Nissan builds on a strong legacy with the all-new 2021 Rogue crossover
The Rogue compact crossover SUV is the best-selling vehicle in Nissan's lineup, which makes it the most important vehicle they make. For 2021, Nissan completely revamped the Rogue, adding some impressive features, but keeping the price where you want it.
Everything is new for Rogue this year. It starts with an all-new chassis platform, and adds new technology for safety and connectivity, a new powertrain, new steering and rear suspension, new exterior and interior designs, and a new luxury trim.
Starting with the body and chassis, the new metal offers better handling, and improved fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. The Rogue is still unmistakably a Nissan, with the signature V-shaped grille and a chrome trim strip that runs along the windshield and over the side windows, making it appear as though the roof is floating over the rest of the vehicle. The shaping creases in the bodywork are more pronounced, giving the new Rogue a more aggressive stance and rough-and-ready presence.
Under the hood, you'll find an upgraded 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. That's up from 170 horsepower in the outgoing model. All Rogue models come equipped with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission. If you think that you don't like CVTs, give the Rogue a test-drive. We routinely forget that it's not a conventional automatic. Buyers can choose from front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, and we recommend spending the extra $1,400 to get AWD for a Portland winter.
One of the big stories about the Rogue is its safety package. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of safety and assistance features are standard on all trim levels. The list of safety features includes Blind Spot Intervention, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Driver Alertness technology and Rear Door Alert.
Depending on your trim level, you can add ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control that follows the prevailing speed of traffic with steering assistance that keeps the Rogue centered in its lane. You still have to keep hands on the wheel, though. ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link is standard on Rogue Platinum and available on Rogue's SL trim level. There are several new features to note. By linking ProPILOT Assist with Nissan's Door-to-Door Navigation System, the Rogue has the ability to proactively reduce speed for upcoming freeway curves or junctions, and can also help you slow for freeway exits that are on your route.
Inside, the Rogue offers a comfortable, quality interior. Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats are among the most supportive in this class of vehicle, and you get that design in the front and back seats. Nissan has also worked on the Rogue's utility by enlarging the rear side bins enough to hold a standard gallon jug of milk or water, and the door pockets are sized for 32-ounce bottles.
List price on the Rogue starts at $25,650. That price gets you the basic Rogue S with front-wheel-drive. The most affordable All-Wheel-Drive model is the Rogue S AWD at $27,050. If you go for the top of the line Rogue Platinum, you're looking at $36,830. All models carry an extra $1,095 destination and handling fee.
If you're shopping for a new compact SUV this year, you really need to be sure to take a good look at the Nissan Rogue. Check with your nearest dealer, because the 2021 Rogue has arrived and is available for test drives now.
2021 Nissan Rogue SV FWD Premium
Base price: $27,340
Price as tested: $31,875
Type: Compact SUV
Engine: 2.5-liter Four-cylinder (181 hp, 181 lbs-ft)
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
EPA estimated mileage: 26/34
Overall length: 183 inches
Curb weight: 3,411 pounds
Final assembly: Smyrna, Tennessee
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