High Tech & Family Friendly

• 2021 Nissan Rogue is an all-new design
• Safety and technology are key areas of improvement
• 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 181 hp, 181 lb-ft torque, 28-30 mpg
• Price starts at $26,745 and goes up to $37,925

Nissan is in the midst of a new vehicle onslaught. And while ten new models will be introduced in the next 20 months, the Rogue is currently Nissan’s top-selling nameplate, making the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue the most important vehicle hitting dealer showrooms this fall.

With 2 million Rogues sold since 2007 the compact SUV isn’t just Nissan’s most prolific model, it’s a perpetual top-10 seller in the U.S. market. As a brand, Nissan hopes to reverse its 3-year sales decline, and much of that hope rests on the Rogue’s restyled shoulders.

Nissan clearly recognizes the Rogue’s critical role in reviving the brand’s fortune. A comprehensive redesign, including an all-new chassis with upgraded suspension mounting points, has improved the Rogue’s ride quality, steering response and occupant safety. The new chassis also elevated the Rogue’s tow rating, now at 1,350 pounds for both front- and all-wheel-drive versions.

Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue a Safe Vehicle?

Safety was a key focus because Nissan’s research shows it’s a top priority for compact SUV buyers. To address their concerns every Rogue comes standard with auto high beams, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking when backing up, blind spot warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Ten airbags are also part of the Rogue’s standard safety pedigree.

What Engine is in the 2021 Nissan Rogue?

Powering the new Nissan Rogue is the same 2.5-liter engine it had before, but tuning adjustments have improved peak horsepower and torque to 181 (for both horsepower and pound-feet). Three drive modes are offered (Standard, Eco, Sport), along with two terrain modes (Off-road and Snow) for models equipped with all-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency is up approximately 1-2 mpg across the new Rogue model line, with combined ratings of 28, 29, or 30 mpg depending on trim and front- or all-wheel drive.

Safety, ride quality and drivetrain enhancements speak to the rational side of car buyers’ brains, but attractive exterior styling and an appealing cabin will establish the Rogue’s first impression with most consumers. In both areas the 2021 Nissan Rogue delivers a premium message, with LED exterior lighting, Nissan’s prominent “V-motion” grille, NASA-inspired seat designs and a standard 8-inch central touchscreen. The new body is also more aerodynamic, which combines with standard acoustic glass to reduce wind noise for a quieter cabin.

How Much Does the 2021 Nissan Rogue Cost?

Move up from the standard Rogue S trim ($26,745) to the SV ($28,435) and features like a Wi-Fi hot spot, second-row USB charge ports, dual-zone climate control, remote engine start, 18-inch wheels and smart cruise control are added. The new Rogue’s smart cruise control lets the vehicle sit stationary for up to 30 seconds and still engage throttle if traffic starts moving again (previously the system could only wait up to 3 seconds before shutting off).

The 2021 Rogue SL starts at $33,095 and adds a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a motion activated liftgate, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The top-line Nissan Rogue Platinum starts at $36,525 and includes a quilted leather stitching on the seats and dash, a heated second-row seat, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch central touchscreen, a head-up display and a navigation system linked to Nissan’s advanced ProPilot Assist driver assist technology. All-wheel drive can be added to every Rogue trim for $1,400.

How Does Nissan’s ProPilot Assist Work?

It’s worth noting Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, which comes standard on the Rogue SV, SL and Platinum, uses cameras to enable lane-keeping assist, in addition to the acceleration and braking activity of smart cruise control. Nissan told us the 2021 Rogue uses upgraded cameras to see vehicles and lane markings more effectively, allowing it to smooth out braking and lane keeping inputs. Our time driving the new Rogue confirmed its among the smoothest systems available when it comes to keeping the vehicle centered in its lane and slowing for traffic. Platinum trim Rogues integrate ProPilot Assist with Nissan’s Navi-link to help the smart cruise control system account for tight turns, freeway transitions, and changing speed limits.

Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue a Good Family Car?

While the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue’s attractive styling, plush interior and refined ride quality were appreciated, it’s the level of technology available on this compact SUV that gives it a leg up on much of the competition. Features like the full-color head-up display, heated rear seat, tri-zone climate control and wireless Apple CarPlay aren’t even offered on many of the Rogue’s competitors. Other features, like rear doors that open almost 90-degrees and heated rear seat, give the Rogue an advantage regarding family-friendly features.

In the highly-competitive compact SUV category every advantage counts. The 2021 Nissan Rogue has quite a few of them, making it a compelling choice against segment favorites like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. If advanced technology and family-friendly features are among your top priorities the new Rogue should be on your short list.