IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
The Rogue offers pleasant driving dynamics, a broad range of comfort and technology features, and passenger/cargo versatility that few compact SUVs can match.
BUT…
Only one powertrain is available, and its passing power is only so-so.
2021 Nissan Rogue Best Buy Review
WORTH NOTING:
The Rogue offers the latest version of Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist feature, a driver-assist system that pairs adaptive-cruise-control functionality with automatic lane-centering steering assist (the driver’s hands must remain on the steering wheel).
WHAT IS IT?
The Rogue is Nissan’s compact SUV, and it’s been redesigned for 2021. S, SV, SL, and new top-line Platinum trim levels are offered, each with a 181-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All Rogues are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available equipment includes leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, hands-free power liftgate, Divide-N-Hide configurable cargo-area panels, Bose premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, Around-View Monitor (360-degree camera), and NissanConnect services with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of active safety technologies, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam headlights, is standard on all models. Also standard are a driver alertness monitor and a rear-door alert feature which reminds drivers to check the rear seat for children, pets, or items that may have been forgotten.
WHAT’S NEW?
As mentioned above, the Rogue is completely redesigned for 2021. Among the newly available features are a wireless smartphone charger, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, full-color 10.8-inch head-up display, and tri-zone climate control. The available ProPILOT Assist system has been updated with next-generation radar and camera technology that Nissan says enables smoother braking, better steering-assist feel, and improved detection performance when other vehicles cut into the lane. A Pro-PILOT Assist with Navi-Link feature is standard on the Platinum and optional on SL; it pairs the driving-assist system with the navigation-system, which can automatically slow the vehicle for upcoming road curves and freeway exits.
FUEL ECONOMY
The EPA rates the Rogue at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 25/32 with all-wheel drive. The base S models are rated 1 mpg higher across the board.
VALUE IN CLASS
Some rival compact sport-utility vehicles are better at the “sport,” but the Nissan Rogue is one of the best around when it comes to utility. The Rogue’s excellent redesign for 2021 brings it fully up to date with the best of its class, and adds a host of nicely executed family-friendly features.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $25,650 – $36,830 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-Door Wagon |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 181-HP, 2.5-Liter 4-Cyl. |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Front or All-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | USA |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 25-35 MPG |
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