Road Test: 2021 Nissan Rogue SL FWD

All-New–And It Shows

Nissan is counting on the all-new, third generation 2021 Rogue remaining a top seller for them, as compact SUVs are expected to remain the hot category in the next year. With a redesigned exterior and interior, and mid-thirties fuel economy, the 2021 Rogue should have no problem being popular with drivers.

One Engine—One Transmission—AWD Optional

Nissan makes it simple as the Rogue is available with one engine and one transmission with paddle shifters. The 2.5-liter non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Performance numbers are 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels, with all-wheel drive an option.

To increase aerodynamics the Rogue, which ended up with a 0.331 coefficient of drag, utilizes features of tire deflectors in the lower front fascia, an active grille shutter to control air flow into the engine compartment, underbody covers to manage air flow under the vehicle and an air curtain that directs air flow from the front to the sides. Running on 87 octane, the EPA rates the Rogue SL FWD at 26 mpg city/34 highway/29 combined. In 559 miles, driving mostly freeways throughout Southern California, we averaged 32.6 mpg, but on a 195-mile all-freeway run, with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we averaged 35.6 mpg. If you opt for the Rogue SL AWD, the fuel economy numbers are 25/32/28. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience. Your numbers may differ.

Hitting the Open Road

In their early days, many CVTs had well-earned reputations for being loud, while delivering underwhelming performance with a rubber band feel. Times have progressed, as Clean Fleet Report has been impressed with the CVTs we have driven over the few past years. The CVT in the 2021 Nissan Rogue was smooth and quiet, but still lacked the performance of a six- or eight-speed automatic transmission. What it did deliver was fuel economy that far exceeded the EPA estimates. The front independent and rear multi-link suspensions, with 19-inch alloy wheels shod with Bridgestone Alenza 235/55 all-season tires, did an admirable job for a compliant ride and grippy cornering. Since the Rogue isn’t designed or marketed to be a sport crossover, a little performance loss versus the fuel economy gain is a fair trade off.

The 2.5L in the Rogue performed well, but with zero to 60 times around 8.2 seconds, it was not fast. This is most apparent when climbing a grade at highway speeds, where between the CVT and the engine torque kicking-in at 3,600 rpms, it required constant hard pressure on the accelerator. Choosing Sport in the drive mode selector helps maximize the engine and transmission output. Maybe a hybrid or turbo is on the horizon, technology Nissan has had in its cars over the years.

Wind and road (tire) noise was low. There was only mild engine noise during stress, such as aggressive acceleration or climbing a grade, otherwise it was quiet and smooth for highway cruising or in-town driving.

The 3,400-pound curb weight was well-managed and the balance was good, with the Rogue treading a neutral fine line between a cushy ride for comfort and a stiff ride for handling. The electronic power steering thankfully wasn’t over boosted, but while the handling is not sporty, it is just right for around town errands and taking family road trips. What you get is good traction, predictable cornering, little tire slippage when cornering hard, and acceptable body lean on the most severe corners. Stopping was consistent by the power-assisted anti-lock disc brakes.

Redesigned Exterior

There were subtle design changes, front and rear, but no new breakthroughs for the all-new Rogue, as abandoning the conventional shape would be a gamble for this popular crossover. Overall the length and height have been reduced by about an inch over the outgoing Rogue, due to the front and rear redesign. Nissan says the Rogue has a “design with a commanding presence” that features a floating roof and a V-motion grille that has “evolved.”

The stacked LED head, daytime running and fog lights square off the nose, while the upright rear has shelf LED tail lights. The Rogue’s available in eight solid colors, and five others with a black roof. The black roof nicely sets-off the floating roof design element.

