2021 NISSAN ROGUE SUV CROSSOVER
2021 NISSAN ROGUE SUV CROSSOVER
Posted on July 15, 2020
Originally launched in the marketplace in 2008, the Nissan Rogue is a critically important vehicle for the automaker. It’s the firm’s best-selling product both in Canada and the US and the new 2021 model, the third generation variant is expected to follow suit. The compact crossover segment in which the Rogue competes is the hottest of all and is packed with very worthy rivals.
Interestingly, the Rogue is among five Nissans that will be either new of extensively redesigned for 2021 – Altima, Versa, Sentra and Titan. The new Rogue is upgraded in every possible way, including platform, powertrain, safety technology, connectivity and convenience features. By any standard, it is totally new. The Rogue is built at a Nissan plant in Tennessee and there are three trim levels – S, SV and Platinum.
The new Rogue is powered by a 2.5-litre twin-cam 4-cylinder engine using Nissan’s Direct Injection Gasoline system. Horsepower is rated at an impressive 181, up 11 hp from the last model. Torque is also hiked – to 181 lb-ft. Also new is a rack electric steering system that helps minimize steering corrections. The vehicle uses 4-wheel disc brakes plus anti-lock. There’s also a vehicle dynamic control system providing four-wheel individual control and enhancing cornering performance.
Four-wheel drive versions of the Rogue boast five drive modes aimed at assisting the driver in all kinds of situations. These include off-road, snow, standard, eco and sport. Most of the time, the Rogue runs in front-wheel drive, as do just about all vehicles in the class, but AWD is speedily available when needed.
The Rogue is a surprisingly roomy vehicle for its class and in fact, is only marginally smaller than the luxurious Nissan Murano, which is a grade bigger. The cabin is spacious and very well fitted out even at the entry level and the rear load area is huge, especially with the rear seatbacks folded down. At the Platinum level, the Rogue is close to the luxury class and costs a good deal less.
With its new styling, updated drivetrain and added passenger comfort and amenities, there’s no reason the Rogue shouldn’t to continue with its best-seller role. For many families, it’s everything they could wish for, plus it’s very safe and fun to drive. There’s really not much for Nissan to worry about with this one.
SPECS AT A GLANCE...
BODY STYLE: Four-door compact crossover
ENGINE: 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder
TRANSMISSION: Continuously variable (CVT)
TOWING CAPACITY: 1350 lbs.
FUEL ECONOMY: Not yet available
PRICE: Not announced, but current range starts at $27,498
