2021 Nissan Rogue | First Look
Kelley Blue Book Kelley Blue Book
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 Published On Jul 27, 2020

For the latest Nissan Rogue pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/nissan/rogue/


The Nissan Rogue is all-new for 2021 and oh is there a lot to discuss.


The new Rogue has a more refined, dare I say “premium” look. The familiar v-motion grille remains but thin pseudo headlight, crisp body lines, and skidplate-like styling element on this Platinum trim present an aura of elevated ruggedness…if not actual ruggedness.


One last note, the new rogue is slightly shorter and lower than the current Rogue and it’ll be offered in two-tone combinations like its smaller sibling the Nissan Kicks.

Similar to the latest Sentra, Nissan has greatly elevated the Rogue’s interior game.

We have color and interesting textures. Stitching on the dash and diamond patterns on the seats. Soft surfaces. It feels like the Rogue is trying to evolve from a need into a want.


Of course, the Rogue we’re looking at is the loftiest leather-clad Platinum trim. Lesser versions will naturally feel less lofty but the Rogue’s fundamentals are strong. Passenger space is excellent in the 2nd row…even in the middle position. Accessing those rear quarters is facilitated by wide-opening doors.

The cargo hold is spacious (39.3 cu-ft) and features the divide N hide cargo management system. And there are plenty of supplemental storage spots including a redesigned center console and this area made possible by the new electronic shifter.


Speaking of the shifter, it’s adorably tiny. Near the shifter, you’ll also notice an electronic parking brake, USB-A, and USB-C inputs, an optional wireless phone charger, the standard push-button starter, and a rotary drive mode selector for all-wheel drive Rogues offering 5, count them, 5 modes.

From a usability perspective, the latest Rogue is thoughtfully arranged. I mean look, unambiguous climate controls and the infotainment screen includes buttons and knobs for the functions where physical controls make sense.



If you’ve heard me speak about the current Nissan Rogue you might’ve heard complaints about its dated infotainment interface. Well, that’s been solved.

Golly look at those crisp graphics displayed on this optional 9-inch screen.

A smaller screen comes standard as does Apple CarPlay and Android Auto…but if you want it, Wireless Apple CarPlay is also available.


Okay, let’s talk powertrain for a second. Propelling all Rogue trims is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (181hp, and 181 lb-ft) offering slightly more power than the current Rogue. And like the current Rogue, the 2021 model will dish out its engine’s power with a continuously variable transmission otherwise known as a CVT.

Will the CVT in the 2021 Rogue address the surging, groaning power delivery of the current Rogue?


Beyond CVT woes I’ve also complained that Nissan’s current steering assist feature tends not to engage unless you’re basically driving at freeway speeds. With the 2021 Rogue, Nissan has updated its steering assist tech for quicker engagement and improved steering feel…

…which I can’t wait to test and judge.


As for features, a basic 2021 Rogue include Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, and 10 airbags.

If you’d like to “Rogue” is fancier fashion, 3-zone climate control, rear sunshades, a hands-free tailgate, a 360-camera system, dynamic cruise control, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist freeway driving assistance suite are all available.


Among the competition, the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape are all vying for your attention but if the latest Rogue intrigues you, you’ll be able to find it in Nissan dealers starting in the fall of 2020.


Expect pricing on 2021 Nissan Rogue to be a little more than the current 2020 $24,490 base price.


Just looking at it in a big garage, the 2021 Nissan Rogue seems to have transformed into a much more desirable compact SUV. I can’t wait to verify that impression in the near future by actually driving it.

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