Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue a Good Car? 4 Pros and 2 Cons
The 2021 Nissan Rogue has one tough assignment ahead. That’s because the compact SUV’s rivals include enormously popular models like the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. With company like this, Nissan can’t afford to let its best-selling SUV fall behind on performance, comfort, quality or value.
In most of these regards, the 2021 Rogue improves on its predecessor.
Related: 2021 Nissan Rogue Review: More Steps Forward Than Backward
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Shop the 2021 Nissan Rogue near you
From behind the wheel, the Rogue is more refined than before. Although power remains modest when a stoplight turns green, compact SUV shoppers rarely place a high priority on straight-line speed. They do like a room and functionality, however, and in this regard, the latest Rogue proves something of a mixed bag.
We recently spent time with the 2021 Rogue’s mid-range SV trim with optional all-wheel drive. What stood out? See our full review in the link above for an answer. For a quick glimpse at our primary likes and dislikes in Nissan’s family-friendly SUV, keep scrolling down.
Things We Like
1. Sharper Handling
Nissan gave the 2021 Rogue a more surefooted feel, thanks in large part to handling that improves on the prior generation’s vague, nose-heavy reflexes. During our time with the 2021 Rogue SV AWD, we noted vast improvements to steering around sweeping corners and highway cloverleafs.
2. Improved Interior Quality
The cabin design and layout of the new Rogue is equal parts classy, functional and user friendly. It’s a nice place to spend time. Soft-touch surfaces adorn most places you’ll rest an arm or elbow, though things get less fancy when it comes to the materials used in the rear-seat area — a norm for this class. All in all, the 2021 Rogue has a nicely executed interior that’s competitive with key rivals.
3. Powertrain Is More Refined Than Before
While it doesn’t have much more output than the previous Rogue, the latest drivetrain feels more refined in terms of operation. During most driving situations, the 181-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides reasonable acceleration and works well with the Rogue’s continuously variable automatic transmission. No matter which trim you choose, this engine and gearbox remain the same on all Rogues.
4. Available Tech Features
Like most rivals, the Rogue comes well equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning. Yet for many SUV shoppers, having the latest in-cabin technology is equally vital to keeping everyone happy. Toward that end, the Rogue has plenty: An 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a pair of USB ports are standard. Step up to the SV trim, like our tester, and you get two rear USB ports (for a total of four) and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Pricier versions of the SUV can add wireless Apple CarPlay, a larger (9-inch) touchscreen, 12-inch virtual gauges and wireless smartphone charging.
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Things We Don’t
1. Firm Ride
If you enjoyed the comfortable, if unsophisticated, ride of the previous Nissan Rogue, well, you might want to invest in a pillow or two. That’s because the sharper handling in the 2021 model comes with a noticeably firmer ride. During our evaluations that became particularly apparent over potholes and sewer covers.
2. No More Sliding Second Row
The second row slides forward and back to prioritize rear legroom or cargo space and the seatbacks have a convenient 40/20/40 split to accommodate longer cargo with two outboard passengers. Sounds good, right? It sure does except that was the Rogue’s previous generation. Both second-row features have been jettisoned in the transition to 2021 model year. The loss of this flexible seating and storage solution is a strange move by Nissan.
More From Cars.com:
- 2021 Nissan Rogue Tech Review: Advanced Screening?
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2021 Nissan Rogue?
- 2021 Nissan Rogue’s Interior Makes Strong Turnaround
- 2021 Nissan Rogue First Look Video: Looks Good So Far (But Wait’ll We Drive It)
- 2021 Nissan Rogue Adds Pricey Platinum Trim, Bumps Up Prices Across Lineup
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