2021 Nissan Rogue

header-image
Rating6.9

Ranked #10 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$26,050 - $37,230
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Spacious interior

Sluggish acceleration

Fully redesigned for 2021

High fuel economy

Noisy cabin

New chassis

Ample of safety features

Addition of new Platinum trim

Additional hp and torque on 2.5L inline-4

Specs & Features

$27,450

price

201 hp @ 5600 rpm

horsepower

225 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable Transmission

transmission

2.5L 4cyl AWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Rogue is the best-selling vehicle from Nissan in the US market. Therefore, it is obvious that Nissan is going to take extra care to keep it competitive. Rogue received its full design for 2021 and started the third generation. With its sleek exterior look, plush cabin, and high level of safety, Rogue leaves hardly any palace for criticism. With the slight power pump, Rogue also performs much better than the previous year’s model.

Buying Advice

Our pick for you is the second level SV trim which is not only easy on your pockets but adds a plethora of features including 18-inch wheels, power driver seat, leatherette upholstery, and nearly all the safety features offered on the Rogue trim range plus ProPILOT Assist which includes intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist. That said, as there is only one engine option available on the entire trim range, the performance of the SV trim won’t be any different from the rest.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

There are a total of four trims offered on the Nissan Rogue where the Platinum trim has been added as a new top-tier trim in the lineup. The base price of the 2021 Rogue starts with $25,650 and it stretches up to $38,890 for the topmost trim. The 2.5L engine is the only engine available on the entire trim range that is married to a CVT and punches out 181 hp. The 2021 Nissan Rogue has a cut-throat competition with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5.

Features
9.0/10

There are a total of four trims available on the 2021 Rogue lineup where the Platinum trim has been added as the topmost trim. The base ‘S’ trim has a starting price of $25,850 while the topmost Platinum trim can cost about $35,630. No matter which trims you pick, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine is shared by all of them which gushes out 181 hp. Every trim has the FWD as the standard but with an extra $1400, you can enjoy the AWD as well.

The Nissan Rogue S is the base trim and is loaded with all the necessary features and tech while as you climb the trim ladder, the level of luxury and convenience will increase as well. The list of standard features is huge as it includes cloth seats, 60/40-split folding rear seat, manual, Tilt and telescoping steering column, LED headlights, 17-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels, remote keyless entry and Push Button starts, Rear spoiler, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, blind-spot monitoring, and cruise control.

Model

2021 Nissan Rogue S

2021 Nissan Rogue SV

2021 Nissan Rogue SL

2021 Nissan Rogue Platinum

MSRP(FWD)

$25,850

$27,540

$32,200

$35,630

MSRP (AWD)

$27,250

$28,940

$33,600

$37,030

Features

2.5Liter inline-4

Adds or upgrades to ‘S’

Adds or upgrades to ‘SV’

Adds or upgrades to ‘SL’

 

17-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels

18-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels

19-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels

Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof

 

LED taillights

Power liftgate

Motion Activated Liftgate

UV-reducing solar glass

 

Air conditioning

Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control

Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control

Quilted Semi-Aniline leather upholstery

 

Rear Door Alert

Nissan Intelligent Key

Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror

Heated steering wheel

 

Cloth upholstery

Synthetic leather upholstery

Leather upholstery

Head-Up Display

 

8-inch touch-screen display

SiriusXM

9-inch touch-screen display 

Wireless charging 

 

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Wi-Fi Hotspot 

Apple CarPlay

Traffic Sign Recognition

 

Cruise control

Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention

Front and Rear Sonar System

 

Forward Collision Warning

Around View Monitor

ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link

 

Lane Departure Warning

ProPILOT Assist

Base S and Platinum trim don’t get any optional packages but the same can’t be said for the other two trims. The SV trim Premium package comes at $2,660 that adds features like a Power liftgate, Heated front seats and steering wheel, and Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof. The SL trim Premium Package cost about $1,320 and includes ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, 9-inch touch-screen display, and Bose premium audio system including dual-driver woofer.

We Recommend:

Our pick for you is the second level SV trim which is not only easy on your pockets but adds a plethora of features including 18-inch wheels, power driver seat, leatherette upholstery, and nearly all the safety features offered on the Rogue trim range plus ProPILOT Assist which includes intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist. That said, as there is only one engine option available on the entire trim range, the performance of the SV trim won’t be any different from the rest.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

Despite having to pull over 3,000 lbs weight with a 2.4L engine, Rogue still manages to impress with its high fuel efficiency. As per the EPA evaluation, the Nissan Rogue with FWD gives a fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. However, when you equip the AWD, there is a slight decrease in the fuel economy. It offers a fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined when AWD is chosen.

