Question Is the 2025 Nissan Rogue Actually Worse Than the CR-V? 1,000-Mile Reality Check

[Admin]

I wanted to like the 2025 Nissan Rogue. On paper, it checks all the boxes.​

After driving it for over 1,000 miles, though, I realized why specs don’t tell the full story and why I personally wouldn’t choose it over a CR-V or RAV4.​

Towing Capacity: The Rogue is generally limited in towing capacity compared to larger SUVs, with previous models supporting around 1,350 lbs. No major changes are expected, though it may vary slightly with trim levels.

Dimensions: Expected dimensions are similar to prior models, approximately 183 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height, with a wheelbase around 106.5 inches.

Ground Clearance: Approximately 8.2 inches, which is adequate for light off-road capability and urban driving.

Trunk Size: The cargo space has been generous in prior models, with up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 74.1 cubic feet when they’re folded down.

Engine and Performance

Engine Options: Likely to continue with the 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing around 201 horsepower, paired with a CVT transmission.

Fuel Consumption: Estimated to be about 30-33 MPG combined for front-wheel-drive versions and slightly lower for all-wheel drive.

Horsepower: Around 201 hp, making it efficient for daily commutes but not designed for high-performance needs.

Battery and Range: The Rogue is not yet offered as a hybrid or electric variant, so it lacks a dedicated battery and electric range. However, Nissan could introduce a hybrid option to compete with similar SUVs.

Interior and Technology

Luxury Options: Higher trims, like the Platinum, feature leather upholstery, larger infotainment screens (around 12.3 inches), and possibly wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium audio and more high-end materials may also be present.

Colors: Expect a range of neutral colors like black, white, silver, and gray, alongside a few brighter options such as red or blue.

Pricing and Maintenance

Price: Starting prices are anticipated around $29,000 for the base S trim, climbing to approximately $38,000+ for the fully loaded Platinum model.

Annual Maintenance: Estimated annual maintenance costs are around $500-700, depending on driving conditions and maintenance routines.

Insurance: Annual insurance premiums for a model like the Rogue typically range from $1,300 to $1,700, depending on location and driver profile.

Tire Sizes

Tire Options: Likely 17-inch wheels for lower trims and 19-inch options for higher trims, with all-season tires standard.

Safety and Reliability

Safety Features: Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite is standard, including features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance.

Defects: The Rogue has shown solid reliability, though some past models had issues with CVT performance.

This model is ideal for those seeking a versatile, compact SUV with ample tech and safety features, a comfortable interior, and Nissan’s reputation for reliability. If you'd like more detailed specs or have specific questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Mike]

2025 Nissan Rogue – honest thoughts after 1,000+ miles​

I’m not a Nissan hater, and I’m not trying to trash the car.
I simply drove the 2025 Rogue for over 1,000 miles, mixed driving (city, highway, longer trips), and these are my real, day-to-day impressions.

Visibility – first big letdown​

One of my biggest issues with the Rogue is visibility.
Coming from a Honda CR-V, it’s honestly not even close. The A-pillars feel thick, side visibility is more limited, and overall I never really felt like I could fully “see around” the car.
It’s not unusable, but it definitely doesn’t inspire the same confidence, especially in traffic or during lane changes.

Fuel economy – fine, but I expected more​

Fuel economy is okay, but I honestly expected better.
Highway numbers are decent at a steady pace, but overall it didn’t give me that “wow, this is efficient” feeling based on how much Nissan talks about the engine.

Not bad just more average than expected.

Lane keeping assist – this actually scared me​

This was my biggest concern.
When multiple driver-assist features are turned on, the lane keeping system can be way too aggressive.
There were several moments where:

• the steering wheel yanked itself unexpectedly
• it felt like the car was fighting my input
• I genuinely got startled a few times

I know you can turn these systems off, but a safety feature shouldn’t make the driver nervous. For me, it added stress instead of confidence.

Driving feel – kind of boring​

The Rogue is just… boring to drive.
Not bad, not uncomfortable, not annoying just neutral. There’s nothing that makes you look forward to driving it.

The engine does its job, the CVT behaves like a CVT, but overall it feels more like an appliance than something you enjoy driving.

Interior – not terrible, but dated​

The interior didn’t impress me.
It’s not ugly, but:

• the design feels early-2000s inspired
• it doesn’t feel fresh or exciting
• materials are fine, but nothing stands out

Compared to a CR-V or some competitors, the cabin just feels older and less modern.

Final thoughts​

The 2025 Nissan Rogue is not a bad vehicle, but for me:

• visibility is weaker than expected
• fuel economy is just average
• lane keeping assist can feel unsafe at times
• the driving experience and interior feel uninspiring

If someone wants a calm, neutral “get from A to B” SUV, it might work.
But if driving feel, visibility, and a modern interior matter to you, I’d personally look elsewhere.
Curious how other Rogue owners feel about visibility and lane assist.

Did you get used to it or turn it off completely?

 

[Steve]

I think this highlights something that rarely shows up in spec sheets or reviews: how much mental load a car puts on the driver.

What you describe with visibility and lane assist isn’t just a “feature issue”, it’s a trust issue. Once a car starts correcting you unexpectedly, your brain never fully relaxes again. You stop driving with the car and start driving around it. That’s exhausting on longer trips, even if everything works “as designed”.
I’ve noticed the same pattern with modern driver assists: when they’re subtle, you barely think about them. When they’re aggressive, you spend half your drive monitoring the system instead of the road. At that point, the tech stops being safety and starts being workload.
The “boring but fine” driving feel you mention actually ties into this too. Cars like the Rogue aim for neutrality, but without good visibility and intuitive feedback, neutral quickly turns into disengaging. You arrive without stress, but also without confidence or enjoyment.
That’s why comparisons to the CR-V or RAV4 matter more than numbers. Those cars don’t necessarily do more they just get out of your way better.

Curious if other owners felt the same shift once they turned lane assist off completely. Did the car feel calmer, or did it just expose how much the system was masking?