Explore these alternatives if you want something sportier, with more seats or with more off-road capability
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There are a lot of reasons why the Nissan Rogue is one of the most popular compact SUVs. It has plenty of cargo space, has good EPA-estimated fuel economy, and usually undercuts its competitors on price. The second-generation Nissan Rogue is even available with modern features such as smartphone integration and advanced driver-assist systems, helping it feel more modern than you might expect.
But there are some downsides. Compared to its competitors, the Nissan Rogue tends to be a bit on the slow side and its interior trim isn't quite as nice. Maybe it’s enough to make you want to stop and consider what else is out there. Or maybe you’re looking for something a little more specialized and are willing to give up some of the Rogue’s overall competence for a particular attribute, such as sporty driving or off-road capability.
If that sounds like you, buckle up because we’re going to present you with a few alternatives. We’ve broken them into categories so you can just skip to the ones that appeal to you. Just note that while we strode to keep the prices roughly the same as you might pay for a Rogue, some alternatives cost a bit more, but they may be worth the extra stretch, depending on your needs.
The Compact SUV Alternatives
If you like the size and seating capacity of the Rogue, you might be wondering what the competition looks like. Here are some direct competitors to the Rogue that have similar interior space and similar EPA-estimated fuel economy.
Honda CR-V
Pick because: More refined than the Rogue
Pass because: More expensive
The CR-V is Honda's best-selling vehicle in North America and has attracted a loyal following. There's a lot to like about the Honda CR-V, including brisk acceleration and excellent fuel economy, a roomy interior, and a comfortable ride. There's plenty of small-item storage space to go along with a reasonable amount of space behind the second row. Just note that generally speaking, the CR-V tends to be more expensive than the Rogue.
Also consider …
Kia Sportage
Pick because: Sporty styling and lots of features
Pass because: Small cargo space
Toyota RAV4
Pick because: Wide variety of trims and features
Pass because: More expensive
The Three-Row Alternatives
If you occasionally need a third row but don’t want to give up the city-friendly size of a compact SUV, you've still got some options. A general theme to note in this size range is that while these SUVs have a third row, most of those third rows tend to be on the small side and are ideally suited for small children. Also, these three-row alternatives will tend to cost a little more than the two-row Nissan Rogue, but if you need that third row the premium is worth it.
Kia Sorento
Pick because: Lots of standard features
Pass because: Small cargo space
The Kia Sorento is technically a small midsize SUV, but that means that it’s half a foot longer than the Rogue. That extra 6 inches comes in handy, giving the third row a bit more usable space, although it’s still a bit tight for adults, and you sacrifice cargo space in the trunk without any seats folded. Last redesigned for the 2021 model year, the Sorento offers plenty of standard tech and driver aids to make your drive a bit easier.
Also consider …
Mitsubishi Outlander
Pick because: Great price
Pass because: Cramped third row
Volkswagen Tiguan
Pick because: High-quality interior
Pass because: Small cargo space
The Sporty Alternatives
While the Rogue does a number of practical things well, it's not exactly fun to drive. If the driving experience is important to you, there are compact SUV options that don't give up on the fun of driving.
Mazda CX-5
Pick because: Fun to drive
Pass because: Higher price
The CX-5 is a lot more fun to drive, and even in its base configuration it's notably quicker when getting up to freeway speeds or passing other vehicles. Mazda has focused on becoming a premium brand in recent years, which means you'll get a slightly nicer interior to pair with its confidence-inspiring steering and suspension. There's also a turbocharged version available that makes the CX-5 one of the most powerful compact SUVs in its class, although it costs considerably more.
Also consider …
BMW X1
Pick because: Luxury interior
Pass because: Higher price, notably smaller inside
The Off-Road Alternatives
You can find plenty of Nissan Rogues with all-wheel drive, and it’s a good choice if you need extra traction for nasty weather. But if you want to leave paved roads behind, you might want to look at these alternatives, which offer additional ground clearance and more aggressive off-road capabilities.
Jeep Cherokee
Pick because: Off-road ready
Pass because: Small cargo space
If you really want to explore off-road, you'll want four-wheel drive, as opposed to all-wheel drive. Like many compact SUVs, the Jeep Cherokee has plenty of seating for five and ample cargo space. But what sets it apart is its off-road capability, especially in the Trailhawk trim, which offers a special transmission and suspension that's tuned for off-road adventures.
Jeep Compass
Pick because: Competent off-road ability
Pass because: Small rear seats
Also consider …
Subaru Forester
Pick because: Standard all-wheel drive
Pass because: Poor acceleration
Conclusion
The Nissan Rogue is a great place to start when you're looking to purchase a vehicle, but there are a lot of choices for the needs of many kinds of shoppers. Whether you want the off-road potential of a Jeep, the fuel economy of a hybrid, or the tried-and-true value of the CR-V—you've got options. And finding out your wants and needs can make it even easier to narrow them down.
Jake Sundstrom has worked in the automotive industry since 2017 and written hundreds of car related articles over the course of his career. Jake is an editor at Edmunds, where he helps produce the best used car content on the web. He has also contributed to the National Hot Rod Association and other motorsport publications. When he's not writing about cars, he's probably driving them to his next vacation; he's still working out how to get a Wrangler from Los Angeles to Maui.
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