Model

2021 Nissan Rogue S

2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport

2021 Toyota RAV4 LE

2021 Honda CR-V LX

MPG (City)

27

25

27

27

MPG (Highway)

35

31

35

32

MPG (Combined)

30

28

30

29

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

14.5

14.8

14.5

14.0

Range (City/Highway/ Combined)

392/508/435

370/459/414

392/508/435

378/448/406

Rogue is the most fuel-efficient with the highest mileage in the bunch but this spot is also shared by the RAV4, as both SUVs have the same fuel economy figures and fuel capacity. That said, with a fuel economy of 27/32/29 mpg in city/highway/combined, CR-V is ahead of CX-5 in terms of fuel efficiency but due to the smaller fuel tank, it offers less mileage on the highway. That said, even though the CX-5 has the thirstiest engine but it has the biggest fuel tank.

Interior
7.0/10

Encompassing all the good aspects which classy interior desires, Nissan Rogue after its redesign is really defining the new standards. From cloth upholstery on base trim to Quilted Semi-Aniline leather on the Platinum trim, Rogue is sensitive towards everyone’s budget and needs. When you enter the cabin, you notice milk chocolate-colored trim on the top section of the door panel, the armrest has soft-touch material with contrast stitching, the dash is covered in soft material, and has a silver trim which is arranged in the shape of a hockey stick. One thing which disappointed us was the small door pockets. However, if you are worried about space, Rogue has the center bridge between front seats which has the wood type of trim on it and beneath you can store more than a dozen choco-fills. 

You have only a charcoal black interior on base trim but as you go up in trim level, grey and tan interior are also available. The zero-gravity front seats are comfortable and give nice back support. The driver seat comes with the 6-way manual adjustment as standard but 8-way power adjustment and 2-way power lumbar support is also available. The passenger seat has adjustment in 4-ways manually and 4-way power as optional. The rear seats can fold down in a 40/60 pattern which increases the cargo space from 36.8 cu-ft to 72 cu-ft. Some standard features offered on the base trim are manual air conditioning, rear door alerts, keyless entry, and push-button ignition, manual tilt and telescopic steering column, two 12-volt power outlets, day-night rearview mirror, four cup holders, Four cargo tie-down hooks, and rear privacy glass.

Model

2021 Nissan Rogue S

2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport

2021 Toyota RAV4 LE

2021 Honda CR-V LX

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/ Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

41.4/57.1/41.5

39.7/57.1/41.0

39.5/57.8/41.0

40.1/57.9/41.3

Rear (Head/ Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

39.2/55.9/38.5

39.0/54.8/39.6

39.5/56.4/37.8

39.2/55.6/40.4

Cargo Capacity ft3

36.8

30.9

37.6

39.2

In competition, CR-V has the most spacious front and second row while the next in line is the Rogue. The most cramped cabin belongs to the RAV4 which has a passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft while the CR-V, Rogue, and CX-5 have a passenger volume of 105.9, 105.5, and 103.6 cu-ft respectively. Meanwhile, even though RAV4 has the least spacious front and second row, it comes with the second biggest trunk while CR-V has the biggest trunk of all. Rogue does not fall behind and has a cargo capacity that is just 2.4 cu-ft less than the CR-V. Meanwhile, RAV4 has a cargo capacity of 37.6 cu-ft while CX-5 has the worst cargo capacity of all. The standout interior features are:

  • Cloth upholstery
  • Synthetic leather or leather upholstery (optional)
  • Heated front seats (optional)
  • Flat bottom leather-wrapped heated steering wheel (optional)
  • Dual or Tri-zone automatic climate control (optional)
  • One-touch automatic driver side power window 
  • Nissan intelligent key system (optional)
  • Interior accent lighting (optional)
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror (optional)

2021 Nissan Rogue Infotainment System:

The Nissan Rogue is equipped with a NissanConnect infotainment system. The S trim has an 8-inch touch-screen while you can upgrade it to a 9-inch touchscreen on the SL and Platinum trim. The 4-speaker audio system is standard on the base trim whereas the 6-speaker audio system is offered on SV and higher trims get a 10-speaker Bose Premium audio system. Going further, the base trim comes with other standard features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free texting, SiriusXM, Voice Recognition, Speed-sensitive volume control, two USB ports, AUX jack, Bluetooth, and Radio Data System.

The highlights of the infotainment unit include:

  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Four speaker audio system
  • Speed-sensitive volume control
  • 9-inch touch-screen (optional)
  • 10-speaker Bose Premium audio system (optional)
  • Heads up display (optional)
  • Wireless charging (optional)

Exterior
6.0/10

No matter which side you look at the Nissan Rogue, you will find the genius of exterior design everywhere. At the front, you have LED headlights and DRL split in two which adds a futuristic look to the SUV. You also have an air curtain in the front and the signature -motion grille which has just the right amount of chrome. The hood flows down smoothly into the grille. If we look at the side profile, there is flat black on the fender treatment and there is a chrome trim above the windows which on the entire side profile adding a unique charm to the Rogue. 

