Shopping for a 2025 Nissan Rogue? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead

Yahoo

29-03-2025

The 2025 Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that's the automaker's top-selling model. Its popularity stems from attributes like impressive fuel economy, a well-appointed, roomy cabin, quality visibility (for a crossover), and distinct modern styling. Starting at $29,230, the 2025 Rogue is available in five trims: S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum. All trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft. of torque. The transmission is continuously variable (CVT), but Nissan has thankfully made progress in developing its CVT reliability.
While the 2025 Rogue's exterior styling doesn't stray far from the 2024 version, the new off-road-focused Rock Creek trim adds value and versatility, and the updated surround-view camera conveniently hides the SUV's front end from sight. However, there are a few expert-recommended competitors worth evaluating before you decide to go all in on the Rogue. Read more about these alternatives below before scheduling your test drives.
Honda's 2025 CR-V gives the 2025 Rogue a run for its money despite being a carryover model. Every gas 2025 CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing less horsepower and torque than the Rogue at 190 and 179 lb-ft, respectively. The CR-V's gas mileage is also slightly lower than the Rogue's 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg with 28/34 mpg city/highway. Both models have standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The CR-V offers slightly more cargo space with the rear seats folded down than its Nissan competitor at 76.5 cu. ft. vs. the Rogue's 74.1 cu., and with the rear seats up, Honda's crossover remains ahead with 39.3 cu. ft. of space compared to 36.5 cu. ft. You'll get almost three cu. ft. of extra passenger volume within the CR-V, but the Rogue has slightly better front legroom.
The Rogue swings back with larger infotainment displays measuring 8-in or 12.3-in vs. the CR-V's 7-in or 9-in screens, but this Nissan falls short of CR-V's driver-assist technology that won it an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award. Driver-assist features like Traffic Sign Recognition are standard on the CR-V but optional on higher 2025 Rogue trims. You'll also experience smoother and more agile handling behind the wheel of a CR-V. The 2025 CR-V's trims, from least to most expensive, start at $30,100, and increase to $32,350, $34,650, $35,000, $37,650, and $41,100.
Hyundai's 2025 Tucson, which starts just below the 2025 Rogue at $28,705, is offered in five trims. The Tucson's 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque, courtesy of a 2.5L Inline 4-cylinder engine, is less than the Rogue's powertrain, and its mileage is also lower than that of its Nissan competitor, at 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Hyundai gives you a choice between FWD and AWD while giving more cargo space than the Rogue via 80.3 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded and 38.7 cu. ft. with the rear seats up. You'll also receive almost 3 cu. ft. of additional passenger volume in the Tucson. This Hyundai's driving dynamics aren't as engaging as rivals like Mazda's CX-5, but they still top the Rogue's, which often feel dull. The Tucson also has a standard 12.3' display instead of an optional one like its Nissan counterpart. Still, the Rogue remains competitive, offering more comfort for front passengers using its brand-exclusive zero-gravity seats. Tucson trim prices from least to most expensive are $28,705, $30,565, $33,015 (SEL Convenience and XRT), and $38,645.
Mazda's 2025 CX-5, which starts at $28,770, is available in eight trims. This compact crossover offers a wider range of horsepower and torque than the Rogue at 187-227 and 185-310 lb-ft. However, you'll have to compromise some fuel economy for this power, as city/highway mileage caps at 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. One of the 2025 CX-5's biggest selling points is that all its trims come standard with AWD, and its infotainment display size remains competitive at 10.25'. Cargo capacity and passenger volume are both lower than the Rogue at 59.3 cu. ft. with the rear seats down and 29.1 cu. ft. with the rear seats up. Despite falling short of the Rogue's zero gravity front seats' performance, comfort levels are generally high up front within the CX-5's supportive seats. The rear bench seat contains a flat bottom, which isn't as comfortable for long journeys. Starting prices for the 2025 CX-5's eight trims are $28,770, $30,100, $31,450, $32,800, $35,400, $37,200, $38,000, and $40,800.
While the 2025 Rogue remains a formidable contender within the compact crossover SUV class, its well-balanced nature comes at the cost of driving engagement. If you prioritize cargo space, mileage, and front-seat comfort, the 2025 Rogue will fulfill your needs, and off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the features on the new Rock Creek trim, like all-terrain tires. Personally, I want to be engaged every time I get behind the wheel, so my money is best spent on a 2025 Mazda CX-5's dynamic handling and standard AWD. If I were seeking the best overall option, I'd have to side with the 2025 Honda CR-V because of its exceptional build quality, smoother ride, and roomy interior dimensions. Starting prices for the 2025 Rogue's five trims are $29,230, $30,970, $35,420 (new Rock Creek trim), $36,090, and $39,520—bringing it in line with competitors' costs.
It's essential to note that the 2025 Rogue, Tucson, and CR-V all have hybrid versions, with the CR-V boasting the most hybrid combined mileage at 40 mpg. All in all, though, the new Rogue remains respectable in its fuel economy, cargo capacity, front-seat comfort, and driver-assist feature offerings. The new Rock Creek trim also packs handy features like a tubular roof rack. Still, Nissan's driving dynamics are lacking, giving rivals like Mazda's CX-5 and Honda's CR-V a slight competitive advantage. We recommend test-driving all four of the vehicles we've discussed before ultimately making a shopping decision.