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2016 Nissan Rogue: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2016 Nissan Rogue is added technology on the SL trim, including standard connected services and Siri Eyes Free. Otherwise, this is a lightly updated carryover year with no new engine, redesign, or lineup-wide overhaul.
About the 2016 Nissan Rogue
2nd generation (2014-2020), third model year, pre-refresh year before the 2017 styling update.
Nissan positioned the Rogue as a practical family compact SUV built around flexible cargo space, easy-to-use tech, and everyday comfort rather than sporty driving. The model’s big selling points were its clever Divide-N-Hide cargo setup, roomy cabin, sliding/reclining second row, and available AWD. Compared with rivals, Rogue leaned hardest on usefulness: it was meant to handle commuting, errands, road trips, and kid-hauling with a more upscale look inside than many mainstream competitors.
The 2016 Rogue S is the practical foundation, with a rear camera, flexible cargo storage, and a sliding and reclining second-row seat. The SV focuses on everyday comfort with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver’s seat. The SL is the premium version, pairing navigation and leather seating with a surround-view camera, heated front seats, Bose audio, and a power liftgate.
What changed, by category
Tech
The SL gained NissanConnect connected services and Siri Eyes Free as standard equipment.
Styling
A new Appearance Package was introduced for the base S trim. The Rogue did not receive a full exterior refresh for 2016.
Safety
Forward Emergency Braking, an automatic braking aid, became an option through the SL Premium Package. There was no lineup-wide standard safety upgrade.
2016 Nissan Rogue specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT Xtronic | Auto, CVT Xtronic | Auto, CVT Xtronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 70 cu-ft | 70 cu-ft | 70 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.9 in | 37.9 in | 37.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Hill Descent Control | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Nissan Rogue a redesign?
No. The 2016 Rogue carries over the second-generation design introduced for 2014. Its larger exterior and cabin refresh arrived for the 2017 model year.
What changed on the 2016 Rogue SL?
The 2016 Rogue SL gained NissanConnect connected services and Siri Eyes Free as standard equipment. It continued to serve as the premium trim with navigation, leather seating, a surround-view camera, heated front seats, Bose audio, and a power liftgate.
Does the 2016 Nissan Rogue have forward emergency braking?
Some 2016 Rogues have it. Forward Emergency Braking became an option through the SL Premium Package, but it was not standard across the lineup.
Did the 2016 Nissan Rogue get a new engine?
No. The 2016 Rogue kept the 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission used for 2015, along with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.
How different is the 2016 Rogue from the 2015 model?
The differences are modest. The main updates are added standard connectivity on the SL, a new Appearance Package for the S, and forward emergency braking as an SL Premium Package option; the core design and powertrain carried over.
2016 Nissan Rogue Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Nissan Rogue.
4.2
2016 Nissan Rogue
(3,365 reviews)
“When I test drove the Rogue I purchased, it just felt right. The seats, the layout of the controls, the ride, for me it was the right vehicle. And the fuel economy that I got for a crossover was better than anticipated. Bonus!”
“I love this vehicle, as a single woman I can't tell you how comforting it is to know you can trust this vehicle on the open road to get you home safe and sound”