You have a floating roof design that gives a massive headroom. On the backside, you get a well-crafted tailgate, a low roof spoiler, and LED taillights. Heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators and LED fog lights are optional on the base trim. You also get UV-ray protection solar glass, roof rails, and optional Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof. The 2021Rogue stands on the standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels but 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are also available.

Model

2021 Nissan Rogue S

2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport

2021 Toyota RAV4 LE

2021 Honda CR-V LX

Curb Weight (lbs)

3371

3552

3370

3455

Length (in.)

183.0

179.1

180.9

182.1

Width (in.)

72.4

72.5

73.0

73.0

Height (in.)

66.5

66.2

67.0

66.5

Ground Clearance (in.)

8.2

7.5

8.4

8.2

Wheelbase (in.)

106.5

106.2

105.9

104.7

Just like cakes with more layers makes one drool the more, the same way Rogue with its layers of positive aspects makes it more alluring. Not only is it the lightest in the competition which has a direct effect on the performance but it also has the second-highest ground clearance. The CX-5 has the smallest overall exterior dimensions, is the heaviest, and offers the least ground clearance of all. CR-V comes with the shortest wheelbase which gives a smaller turning radius and agility. That said, RAV4 fits between the Rogue and CX-5, in terms of exterior dimensions. Key features of the exterior are:

  • 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
  • Power liftgate (optional)
  • Motion-activated liftgate (optional)
  • LED taillights 
  • Intelligent automatic LED Headlights
  • Dual-panel panoramic moonroof (optional)

Safety
8.0/10

In the 2021 Rogue Model, Nissan has introduced a new chassis that has 35 percent more ultra high strength steel which is 19 percent more than the outgoing model. This has not only slashed the weight by 90 lbs but also added more rigidity and strength to the chassis. As for the safety ratings, the NHTSA has awarded the 2021 Rogue with an overall 4-star safety rating. However, in IIHS testing, 2021 Rogue not only has the class-leading ‘Good’ and 'Superior' ratings but it has also earned the ‘top safety pick+’ award from the IIHS. Coming to the safety and driving assistance features, there is no shortage of that in the 2019 Rogue. The highlights of the same are given below:

  • Cruise control
  • ProPILOT Assist
  • ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link (optional)
  • Lane Departure alerts
  • Blind Spot Warning
  • Forward collision warning
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 
  • Front and Rear Sonar System (optional)
  • Traffic Sign Recognition (optional)

Competition
6.0/10

2021 Nissan Rogue Vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

Though the handling capabilities of the Mazda CX-5 surpass Rogue, in the rest of the comparisons Rogue holds the upper hand. The Rogue has more interior space, better safety ratings, and better fuel economy than the CX-5. Though there is just a few hundred dollars difference between the price of Rogue and CX-5, they share the same engine. However, Rogue produces 6 hp and 5 lb-ft of torque less than the CX-5.

2021 Nissan Rogue Vs Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 has the highest horsepower-producing engine in the competition but acceleration is not impressive at all. Not only it has a significantly lower passenger volume than Rogue but it also has a higher braking distance than the Rogue. On the other hand, it shares the same economic figure as the Rogue and has slightly better cargo capacity than Rogue.

2021 Nissan Rogue Vs Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is the only rival of Rogue which has an engine with a turbocharger and the toughest contender of the Rogue. On one hand, CR-V displays a class-leading performance and has the biggest trunk in the competition, on the other hand, Rogue tries to pull odds in its favor with better safety ratings and a slightly higher fuel economy. So which one to choose is the dilemma worth pondering upon. 

Final Verdict
7.0/10

With the crowded market of compact crossovers, every SUV is trying to gain the spotlight and Nissan Rogue is certainly someone that sticks out in the crowd. Its smooth driving experience, freshly redesigned interior and exterior, and high safety standards, make it hard for competitors to breathe. However, when it comes to the sportiness, it is not as impressive as you would expect but it has enough punch to take on daily rides without any hassle. That said, even after having most of the boxes checked CR-V still manages to beat the Rogue. Therefore, it’s up to you to decide whether you wanna pick a fresh model which is a good overall package or an old SUV which is leading its classmates with a slightly higher price.

