2021 Nissan Rogue Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

in Car Comparisons
Red 2021 Nissan Rogue

Source: Flickr

The Nissan Rogue, a compact SUV, stands out in its class for several compelling reasons, leading to its popularity. Those who value fuel efficiency and performance will appreciate the Rogue’s spacious, comfortable interior, modern technology, and high-quality materials. Its reliable performance and attractive pricing make it a practical and versatile choice for families and individuals.

If you’re interested in a compact SUV that offers a little bit of everything, the 2021 Nissan Rogue is worth checking out. However, like all vehicles, the Rogue has advantages and disadvantages. So today, we will discuss the 2021 Nissan Rogue pros and cons to help you determine if it fits your needs. Let’s take a look.

What We Love: 2021 Nissan Rogue Pros

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offers a multitude of features and great qualities to admire, such as:

Sharp New Styling

The 2021 Rogue is a solid option if you’re in the market for a design refresh. The 2021 Nissan Rogue has undergone a redesign that gives it a modernized look. Its exterior now offers a refreshed appearance with the option of a two-tone color. The vehicle’s lighting system has also been upgraded, featuring tiered LEDs for various beams and distinctively styled LED taillights, which add a subtle flair to its overall design. It’s undoubtedly one of the few standouts in the compact crossover segment in terms of exterior design.

More Refined Engine

The refinement of the engine in the 2021 Nissan Rogue is a substantial improvement. It now comes with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which provides a subtle yet noticeable boost in performance. The new engine produces 181 horsepower, an increase of 11 hp from its predecessor, and the torque has risen by 6 lb-ft to 181 lb-ft. These improvements result in a smoother and more responsive driving experience while striking a balance between increased performance, efficiency, and reliability.


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Posh Interior

If a classy interior is high on your list, the 2021 Nissan Rogue is a great option. As such, the 2021 Nissan Rogue’s interior quality is noteworthy, especially in its higher trims. The higher trims come with upgraded materials such as semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, offering a luxurious feel and appearance compared to standard cloth or basic leather. Additionally, higher trims offer more good stuff that enhances comfort and convenience, such as advanced climate control systems, additional power adjustments for seats, and perhaps more refined noise insulation.

Responsive All-Wheel Drive

The 2021 Nissan Rogue’s All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is a practical feature that benefits drivers who encounter varied driving conditions. It provides better traction and stability, especially when navigating slippery roads or uneven terrain. Moreover, integrating the AWD system with the Vehicle Motion Control system is a noteworthy addition, making for smoother handling and cornering. Additionally, the Rogue’s AWD system includes specific drive modes such as Off-Road and Snow, ensuring you can easily tackle a wide range of challenging roads.

Decent Fuel Economy

This SUV shines when it comes to saving you bucks at the pump. The EPA has given it some solid ratings for fuel efficiency (30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway). This means you get more miles out of every gallon, which is fantastic both for your wallet and the environment. The Rogue strikes a sweet spot between being a peppy ride and a fuel-sipper, a combo that can be challenging to find, especially in SUVs. If you love road trips but don’t want to break the bank on fuel, the Rogue could be your new best friend on the road.

Improved ProPilot Assist

The 2021 Nissan Rogue is equipped with ProPilot Assist technology, enhanced with the Navi-Link feature. It can hold the car in traffic for up to 30 seconds instead of the previous three seconds before the driver needs to take over. This improvement is based on valuable feedback from real-world tests and customers, making the driving experience in stop-and-go traffic much more comfortable.

Moreover, the integration of ProPilot Assist with the car’s navigation system allows the Rogue to adjust its speed automatically for upcoming road conditions, such as curves or off-ramps. However, these benefits are best used with the vehicle’s built-in navigation system.


HOW LONG DO NISSAN ROGUES LAST?

If the idea is to buy a used vehicle that lasts as long as possible, it makes sense to learn how long Nissan Rogues last. But there isn’t a one-size-fits-all number.


What We Don’t Love: 2021 Nissan Rogue Cons

On the flip side of this 2021 Nissan Rogue pros and cons, here are the qualities we didn’t enjoy:

Lackluster Engine

The 2021 Rogue has faced criticism for its engine performance. Although the SUV has shown improvement in other aspects, its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has been criticized for its lackluster power delivery. Critics have noted that the engine fails to deliver power promptly and trickles out slowly rather than surging forward as expected. Furthermore, some have commented that the updated CVT’s tuning caters more to a mainstream audience, which can sometimes make the engine feel rough and noisy.

Electrical System Issues

The Rogue has encountered some electrical issues, as reported by owners. These problems range from malfunctioning screens and HVAC systems to issues with safety features like blind spot warnings and rear cameras. There have been instances of the vehicle unexpectedly braking or failing to respond to the accelerator. Additionally, some owners have reported challenges with the electrical control module, leading to situations where the car decelerates suddenly or loses power while driving. If you’re not too keen on dealing with these electrical issues, the 2021 Rogue might not be for you.

No Hybrid

The lack of a hybrid model in the 2021 Nissan Rogue is a significant omission, particularly in today’s world, where fuel efficiency and environmental consciousness are increasingly important. Competitors in the compact SUV market offer hybrid variants, which makes it a missed opportunity for Nissan that they don’t have a hybrid variant for its flagship SUV.

2021 Nissan Rogue Pros and Cons: Is This Compact SUV for You?

There you have it, the 2021 Nissan Rogue pros and cons. The 2021 Nissan Rogue impresses with its upscale interior and advanced safety features, but its engine performance and lack of a hybrid model may disappoint. While it’s excellent for comfort and safety, those seeking dynamic driving or eco-friendly options might find it lacking—a balanced choice, but not for everyone.


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