Nissan Rogue compact SUV received a much-needed redesign for the 2021 model year, offering more attractive styling, modern interior technologies, increased performance, and improved ride and handling capabilities.
With this redesign, the Nissan manufacturing team exudes charm and tries to shake off its mediocre history, something we consider relatively successful.
The 2021 model year marks the beginning of a generation of new Nissan Rogue. This compact SUV received a major redesign and a new, more boxy styling that gives it a more truck-like look.
Mid-range SUV models offer the best combination of features for the money. It adds perks such as 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, an electrically adjustable eight-way driver’s seat, a 360-degree exterior camera system, and the semi-autonomous Nissan ProPilot Assist driving mode. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional on all fairings for an additional $1400.
Nissan Rogue reviews Engine, and performance ratings
Like the previous generation Rogue, the 2021 model is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine but receives a slight boost to 181 hp. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive will be standard; All-wheel drive is optional. We’ve criticized the last-generation Rogue for its sluggish acceleration and clunky handling; the 2021 model has improved in both categories.
On our test track, the Nissan Rogue went faster but still lacked enthusiasm, going 8.2 seconds to 60 mph and noting more confident handling with a quieter interior while driving. Nissan also said it would introduce a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine as an option, but we’re not sure when the new engine will be available.
Interior and Comfort
The new interior of the Nissan Rogue picks up on stylistic elements of the sedan of the Altima family and the recently redesigned Sentra compact sedan. Careful storage cubes, a two-tier dashboard, and a square gear knob are appealing design elements that increase usability and give the interior a modern touch.
Cloth seats are standard, but mid-range SV models are optionally available with synthetic leather upholstery. Three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel will be available. The interior passenger space is roughly the same as the previous model, but the cargo volume behind the rear seats is slightly reduced from 39 cubic feet to 37 cubic feet.
Read also: Review Nissan Rogue vs Mazda CX 5
Infotainment and Connectivity
The touchscreen infotainment system stands tall and high on the dashboard. While the infotainment Nissan Rogue 2021 is the 8.0-inch standard device, a larger 9.0-inch display is available for the SL and Platinum models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standards, advanced functions like on-dash navigation or Bose stereo system are optional.
A reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that is unique to the Platinum model and features a large 10.8-inch heads-up display and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Overall Safety Rating
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts crash tests with the Rogue 2021. However, we expect both authorities to consider SUV safety soon.
The Nissan Rogue 2021 has a number of standard driver assistance features to help it compete with well-equipped competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. Nissan Rogue semi-autonomous driving mode Pro Pilot Assist is also offered as an option for the Rogue SL and as a standard for the Platinum.
Key security features include:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection as standard
- Standard monitoring of the blind spot with a reversing alarm
- Adaptive cruise control with partially autonomous driving mode available
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the front-wheel-drive rogues should deliver up to 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder; Go with the all-wheel-drive model, Which is estimated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Our four-wheel-drive test vehicle achieved 32 mpg on our fuel-efficient route of 75 mph on the highway. The new three-cylinder engine claims higher fuel economy figures of 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway when paired with front-wheel drive; the all-wheel-drive model with this engine is rated 36 mpg for the highway.
