2021 Nissan Rogue Review

The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover with two rows of seating and room for five. The current-generation Rogue hangs its hat on its exceptional seat and road comfort, but rival compact SUVs are more refined and pleasing to drive. Nissan hopes to shift perceptions with the redesigned 2021 Rogue.

The overhauled crossover gets a revised exterior, a new range-topping Platinum trim level, and an impressive suite of standard and optional safety features. The Rogue's overall profile is boxier thanks to a more squared-off front end, and extensive use of LED lighting helps liven things up on the outside. With updates to tech, power and suspension components, Nissan is aiming at improving the all-around driving experience while also increasing curb appeal.

Powering the new Rogue is the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the previous model. The 2021 Rogue also continues to use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to send power to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Thankfully, power is up a bit, from 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque in last year's model to 181 hp and 181 lb-ft.

Nissan says that the use of aluminum and additional high-strength steel has reduced weight by as much as 100 pounds. That weight loss, along with changes in tuning to the Rogue's CVT, should marginally increase acceleration, but we anticipate the Rogue will still be among the slowest vehicles in the segment. Fuel economy improves by 1-2 mpg all around, with the most efficient Rogues earning up to 30 mpg combined. It's a welcome improvement over the previous model, which we found thirstier than the EPA estimates during our yearlong test of a 2014 Nissan Rogue SL.

With interior refinement one of the current Rogue's weak spots, it's encouraging to see a long list of comfort improvements for the new model. Increased dashboard insulation helps isolate engine noise, and acoustic front glass reduces wind noise. A revised rear suspension should help reduce undue body motions coming from the back.

Thankfully, the 2021 Rogue will continue to use Nissan's superb Zero Gravity seats in the front and rear. The top Platinum level even adds quilted leather upholstery — a rarity in this price range. The front seats offer a greater range of adjustability than before, ensuring drivers of all sizes will find a comfortable seating position. Even though the new Rogue is shorter than the outgoing model, Nissan says packaging efficiencies allow for increased rear knee room and headroom. Cabin storage is also improved, with additional spaces for small items, larger door pockets and a wider cargo opening.

An 8-inch touchscreen will come standard on most grades, bringing with it Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The new Platinum trim is unquestionably the tech leader in the lineup, adding a 9-inch touchscreen that will include wireless Apple CarPlay functionality later in the year. The Platinum also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.8-inch head-up display — neither of which were available on the previous Rogue. Newly available features — including tri-zone climate control and heated rear seats — join existing luxuries such as a top-down parking camera and a Bose audio system.

Standard on every model is Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of driving aids: blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic front and rear automatic braking. Every Rogue except the base S model is also equipped with ProPilot Assist, which adds adaptive cruise control and automatic lane centering to the mix. A more advanced version is optional on the SL and standard on Platinum models. Dubbed ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, it can use navigation data to supplement the vehicle's driver aids. For example, if the navigation system knows there's an upcoming curve in the road or freeway exit ramp, it will adjust the cruise control speed or even suggest a change in selected speed depending on posted speed limits.