2012 Nissan Rogue review
Nissan Rogue highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Smooth ride and capable handling
- High-quality interior
Cons
- Transmission can get noisy at high speeds
- Not as spacious as many rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 26 highway, 24 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2012 Nissan Rogue is a strong small crossover contender
The Nissan Rogue boasts not only a smart-looking exterior but also an interior that’s unusually nice among its similar priced and sized alternatives. It can count the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, GMC Terrain, Kia Sportage, and a host of other small crossover contenders as rivals. The Nissan lags in outright utility, with a comparatively small trunk and less versatility, but it counters that with a drive that's car-like and enjoyable and a smartly appointed and comfortable interior.
Two trim levels are offered, S and SV. The S has 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. A Special Edition package adds 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, and an upgraded audio system with a 4.3-inch screen, rearview camera, and USB/iPod interface. The SV comes with most of these as standard, plus 17-inch wheels and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. All models use a 170-hp 2.5-liter engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission in either front- or all-wheel drive.
All Nissan Rogue years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Nissan Rogue generation from 2011 to 2024
What is new for the 2012 Nissan Rogue?
- The Rogue is available in a new trim called the SL.
- The Krom trim has been discontinued for 2012.
- Rogue trims have been upgraded with Front Seat Heaters, Leather Seats, Sunroof(s), BOSE Sound System, and Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
- Full Roof Rack and Tow Hitch features are now available as options on select trims.
5 reasons to buy the 2012 Nissan Rogue
1. Classic crossover look, inside and out
Some cars look dated the minute design trends change. Eleven years on, the 2012 Nissan Rogue is not one of them. This crossover has a timelessly sleek exterior with rounder edges and a less boxy look than the 2023 version. Inside, the 2012 Rogue's dash offers high functionality in a minimalist, no-fuss package. The higher-end SL package on the 2012 Rogue SV also boasts modern amenities, like heated front seats, a sunroof and leather interiors.
2. Roomy enough for most drivers
With 57.9 cu-ft of cargo volume with the second row folded down, the 2012 Rogue boasts less storage than some of today's crossover models. However, the 60/40-split folding rear seats are great if you're hitting up weekend garage sales, bringing DIY renovation supplies home, or transporting a stroller or wheelchair. The 2012 Rogue maximizes comfort and flexibility in a smaller crossover body by giving the driver and front passenger 42.5 inches of legroom and rear passengers a cool 35.3 inches.
3. Comfortable ride
The 2012 Rogue has two trims: the S and SV. The base S model gets 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV gains another inch, and the SL package clocks in at 18 inches. These large wheels, combined with excellent handling and the optional intuitive all-wheel-drive configuration, are great for those transporting precious cargo, particularly over tough terrain or in wintry conditions. If you find a used 2012 Rogue with the SL Special Edition package, you'll also gain a rearview camera to ease parking.
Meanwhile, all models come with body-side reinforcements, an advanced airbag system, traction control, child safety rear door locks, and upper tether anchors. This makes the 2012 Rogue a great choice for families with young kids.
4. Great sound for audiophiles
For music fans lamenting the loss of more analog-style audio features in vehicles, the 2012 Rogue has an auxiliary audio jack and CD drive — perfect for those long family road trips or weekend friend trips. The base trim has four speakers, while the SV and SL boast a powerful Bose® sound system that brings the speaker count up to six.
The 2012 Rogue's SV trim also features Bluetooth® for hands-free calling.
5. Competitive gas mileage
With the rising cost of fuel, every drop matters. The 2012 Nissan Rogue gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with its 2.5L engine.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2012 Nissan Rogue is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Nissan Rogue an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Nissan Rogue 9th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan RogueNissan Rogue features and specs
S 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Bluetooth Technology
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
175
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
15.9
Wheelbase
105.9"
Overall length
183.3"
Width
70.9"
Height
65.3"
Leg room
F 42.5"/R 35.3"
Head room
F 40.4"/R 38.3"
Front tires
P215/70R16
Rear tires
P215/70R16
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2012 Nissan Rogue FAQ
The 2012 Nissan Rogue is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- S : 23 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- SV : 23 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- SL : 23 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
The Nissan Rogue received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Nissan Rogue as 8 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2012 Nissan Rogue has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2012 Nissan Rogue, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2012 Nissan Rogue Reviews.
The 2012 Nissan Rogue has a maximum towing capacity of between 1000 and 1500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2012 Nissan Rogue:
- SL
- Front Seat Heaters
- Sunroof(s)
- BOSE Sound System
- Navigation System
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