For 2021, the all-new Nissan Rogue levels the playing field in the mid-size cross-over segment with a complete re-design from ground up that promises refined styling, updated tech, and improved performance and handling. The most notable difference is the conventional, boxier style cross-over exterior, and while more old-fashioned, the 2021 Rogue manages to pull off a contemporary look while still leveraging cargo space and practicality from its more versatile form-factor.
AVAILBLE OPTIONS
Four trims are offered with the mid-level SV trim priced at $31,998 that gets you 18” aluminum wheels, eight-way power adjustable seats, 360 degree exterior camera system and Nissan’s Pro-Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving mode. Synthetic faux-leather seats are also included.
Under test is the highest Platinum trim priced at $39,998. That gets you significantly more including a panoramic sunroof, power lift gate, upscaled genuine leather interior, larger 19” wheels, Navigation with live traffic alerts and the upgraded 9-speaker BOSE audio surround sound system.
REFINED INTERIOR
Previous generations of the Rogue’s interior have always been slightly lackluster, but that’s no longer the case with the completely revamped interior thanks to the borrowed design elements from its more upscaled Nissan Altima. The overall cabin space both looks and feels premium thanks to its lavish materials, square shift knob, triple-zone climate controls and plush seating. With a more conventional box-like form factor, rear passengers now enjoy comfortable leg room while the 60-40 folding rear seats provide additional cargo space where needed.
Digital amenities are carefully crafted with a dual-digital display for its instrument cluster and a the standard 9” infotainment display. A larger 12.3” instrument cluster screen and 10.3” infotainment touchscreen is exclusive to the Platinum model. Both infotainment screen options are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
POWER AND DRIVE
Standard across all trims is the front-wheel drive setup, leaving all-wheel drive as an upgradable option for an extra $1,800 which is recommended for better traction in slippery and wet conditions. The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine is retained from last generation’s inventory but has been tuned to increase the output to 181 horsepower, up from 170 horsepower last year.
No gear shifts are required as the 2021 Nissan Rogue is equipped with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) for both smooth ride and optimal fuel efficiency netting 8.1 L/100km for both city and highway combined with the front-wheel drive configuration. All-wheel drive gets a slight decrease in fuel economy at 8.3 L/100km in comparison.
Premiums aesthetics are the first prominent notes when stepping into the 2021 Nissan Rogue. Both front and rear visibility are excellent, and the seating is both very plush and comfortable especially with the genuine leather seats exclusive to the Platinum trim. Power delivery remains smooth and predictable while the CVT transmission does a fine job at maintaining the flow in acceleration. Enthusiastic drivers will be pleased with the steering-mounted paddle shifters that emulates gear shifts via the CVT for a more direct driving experience. The week’s test drive also called for a rainy weather forecast in which the Rogue’s all-wheel drive system performed seemingly well in maintaining traction on all four wheels in slippery and wet road conditions.
FINAL THOUGHTS
All in all, the 2021 Nissan Rogue has significantly stepped up its game with improvements made across the board that rightfully makes it a serious contender against the currently more popular Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. With four available trims and upgrade options to choose from, buyers also get the flexibility to tailor exactly what they want out of the Rogue with wide-ranging pricing, while guaranteeing the fundamental merit of a mid-size crossover – which is true versatility and practicality!
