2021 Nissan Rogue review
Nissan Rogue highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Loaded with equipment for the money
- Comfort and versatility remain
Cons
- Wind and road noise at highway speeds
- Performance remains middle of the pack
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 32 highway, 27 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
All-new for 2021, the popular Nissan Rogue is back to form
Nissan's best-selling vehicle, the Rogue, is all-new for 2021 and Nissan has addressed many criticisms of its predecessor. Retaining the Rogue's practicality, with a large trunk as well as improved interior storage, Nissan has improved how it drives and added more advanced technology. The steering now delivers some feedback, while the suspension is more agile without compromising the ride quality. The weak link remains the powertrain. For 2021, power for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine has been increased to 181 hp (from 170 hp in the previous generation). Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
The trim choices remain familiar, though there have been improvements. The S finally gains alloy wheels as standard equipment, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone compatibility. SV, SV Luxe, SL, SL Luxe, and the all-new Platinum trims add better audio equipment, and more luxury and convenience features. Admirably, Nissan fits all models with its advanced driver aid suite, which it dubs Nissan Safety Shield®. A more rounded, appealing Rogue than ever, it's not the best of the compact SUVs, but it's a compelling buy.
All Nissan Rogue years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Nissan Rogue generation from 2011 to 2025
What is new for the 2021 Nissan Rogue?
- The Rogue is available in a new trim called the Platinum.
- Rogue trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s), Rear Seat Heaters, Rear Sunshade, Panoramic Sunroof, Rear Air Conditioning, and Head Up Display as standard equipment this year.
- Leatherette Seats features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SV trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Smart Key, Parking Sensors, and Alloy Wheels as standard equipment.
2021 Nissan Rogue trims
S:
- 181-hp, 181-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Cloth Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Smart Key
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Mirrors
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Overhead Airbags
- Traction Control
- View our Nissan Rogue S inventory
SV:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Power Seats
- Automated Cruise Control
- Remote Start
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- View our Nissan Rogue SV inventory
SL:
- Includes all features available on the SV
- Memory Seats
- Leather Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Air Conditioning
- View our Nissan Rogue SL inventory
Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the SL
- Sunroofs
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Head Up Display
- BOSE Sound System
- Navigation System
- View our Nissan Rogue Platinum inventory
Nissan Rogue photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Nissan Rogue
1. Tons of cargo space
The 2021 Nissan Rogue has more cargo space than most other compact SUVs. In models without the moonroof, you get 36.5 cu ft of space, while moonroof models get a touch less at 36.3 cu ft. You'll have plenty of room for camping gear or sound equipment — or just everyday kids essentials like strollers and playpens. Nissan's Divide-N-Hide cargo system, which comes standard on the SL and Platinum trims of the 2021 model, allows you to split the cargo hold into two different areas, or cover valuable equipment that you're traveling with.
2. Car-seat friendly
If you're traveling with kids, you'll love that the 2021 Nissan Rogue can accommodate three car seats across the back row. The 2021 Rogue has five LATCH anchors in the back seat, so two car seats can be secured using the LATCH anchors side-by-side. If you use a seat belt for one seat, you can secure three seats at the same time. Plus, the 2021 Rogue comes standard with wide-opening doors, which make it easy to get car seats in and out of the back.
3. Modern driver-assist features
No matter which trim level of the 2021 Nissan Rogue you choose, you'll get standard driver-assist features that will help you get where you're going. All 2021 Nissan Rogues have forward and rear emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features like an all-around view camera, a sonar system, and traffic sign recognition add additional peace of mind.
4. Technology integration
The 2021 Nissan Rogue makes it easy to stay connected on the road. All trim levels come standard with Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ connectivity. Your 2021 Nissan Rogue makes charging simple, too, with integrated USB and USB-C ports: you'll find one of each on the base trim and two of each on all other trim levels.
5. Off-road ready
The 2021 Nissan Rogue offers all-wheel drive at every trim level. If you live in cold, snowy climates or like to get off-road during summer camping trips, the all-wheel drive system will help you reach your destination. The all-wheel drive is enhanced by the optional snow mode and off-road mode tractions settings, available at every trim level.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Nissan Rogue, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV with a quiet and spacious cabin. 2017–2021 models come with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD and a suspension system that's tuned for comfort. Whether heading to the rink or the campsite, you'll have space for gear with 38.4 cu-ft of volume in 2017–2018 models and 37.5 cubes in 2019–2021 RAV4s.
Standard features on the 2017–2019 RAV4 XLE include:
17-inch alloy wheels
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Blind-spot monitoring system (2019–2021)
The Honda CR-V feels like a compact hatchback with extra cargo and ground clearance. The 2017-present Honda CR-V features easy handling that creates confidence on-road, while the optional AWD lets you power through tough weather conditions and muddy trails. The 2017-2019 CR-V packs a 2.4L four-cylinder engine under the hood, with an optional turbo 1.5L engine available for more power and torque. For 2020-present, the 1.5L is the sole engine choice.
