The Rogue is one of Nissan’s newer vehicles, having debuted only in 2007 for the 2008 model year. This compact crossover SUV has been heralded for its safety ratings, sturdy build, and, not least, technology that would not be available in other makes and models until much later. The Rogue is Nissan’s top-selling vehicle in North America, having sold over 350,000 units annually since 2016 in the United States and Canada alone. This year’s rendition features a redesigned exterior with improved technology, performance, and ride handling.
What Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue?
The year 2021 is the first model year of the third generation of Nissan Rogue. The 2021 Nissan Rogue has been built on a brand-new platform with a design and dimensions similar to those of its predecessor. The exterior has a slightly boxy shape and a squared-off front end with a unique grill and LED lighting signatures.
Although the new design of the exterior may take some getting used to, fans of the Rogue have been anticipating this overhaul for over five years now. In addition to a new look, Nissan’s bestseller now features better technology, more interior space, and a quieter ride. As in past years, the Rogue has four trim levels with varying levels of convenience and safety features.
What’s Under the Hood of the 2021 Nissan Rogue?
Under the hood, the 2021 Nissan Rogue has not changed much. Regardless of trim level, Nissan offers only a single engine option. This year’s model is powered by a 2.5 litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 181-horsepower with 181 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission with front-wheel drive comes standard, but you can upgrade to the optional all-wheel-drive system.
The Nissan Rogue has often been criticized for the uninspiring acceleration and performance of its long-standing engine. This year is no different, with critics clocking the time it takes the Rogue to go from zero to 60 miles per hour at eight seconds. The gas mileage of this model is quite decent, though. The U.S. EPA rates it at 27 miles per gallon in the city (11.5 kilometers per liter) and 34 miles per gallon (14.5 kilometers per liter) on the highway. Nissan says that it will introduce a 1.5 litre, turbocharged three-cylinder engine to improve mileage.
The Interior of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
Unlike its power train, the interior of the 2021 Nissan Rogue has been praised for its outstanding quality. Although the new generation has a smaller build than that of its predecessor, Nissan has sculpted the interior to create a little more space for drivers and passengers. The interior is quite refined and very modern, as refined and modern as many other compact SUVs. Higher trims of the Rogue have nice touches like wood accents, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. Nissan is making its bestseller a bit more upmarket, with plusher materials and a nicer cabin overall.
As you are sitting in the Rogue, you will, by design, hear little sound from the street or the engine. Nissan has taken steps to ensure that noise from the road doesn’t seep into the cabin. The interior of the Nissan Rogue is a big step forward in quality for this segment, setting a high standard for such competitors as the Honda CR-V and Subaru Crosstrek.
The Technology of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
The 2021 Nissan Rogue comes with n slew of impressive technological and safety features. All trims come standard with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system outfitted with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to make your cell phone more accessible while you are on the road. You also have access to Nissan’s proprietary Safety Shield 360 technology. This system uses a number of cameras strategically place around the exterior of the vehicle to provide you with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure, Rear Automatic Braking, High Beam Assist, and Blind Spot Warning. On all variants of the 2021 Rogue, Nissan also offers Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Driver Alertness as part of its ProPilot Assist system.
The higher the trim level, the better the technology Nissan offers. The base model Rogue S comes with enough features for most modern drivers. But if you want extra luxury, you will find it in the SV, SL, and Platinum trims. In addition to a larger infotainment system, these higher trim levels offer keyless start, rear sunshades, Wi-Fi hotspots, and voice recognition. The SL and Platinum trims also feature wireless Apple CarPlay integration, power liftgates, and interior lighting.
Our Take on the 2021 Nissan Rogue
Both the exterior and interior of the 2021 Nissan Rogue are better designed than those of the 2020 rendition. Although the new model also incorporates many technological advances, the power train has remained largely unchanged, with only a slight boost in horsepower. Even so, the vehicle still drives and handles very well for its size. The improvements Nissan has implemented do not enable the Rogue to stand out in its class. However, if you want a vehicle that is larger than a sedan but smaller than a full-size SUV, the Nissan Rogue is a great option. The quality of the modern interior helps this car shine.
