep the sculpted, muscular profile of the 2021–2024 model years but introduces some subtle updates to keep the Rogue feeling contemporary. The front fascia features a slightly bolder take on Nissan’s “V-Motion” grille, flanked by updated LED headlamps that are slimmer and more aggressive than before. A revised rear bumper and new wheel designs round out the changes.
Buyers can expect a choice of fresh exterior color options—Nissan has leaned into earth tones and premium-feeling metallic finishes. The blacked-out trim on higher trims like the SL or Platinum brings a bit of upscale attitude, though it’s clear this is still a family-first utility vehicle.
Interior: A Quiet, Thoughtful Space
Inside, the 2025 Rogue continues its legacy as one of the segment’s more premium-feeling interiors. Nissan’s use of soft-touch materials, quilted leather (on upper trims), and intuitive controls sets the Rogue apart from many mainstream competitors. The dashboard layout remains driver-focused, with a wide center touchscreen and a clean stack of climate controls—thankfully not buried in the display.
Seating remains a strong suit. The “Zero Gravity” front seats live up to their name with excellent long-distance comfort and support. Rear-seat passengers benefit from generous legroom and reclining seatbacks, while cargo space continues to be a standout, with over 36 cubic feet behind the second row and a flat, wide load floor when seats are folded.
For 2025, Nissan enhances cabin tech with a larger standard infotainment screen—now 12.3 inches on most trims—and an improved user interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with over-the-air software update capabilities. Upper trims include a fully digital instrument cluster and a crisp head-up display.
Powertrain: Efficient, If Not Exciting
The 2025 Rogue retains its 1.5-liter VC-Turbo three-cylinder engine, first introduced in the 2022 model. Producing around 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, it’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. While some drivers may be hesitant about a three-cylinder engine in a vehicle of this size, real-world performance is adequate for most daily driving scenarios.
Acceleration is smooth but not especially quick—expect 0–60 times in the 8-second range. Where the Rogue shines is efficiency. With front-wheel drive, EPA estimates should hover around 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, giving it one of the best fuel economy ratings in the non-hybrid compact SUV class.
Nissan has made incremental improvements to the CVT’s tuning, making it feel less droney under heavy throttle. However, enthusiasts or drivers looking for a sportier experience might find the powertrain lacks engagement. There is no hybrid or plug-in option as of 2025, which puts the Rogue behind some competitors like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V in electrified choices.
Ride and Handling: Comfort First
If you’re looking for sharp cornering or firm steering feel, the Rogue likely isn’t your first pick—but that’s not its mission. This crossover is tuned for comfort and quietness, and it excels in those areas. The suspension soaks up rough pavement without transmitting harshness to the cabin, and road noise is well-controlled, especially with the laminated front glass on higher trims.
Steering is light and easy, ideal for urban maneuverability, but lacks road feedback. All-wheel-drive versions benefit from Nissan’s intelligent AWD system, which can shift power between the front and rear wheels seamlessly based on traction needs. There’s also a drive mode selector with Eco, Sport, and Snow modes, though the differences are subtle.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Nissan has long made driver assistance tech a priority in the Rogue, and the 2025 model continues this trend. Standard across all trims is Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Rear automatic braking
- High-beam assist
Higher trims or packages add ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s semi-autonomous driving system that combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering. It’s one of the better systems in its price bracket—smooth and predictable in traffic, though it still requires hands on the wheel.
Trims and Value
The 2025 Rogue comes in familiar trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each offering a stepped-up mix of features. The base S model now includes more standard equipment, such as the large touchscreen, push-button start, and satellite radio.
The SV trim adds niceties like heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and remote start, while the SL brings leather, navigation, a panoramic moonroof, and a premium audio system. The range-topping Platinum trim feels near-luxury, with quilted leather seats, ambient lighting, a digital gauge cluster, and full ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link.
Pricing starts just under $30,000 and can approach $40,000 for a fully-loaded Platinum AWD. Compared to competitors, the Rogue remains a good value, offering a long list of features at each price point without forcing buyers into expensive packages.
Final Verdict: Still a Top Pick for the Practical Buyer
The 2025 Nissan Rogue doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and that’s likely a smart choice. Instead, it fine-tunes an already solid formula: a spacious, comfortable, and efficient SUV with enough tech and safety to keep up with modern expectations.
It lacks the hybrid options and dynamic flair of some competitors, but for the typical small family or daily commuter, the Rogue hits the sweet spot between practicality and polish. If you’re looking for an SUV that prioritizes real-world usability over flash, the 2025 Rogue deserves a spot on your short list.
Pros
✔️ Excellent fuel economy
✔️ Comfortable and quiet ride
✔️ Strong standard safety features
✔️ High-quality interior design
Cons
❌ No hybrid or plug-in option
❌ Lackluster acceleration
❌ Light steering feel