Comfy Interior

Climbing inside, Clean Fleet Report’s Rogue SL had a light cream and mocha interior featuring Nissan’s Zero Gravity Seats, designed to relieve stress by placing the body in a natural, neutral spinal position. The front leather seats are heated, with the driver getting eight-way power adjustments, including lumbar and memory, while the passenger has a four-way power adjustable seat. The electronic gear selector and steering wheel are trimmed in leather, and soft touch materials are found on the doors, arm rest and dash. The thigh bolsters were good, with the manual tilt and telescoping steering column helping the driver find a comfortable driving position. The tilt and slide panoramic power moonroof opens the cabin to the great outdoors, and the floating console offers a lower storage area.

The rear seat room welcomes grown humans, holding two comfortably, three for short jaunts, with the seat bottom having excellent bolstering. With the front seats moved forward, it is easy to put a rear facing child seat in the back seat. The rear passengers are treated to side window shades and a reclining seat back. The comfortable sill step-over into the cabin was appreciated, which opened the rear seat area to ample leg, shoulder and head room. To make the ride out back more convenient, there are air vents in the center console, side window shades and two charge-only USB ports, one each of Type A and Type C.

Behind the 60/40-split rear seat is good size cargo area with 36.3 cubic feet of space. By folding the rear seat flat with levers in the rear cargo area, the cargo space increases to 74.1 cubic feet. There is also a nifty two-tier floor in the far rear that Nissan calls Divide-n-Hide. It is a storage system that offers a series of flexible shelving, where using the lower level taller items can stand upright, or valuables can be placed underneath and covered up.

The cockpit design is driver-friendly with the digital gauges having easy-to-read black faces with white numbers. The Rogue SL trim level has an 8.0-inch color touchscreen that was home to navigation and NissanConnect which includes entertainment services such as SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This good-sounding audio system included AM/FM HD radio and both a volume and channel knob, which are an essential part of keeping the driver’s eyes on the road. The Wi-Fi hotspot was a nice touch as was the Bluetooth and voice recognition.

Technology Advancements

Nissan has been one of the leaders in the development of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). At one point cruise control seemed advanced, but no more. ProPilot Assist, which Nissan repeatedly stresses is NOT autopilot (i.e., self-driving), is a hands-on driver assist system that cannot prevent accidents. When engaged, it aids the driver keeping the Rogue centered between lane lines, but automatically disengages if lane lines are faded or covered in mud or snow. The system works with a sequence of progressive warning lights and sounds becoming more frequent and louder the longer your hands are off the wheel. ProPilot Assist also is designed to help a sleepy or physically incapacitated driver safely bring the Rogue to a stop.

Safety and Convenience

All Rogue models come standard with active and passive safety features such as front, side and knee air bags, and technologies including forward collision and lane departure warning, lane departure intervention, blind spot warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and rear cross traffic alert with automatic braking.

Additional convenience features include remote keyless entry, a security system, push button start/stop, 12-volt power outlets, USB audio and charge ports, a tire pressure monitoring system, tri-zone automatic climate control, an automatic dimming rearview mirror and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. The carpeted floor mats, hands-free power lift gate, remote engine start, dual power and heated outside mirrors and roof rails were appreciated features.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue has not been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), or the US Government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Pricing and Warranties

The 2021 Nissan Rogue is offered in four trim levels of S, SV, SL and Platinum. Clean Fleet Report spent a week in a Rogue SL FWD with a base price of $32,000. Add-in the floor mats and cargo area protector package for $385, and the $1,095 destination and handling fee, and the MSRP came to $33,480.

All 2021 Rogue models come with these warranties.

Observations: 2021 Nissan Rogue SL FWD

The all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue should get your serious consideration when shopping compact crossovers as it delivers a fresh look with an upscale feel. It offers comfort for four, five in a pinch, while handling their gear. All-wheel drive is available for sloppy on-road conditions, but the Rogue should not be considered an off-road vehicle. The cabin is quiet, and while it isn’t sporty, it is economical. The spacious interior, with very comfortable seats and the latest driver safety technology systems available, make the Rogue a must-see when visiting your local Nissan dealer.

The bottom line, the 2021 Nissan Rogue SL is easy to live with.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Nissan.

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Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.