Standard features on the 2020 Honda CR-V LX include:
17-inch alloy wheels
Automatic climate control
Bluetooth® connectivity
With seating for five, the Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, great handling, and plenty of cargo space. 2017-2021 models have 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which opens up to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Base trims are powered by a 170-hp 1.5L inline-four engine; a 252-hp 2.0L turbo-four and a 137-hp turbodiesel 1.6L engine are available as options.
Standard features on the 2017-2021 Chevrolet Equinox include:
Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration
Rear-seat reminder
17-inch alloy wheels
Heated side mirrors
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Nissan Rogue an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Nissan Rogue 9th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan RogueNissan Rogue features and specs
Platinum 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- Front Seat Heaters
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Full Roof Rack
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
2WD
Engine size
1.5L
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Nissan Rogue FAQ
Nissan introduced a range of new color options for the 2021 Nissan Rogue, including two-tone options available on the Platinum trim levels.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue has a more powerful engine than the 2020 Nissan Rogue, with 181 hp compared to 170 on the 2020. The 2021 Nissan Rogue also comes with more standard driver-assistance features, including standard reverse automatic braking.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue offers available all-wheel drive and available snow mode traction control in every trim level.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue S comes with cloth seats, whereas the 2021 Nissan Rogue SV has leatherette seats. The SV also has intelligent lane intervention and blind-spot monitoring plus key-based remote start, which the S does not.
More about the 2021 Nissan Rogue
Color options
Exterior colors:
Boulder Gray Pearl (SL and Platinum trims only)
Brilliant Silver Metallic (not available in S trim)
Caspian Blue Metallic
Glacier White (only in S trim)
Gun Metallic
Pearl White TriCoat (not available in S trim)
Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
Super Black
Two-tone Boulder Gray Pearl / Super Black (SL and Platinum trims only)
Two-tone Caspian Blue Metallic / Super Black (SL and Platinum trims only)
Two-tone Champagne Silver Metallic / Super Black (SL and Platinum trims only)
Two-tone Pearl White TriCoat / Super Black (SL and Platinum trims only)
Two-tone Sunset Drift ChromaFlair® / Super Black (SL and Platinum trims only)
Interior colors:
Charcoal (cloth, leatherette, leather, Semi-aniline Leather)
Light gray (cloth, leatherette, leather)
Tan (Semi-aniline leather; platinum trim only)
Interior Details
The interior of the 2021 Nisan Rogue is spacious for a compact SUV. The standout feature is the cargo space, with more than 36 cu ft. You'll also find convenient features, such as back-of-seat storage. USB and USB-C ports make it easy to keep your phone charged: you'll find one of each on the S trim, and two of each on all other trims.
Child Seat Details
The 2021 Nissan Rogue is very convenient for car seats. The rear seat has five LATCH anchors, meaning that a car seat can be stationed using LATCH in any rear seat. If you use a seatbelt for one car seat, you can likely fit three seats across. The rear doors open to nearly 90 degrees, making car seat installation easier.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Rogue received an overall 4/5 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
3/5 for earlier release; 4/5 stars for later release
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
Performance
The only engine option available on the 2021 Nissan Rogue is a 181-hp 2.5L four-cylinder. It has a zero-to-60 time of 8.1 seconds, and a top speed of 125 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new). With the 181-hp engine and front-wheel drive, the Nissan Rogue gets an EPA-estimated 28-mpg combined fuel economy.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the 2021 Nissan Rogue's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are:
292 grams per mile for the S trim, front-wheel drive
310 grams per mile for the S trim, all-wheel drive
304 grams per mile for all other trims with front-wheel drive
318 grams per mile for all other trims with all-wheel drive
These estimates are based on a brand-new model. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
Year comparisons
2008–2013 Nissan Rogue (First Generation)
The first generation of the Nissan Rogue was introduced with seating for five and 28.9 cu ft of cargo space. This generation came standard with a 170-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine, which could be paired with all-wheel or front-wheel drive. This generation was available in two trims: S or SL. After a refresh in 2011, the base Nissan Rogue in model years 2011–2013 came with features including keyless entry and an auxiliary port.
2014–2020 Nissan Rogue (Second Generation)
The second generation of the Nissan Rogue came standard with a 170-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine. That generation had the most cargo space of any Nissan Rogues, with more than 39 cu ft on model years 2014–2019. From 2014 to 2017, the Nissan Rogue came with an optional third-row seat, which increased seating to seven. Since 2018, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have come standard on the Rogue.
2021-Present Nissan Rogue (Third Generation)
The third generation of the Nissan Rogue launched in 2021. This generation has a slightly more powerful engine: a 181-hp 2.5L four-cylinder. The third generation has seating for five and 36.3 cu ft of cargo space. It has standard tech features ranging from Apple CarPlay to driver-assist features.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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