SUV Review: 2021 Nissan Rogue

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The Nissan Rogue hits the asphalt in model-year 2021 riding an all-new platform, and propelled by a new powertrain that combines little less than the very latest in high-efficiency tech under the hood. Like the Mitsubishi Outlander with which the Nissan Rogue shares the majority of its nuts and bolts, what we’ve got here is a crossover for the times: flexible, comfortable, built to deliver a value-enhancing driving experience that’s more upscale, and equipped with some of the best in safety and fuel efficiency tech for 2021. Remember: this is a hugely-competitive segment, competition is fierce, and automakers are throwing everything they’ve got into the mix.

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I recently spent the better part of nearly 2,000 kilometres driving, filming, shooting, and testing the Rogue for various web and video features that took me from Toronto to Sudbury, and beyond. My testing included plenty of rough-surface backroads driving, no less than 1,000 kilometres of highway cruising, and some light off-road use. Below, I’ll share my key impressions from the experience for perspective shoppers shortlisting the Nissan Rogue. Hopefully, these observations provide some insight to help confirm (or question) your purchase decision.

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As you read on, keep this thought in mind: a comfortable ride is important, but making it easier for the driver to operate the vehicle smoothly makes for a more comfortable (and safer) drive, as well.

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It’s for the light-footed driver

If that’s you, you’ll find this new engine and transmission combo to be a superstar team.

Behind the new grille is a 2.5 litre four-cylinder, running the latest in free-breathing, friction-busting, fuel-saving tech. It’s 181 apiece for both horsepower and torque — no turbocharger, no hybrid. This is a straight-up four-cylinder that does its best work when being used lightly, by a driver who isn’t in a rush, and who is concerned primarily with low noise levels and maximum efficiency. The Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT) hooks the power up to all four wheels. T he engine does its best and most fuel-efficient work at very low revs, where its pistons slip inside of mirror-lined cylinders at just-of-idle speeds as you cruise the highway. The shift-free CVT transmission is a powerful weapon to help keep those revs low and steady, and it’s very smooth and responsive at those low revs, meaning it’s the perfect setup for the sort of driver with a light foot whose primarily concerned with good fuel mileage and not ever having to hear or feel much from under the hood.

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It’s all in the delivery: this new powertrain team works brilliantly for the light-footed, fuel-conscious driver because it makes it easy, but also enjoyably smooth and responsive to drive efficiently. Apply an inch of throttle out of a green light, hold the pedal steady, and it’s 2,000 revs on the tachometer, locked in, as the Rogue glides up to speed with hardly a peep to be heard. 

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It’s not for the lead-footed driver

On the flip side, it’s not the machine you want, if you’re trying to satisfy a lead foot.

Enthusiast drivers do have better choices for under-hood firepower, and though the Rogue performs adequately during full-throttle passing or merging maneuvers, the power delivery here lacks the polish and feel of traditional gear shifting, and the associated sounds and sensations, that enthusiasts prefer. Still, there is a SPORT mode available to dial up throttle response, revs and the like, if you’d like. Ultimately, drivers after maximum smoothness and efficiency, not firepower, will get the biggest return on their investment from the new powertrain.

It’s worth noting here that the new AWD system engages the rear axle from the get go — effectively pushing (and pulling) the Rogue off the line from the first inch of movement. This results in less ‘squat’ from the vehicle during faster starts, less torque steer, and a smoother drive in stop-and-go traffic.

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In summation: it’s smooth, it’s easy on fuel, and it gets moving gracefully — but it’s not the crossover for lead-footed drivers.

It’s best on smooth, winding highways

If that’s the sort of driving you do a lot of, I think you’ll really enjoy how the Rogue is set up and there are a few reasons why.

Key among them are good outward sightlines, with tall glass surrounding the driver. Additionally, the NASA-inspired seating makes it easier for the driver to be comfortable in an upright and alert driving position, which helps drivers keep their eyes trained further up the road — enhancing safety and smoothness along the way. From that foundation, the Rogue’s quick, tidy steering and enhanced brake-tracing capabilities make it an enjoyable corner carver. Specifically, as you steer, the Rogue applies light, single-wheel braking to help stabilize the vehicle in the corner, helping it more accurately ‘trace’ its line. The effect, from the driver’s seat, is a vehicle that’s more flat, tidy, secure, and confidence inspiring on winding roads, and especially on very windy roads where one corner transitions into the next.

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Some crossovers feel like a bloated road-porpoise in this sort of driving. The Nissan Rogue is not one of those crossovers. Partly to thank? The Vehicle Motion Control system, that includes constant monitoring of braking, steering, and acceleration to try and predict the driver’s intentions, and then step in to smooth things out. This helps the Rogue’s driver find the proper cornering line more quickly, locks in more securely, and keeps the vehicle flatter and less active on its wheels when going around the bend. The high-precision cornering feel means less need to readjust the vehicle, less wallowing of the suspension, and less drama as you enjoy a winding road (or ideally, highway).

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It’s noisy on rough-road surfaces

My biggest disappointment was on very rough road surfaces — characteristic of badly-beaten camp roads, craggy backroads, and the like. In these worst-case-scenario situations, few crossovers deliver a ride that’s actually comfortable, but some are better than others. I’d peg the Rogue somewhere in the middle. Specifically, noise and harshness levels in the cabin are a bit higher than I expect, and the odd panel rattle became apparent. As the Rogue’s suspension takes a beating, the ride remains easygoing enough, and the rigidity of the new body structure becomes the most apparent. Still, some drivers will wish for less noise, and a few unbecoming clunks can get past the suspension.

Hopefully these impressions helped you decide whether or not the Nissan Rogue matches your specific driving style.

To see the 2021 Nissan Rogue in action, as well as a detailed review of its interior, features, seating and storage, be sure to check out the video.