The Nissan Rogue is a pretty decent sized SUV (compact) but I was surprised to find that the towing capacity of these larger vehicles fell short of what their competitors offer.
I put together this article to find the trailer weight capacity range of The Rogue and noticed a few key elements that affected the overall specs like the model year and model type. Hopefully this article answers other people's questions.
Overview of the Data For the Nissan Rogue:
Engine Choices: I didn't put a lot of emphasis on what type of engine configuration the Rogue's came equipped with because it didn't directly affect the capacity rating, like the specific model and model year the vehicle was made did.
Models: There was a slight difference in the capacity specs for the Nissan Rogue from years 2008-2013 from the other model years and between this timeframe the two listed capacities were either 1,000 lbs. or 1,500 lbs. and the "S Grade" model had the lower 1,000 lb. rating, while all of the other models had the higher 1,500 lb. capacity.
Model Years: There were two different ratings for the Nissan Rogues and these did differ for different model years. From 2008-2013, the tow capacity ranged from 1,000 lbs. to 1,500 lbs. depending on which model you had and the options they came with (manual mode, etc.).
From 2014-2019, there was only one specified capacity number for all models and that was set at a maximum weight of 1,100 lbs.
Towing Capacity: The overall capacity numbers for the Rogue did vary from 1,000 lbs. to 1,500 lbs. for all model years, but the true towing capacity is around 1,100 lbs. on average and up to 1,500 lbs. on select models for select years (2008-2013).
2020-2014 Models:
The Nissan Rogue had a towing capacity of 1,100 lbs. for model years 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
For 2015, the Rogue did have a little higher max. tongue weight (150 lbs.) and a slightly lower capacity, coming in at around 1,000 lbs. with a GCWR rating of 5,136 lbs.
Other than that the specs were exactly the same for every year, making it pretty easy to determine what your specs are.
2020 Chart
2019-2016 & 2014 Chart
It is important to note that the Rogue's towing capacity takes into account the weight of the vehicle, the driver and optional tow equipment that is installed from the factory.
If you plan on having cargo, additional passengers or optional equipment, then you will have to deduct the additional weight from the specified numbers listed in the charts.
Nissan does require that a trailer weighing over 1,000 lbs. have a braking system installed in order to tow it safely with the Rogue.
2008-2013 Models:
The specs for the Nissan Rogue's made in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were the exact same for every model, with the maximum towing capacity set at 1,000 lbs. or 1,500 lbs.
There was no range of capacities between those two specified listings either, just the two figures.
For model years 2011-2013, the capacity numbers for the Rogue were specified for specific models. The "S Model" had the 1,000 lb. capacity and all other models had the higher 1,500 lb. capacity.
For model years 2008-2010, the figures were split by whether the vehicle had a "manual mode" option or not. The models with the "manual mode" had the higher 1,500 lb. capacity and the models without the "manual mode" had the smaller capacity (1,000 lbs.).
MODEL YEAR | GCWR | MAX. TONGUE WEIGHT | Max. Towing Weight. |
|---|---|---|---|
2013* | 5,136-5,636 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 1,000-1,500 lbs. |
2012* | 5,136-5,636 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 1,000-1,500 lbs. |
2011* | 5,136-5,636 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 1,000-1,500 lbs. |
2010* | 5,136-5,636 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 1,000-1,500 lbs. |
2009* | 5,136-5,636 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 1,000-1,500 lbs. |
2008* | 5,136-5,636 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 1,000-1,500 lbs. |
* Some model years do require a sway control device to be installed but Nissan does not offer them standard and you will have to have them installed by a third party trailer/hitch company.
2011-2013 Chart:
2008-2010 Chart:
Helpful Resources For The Nissan Rogue:
I always like to include links to the owners manuals, whenever possible, seeing as how they are the definitive source for all of the specs and is helpful regarding other towing information as well. Below, I have included the owner's manuals for the Nissan Rogues that I used to gather my information on this page.
How To Find The Towing Tables For The Nissan Rogue In The Owner's Manuals:
In order to get the towing specs from the Nissan Rogue via the owners manual, you need to follow these steps to find the towing charts:
Click On Table Of Contents
1) After you have the Rogue owners manual open for the specific year you need, you will see a clickable text on the upper left hand side of the screen titled "Table Of Contents". Click on that and it will take you to the table of contents within the manual.
Click On Technical And Consumer Info
2) In the "Table Of Contents" section of the manual, you will see a section titled "Technical and Consumer Information" that you will again click on (clickable text) that will take you to a section with many sections.
Click On Max Load Limits
3) The last step is to again click on the clickable text but this time it will be labeled "Maximum Load Limits" which takes you close to the towing tables I used above. Just scroll down a little ways and they will be easily visible.
Last updated on May 4th, 2021 at 02:07 am
