2025 Nissan Rogue Safety Test
The widely favored Nissan Rogue falls short of the safety standards set by top-performing crossovers in its class. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2025 model earned only an “acceptable” rating in both the updated moderate overlap front crash test and the revised side impact test.
As demonstrated in the accompanying video, the head of the rear-seat occupant came alarmingly close to the front seatback, heightening the risk of head injury. Sensors installed on the rear crash test dummy indicated a moderate likelihood of injury to the head, neck, and chest areas. On a positive note, the shoulder and lap belts held their positions properly throughout the test.
The IIHS could not issue a higher score than “acceptable” for the Rogue in the updated side impact test, as the rear passenger’s head made contact with the C-pillar despite the deployment of the side curtain airbag. Additionally, the driver’s head was found to have struck the window sill of the door. The report also mentioned a near impact between the driver’s side and the intruding test barrier.
Beyond these acceptable ratings, the 2025 Nissan Rogue performed well in all other IIHS evaluations. Its headlights received top marks, as did the automatic emergency braking system and the user-friendliness of the LATCH child seat anchor system. Although the Rogue includes standard rear automatic braking, lane departure prevention remains an optional feature.
In terms of sales, Nissan delivered 245,724 units of the Rogue in the U.S. last year—a 9.5% decrease compared to 2023. The first quarter of 2025 saw an even steeper decline, with sales plummeting by 31.6%, totaling 61,102 units versus 90,804 during the same period in 2024.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is actively investigating the Rogue and other VC-Turbo-powered Nissan models for potential engine failures. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received reports of engine knock and sudden loss of motive power from affected owners. The root cause remains unclear.
Nissan has stated that it implemented several manufacturing process changes aimed at resolving main bearing and L-link issues since 2017, when the KR20DDET engine was introduced. In the case of the Rogue, however, it uses the KR15DDT engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) manufactured by JATCO, a Nissan subsidiary.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue debuted in July 2024 with five available trims. Among them, the Rock Creek variant stands out as the most off-road capable, featuring all-terrain tires, an HD Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road View, and a tubular roof rack with built-in crossbars. Positioned between the SV AWD and SL AWD, the Rock Creek comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
Buyers seeking the most affordable version will find the S trim with front-wheel drive priced at $28,590 before destination charges. At the premium end, the Platinum trim with front-wheel drive starts at $38,590.
The KR15DDT engine in the Rogue delivers up to 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet (305 Nm) of torque. When equipped with front-wheel drive, the vehicle achieves an estimated fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon (7.8 L/100 km) in city conditions and 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) on the highway.
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