Trims

    S
    $26,050 onwards
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM/Satellite, Radio
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Manual front air conditioning
    SV
    $27,740 onwards
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    SL
    $32,400 onwards
    • 1st and 2nd row Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
    • Driver and front passenger heated-cushion
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Rear air conditioning, with separate controls
    Platinum
    $35,830 onwards
    • NissanConnect Navigation with voice activation
    • Semi-Aniline leather Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$21,020- $29,340

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.03

Horsepower

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$24,885- $36,155

Gasoline

7.26

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

190 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$32,750- $43,600

Gasoline

7.44

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,800- $33,000

Gasoline

6.6

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

203 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,050- $37,230

Gasoline

6.93

201 hp @ 5600 rpm

225 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,495- $31,395

Gasoline

6.14

180 hp @ 6400 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,700- $33,450

Gasoline

7.09

161 hp @ 6200 rpm

150 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,210- $38,975

Gasoline

6.13

180 hp @ 6250 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

-

Read Review

$24,090- $35,250

Gasoline

7.04

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,850- $42,450

Gasoline

7.59

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Nissan Rogue vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.7 sec16.7 sec116 mph
    6.5 sec15.0 sec135 mph
    6.8 sec15.2 sec-
    7 sec--
    7 sec15.3 sec130 mph
    7.8 sec15.6 sec119 mph

    2021 Nissan Rogue vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.
      2021 Kia Niro

      Ranked #1

      53 mpg48 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.630.70/571.20 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/448.8 mi.
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg16.6 gal.431.6/547.8 mi.
      25 mpg31 mpg28 mpg14.8 gal.370/458.8 mi.

      2021 Nissan Rogue vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        183 in.72.4 in.66.5 in.8.2 in.106.5 in.
        188.9 in.74.8 in.66.7 in.6.9 in.110.8 in.
        188.8 in.75.9 in.68.3 in.8 in.112.2 in.
        188.4 in.74.8 in.66.3 in.8.2 in.108.9 in.
        185.1 in.72.4 in.66.3 in.7.9 in.109.8 in.
        183.1 in.72.6 in.65.4 in.7.6 in.107.3 in.

        2021 Nissan Rogue vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          31.6 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.74.1 cu.ft.
          39.2 cu.ft.113.9 cu.ft.73.4 cu.ft.
          31.1 cu.ft.111.9 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.
          37.6 cu.ft.98.9 cu.ft.69.8 cu.ft.
          24.3 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.58.8 cu.ft.
          12 cu.ft.123.9 cu.ft.65.7 cu.ft.

          2021 Nissan Rogue vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            74.1 cu.ft.31.6 cu.ft.74.1 cu.ft.-
            76.1 cu.ft.31.1 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.-
            2021 Kia Niro

            Ranked #3

            -12 cu.ft.54.5 cu.ft.-
            66.3 cu.ft.24.3 cu.ft.58.8 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.39.2 cu.ft.73.4 cu.ft.-
            60.1 cu.ft.30.7 cu.ft.60.1 cu.ft.-

            2021 Nissan Rogue vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1350 lbs.1115 lbs.3371 lbs.
              2021 Kia Niro

              Ranked #1

              2800 lbs.849 lbs.3100 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1488 lbs.3649 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1202 lbs.3305 lbs.
              2000 lbs.-3467 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1034 lbs.3552 lbs.

              2021 Nissan Rogue SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              10

              Recalls

              2

              Investigations

              245

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

              Top Nissan Cars

              2021 Nissan GT-R

              Horsepower : 565 hp @ 6800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 3.4 sec

              #1

              2021 Nissan Titan

              Horsepower : 400 hp @ 5800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 6.9 sec

              #2

              2021 Nissan Titan XD

              Horsepower : 400 hp @ 5800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 7.4 sec

              #3

              2021 Nissan Armada

              Horsepower : 400 hp @ 5800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 16 mpg

              0-60 : 6.2 sec

              #4

              2021 Nissan NV3500

              Horsepower : 375 hp @ 5800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 13 mpg

              0-60 : 9.7 sec

              #5

              2021 Nissan Frontier

              Horsepower : 310 hp @ 6400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.1 sec

              #6

              2021 Nissan Maxima

              Horsepower : 300 hp @ 6400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 24 mpg

              0-60 : 6.3 sec

              #7

              2021 Nissan NV1500

              Horsepower : 261 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 9.9 sec

              #8

              2021 Nissan NV2500

              Horsepower : 261 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 13 mpg

              0-60 : 9.9 sec

              #9

              2021 Nissan Murano

              Horsepower : 260 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 23 mpg

              0-60 : 7.7 sec

              #10

              2021 Nissan Rogue User Reviews

              0.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              Ks

              Kimberly stokes

              2021 Nissan Rogue

              S 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 27, 2024

              My car is awesome on gas, I drive a lot to run arrends and take kids to school far distances.

              Pros - ["Good on gas", "Very roomy"]

              Cons - ["Nothing at all", "Nothing at all"]

              In overall I feel this car is the perfect car for me and my family to use on a regular basis. It's cost efficient and perfect fit for my small family. It is very safe and runs like a dream. The interior is nice and very clean.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review