2021 Nissan Rogue: What Are The Critics Saying After Their First Drives?
October 08 2020, Centennial Nissan
Over 200,000 Nissan Rogues have been sold across Canada over the last five years.
It's a hit.
So what has Nissan done to follow up a hit for the third-generation 2021 Rogue? They've gone above and beyond to maintain all of the Rogues top qualities while making it more capable, more family friendly, more enjoyable to drive, safer, and more fully featured.
Many automotive journalists have already had the opportunity to live with the new Rogue, so we did our research to find out what the harshest critics think about the new Rogue, which is set to arrive in Centennial Nissan showrooms over the next few weeks.
"It successfully manages to look both premium and rugged at the same time. Available features like tri-zone climate control and the Divide N Hide cargo system aim to separate it from mainstays like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, but it's likely its expansive array of standard driver assistance technologies that are bound to make the biggest difference."
"Closing the dynamic gap is important, but it's the new interior quality and available features that will likely help the new Rogue win sales."
"I started the engine and turned the rotary drive-mode knob to Sport. A massive windshield provides outstanding visibility and gives front passengers the illusion of a higher seating position. Charging toward the serene Ojai Valley, the Rogue found its footing on a two-lane road, where it was eager to show me why the 2021 model is a whole lot better than the one it replaces. It responded precisely to my inputs, the two-tone Rogue Platinum in Champagne Silver/Super Black handling the dizzying curves as if it had been down this road before."
"Those with small children will also appreciate the 5-point LATCH in the rear seats and a nearly 90-degree rear-door opening. The way the door opens makes it much easier to get an infant car seat or toddler our of the back seat. That extra space surprised me when I was able to sit behind myself in the Rogue even though I am six-foot-five."
"The outgoing Nissan Rogue was one of the roomiest vehicles in its segment. That doesn't change for the latest iteration; spacious front and rear seats ensure plenty of comfort on long drives. A big, squared-off cargo area featuring a two-piece reconfigurable floor adds flexibility and even lets you create a box to hide your belongings. Nissan also added clever storage spots for purses and mobile devices, so no need to stuff phones into cupholders or strap small bags into the front seats. Other neat touches are the rear passenger doors that open nearly 90 degrees, allowing for easy passenger entry and extra versatility when you're hauling bulky items."
"This is the Rogue’s first redesign since the 2014 model year. It's essentially the same size as the outgoing model, but the fresh design, with its solid stance and tasteful accents, signals a move upscale."
"When I put the lane departure to the test on the freeway, it gently braked and steered the Rogue back into its lane every time. I really appreciated the subtle nature of the Rogue’s corrective driver features: You aren’t hit with a buzz and a klaxon going off every few minutes, but you aren’t going to be lulled into a false sense of security."
"A new, stiffer frame gives the Rogue a solid on-road demeanor, and the suspension is nicely tuned to soak up the sort of rough pavement and occasional pothole you'll experience in everyday driving."
"Nissan is touting the Rogue as a family vehicle, and the storage areas and standard safety features affirm it. The rear doors open nearly 90 degrees that make for plenty of space to load bags, dogs, or even three child safety seats, according to Nissan."