The Compact CUV To Beat? | 2021 Nissan Rogue

Nissan's Rogue is arguably their most important new vehicle this decade. Not only is it the best selling Nissan in America, over the last few years it's been in close competition to be the best selling "anything that isn't a truck". With the new 2021 model, has Nissan done enough to compete with the new RAV4 and the impending new CR-V?

[Ian-mvqq]

I did a test drive the SL few days ago. It was surprisingly smooth, the transmission, the acceleration, the seat comfort.
Even on Eco mode the car just accelerated with no hesitation, almost like normal mode. Seat cushion is one of the best, if not the best. Everything in the interior looks and feels great, although I agree on the missing thigh extension.
But comparing to my 2018 Rogue, I feel like the new Rogue's suspension is a bit firmer but in a good way.

[bfish]

They really stepped up the interior quality. This gives me hope for the pathfiner and Qx60.

[eurouc]

Alex: it’s time to add a comparative section on auto/autonomous categories: lane centering, lane change, avoidance etc. It’s an area you never address.

[HALWG]

I will be buying a Rogue in early 2021. All the people bad mouthing or whining about the CVT have obviously not had experience with them. I am on my 3rd Nissan with a CVT dating back about 14 years. They have all been great and get really good gas mileage workout the annoying automatic stop/start. I also like the smoothness. In those 14 years, they have just gotten better. If you don't do what it isn't designed to do and change fluid at the recommended intervals, you will have a fine experience.

[rondail]

Alex, always good to compare with the competition!!
The Rouge is very nice except needs more HP and I don't like a CVT in a SUV.

[mohdnoor]

A softer suspension is smthing I really appreciate, I don't know why car companies keep making FAMILY SUVs firmer and focus on handling like I'm gonna race w my kid in the back seat. That's what I loved abt the previous generation, and oh yeah the new look isn't good, so instead of fixing engine issues and cvt or adding a turbo they adjust the suspension. I would've loved it

[lindab]

Really fantastic review. I have had my Rogue Platinum about 2 months now and love it!!

[jka]

just bought this one 2 days ago its awesome platinum rogue

[DeanApril]

I just bought one and I am happy with it so far!

[dunbar]

I rented a new Rogue and like it better than the RAV4. Huge improvement over the previous generation. Was really impressed with the interior quality on the SV @ $27k. Really good radar cruise control and lane keep assist systems. It’s quiet and did 33mpg on the highway. I’ve been wanting to go full EV but the Rogue is a compelling budget option for sticking with ICE.

[geoffreyfinch]

Super review, Alex! Factual, systematic comparisons... saves a lot of time viewing the cars in person at dealerships.

[brady_biz]

Shift paddles on a crossover with a CVT is hilarious to me

[williamlong]

Good on Nissan for rising to the occasion in redesigning this. It’ll sure pay off in this segment. I have no doubt they’ll move tons of these. Though I will say I hope they add a hybrid powertrain to the menu to compete with the Rav4 and CR-V even more.

[BRC_]

I'm glad that Nissan is finally updating all of their models and their outdated looking interiors / exterior design that they've had for the last 10-15 years. Even when many of their last gen models were new 5-7 years ago they were seemingly outdated looking both in and out or became so within a couple years after their competitors came out with newer models short thereafter, with the exception of the Maxima (2016) I'd say. Not to mention the overall build quality and reliability of many models were subpar for years.

I hope Nissan is finally turning a new leaf with their next gen offerings 2019 and newer.

The Rogue looks interesting and a lot nice looking inside and out. But the deal breaker for me is that I absolutely abhor the split headlight design on almost any vehicle. I'm sure many remember the much maligned new Jeep Cherokee in 2015 with it's split design that was reverted back to a more traditional look when it got refreshed after many customers complained of how ugly it was.

[Ethans]

I’m sure the cvt is reliable this time around. They must have learned their lesson the last 7 times, right?

[EricEbsen]

I leased a platinum and I’m very impressed by the technology compared to competition. I’m surprised Alex didn’t dig deeper in this area

[mice_cowski]

One thing to note with the Rogue is that the rear seats can recline slightly.

I recently went from a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Advance to a 2021 Rogue Platinum AWD and am very happy with the switch.

What’s common between both cars? I bought them after watching the respective Alex on Autos review!

[ARUNKUMAR-gfzv]

I have a rogue 2016 with optional third row 😊. Great car nothing to complain

[Theonestrongbusleader]

This will be my first SUV! Terrific job Alex.

[anydaynow]

I like the ominous image of the RAV4 in the background!