This Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue’s Biggest Asset—Literally
One trait makes up for our Rogue yearlong test car's lack of performance and infotainment tech.
My time with MT's 2021 Nissan Rogue is coming to a close, and there's just enough to like about the SUV to make it a bittersweet ending. When I hand over the keys, I'll miss the crimson family chariot, even if it's far from perfect. Stay tuned for our final verdict coming soon.
We recently announced our 2023 SUV of the Year winner, and I couldn't help but think of the Rogue. Two years ago, the 2021 Rogue advanced to the finalist round in the competition. But this year, when the Rogue was invited back thanks to its new 201-hp turbocharged I-3 engine, it didn't make the finalist cut. It goes to show how quickly the SUV space has advanced and that the updated Rogue didn't quite move the needle enough, especially in the face of strong competitors like the redesigned Honda CR-V and various electrics. (Nissan still doesn't offer an electrified Rogue, though the Ariya fills that gap somewhat.)
I'm eager to hop into the updated Rogue and try it for myself, but being the used-car proponent I am, I'm not convinced I'd spring for the new model over the 2021 version. Although I could use the new Rogue's extra 20 horsepower and its increased low-end grunt, it still suffers from a laggy CVT automatic. Reaching 60 mph takes the same 8.4 seconds as it did in the previous Rogue. Plus, the interior of my 2021 Rogue doesn't feel outdated, except for the infotainment system, which isn't as crisp and responsive to touch as rival offerings. The updated Rogue's infotainment system still fails to impress.
For me, the Rogue's biggest asset is its generous interior dimensions, which haven't changed from the 2021 model year. The wide cargo opening makes it easy to load luggage for the whole family. In the passenger quarters, the Rogue can comfortably fit two car seats and a small person in the middle seat without too much trouble. Because the rear doors open wide, entry and exit is effortless, as is loading babies into the SUV. Sufficient headroom front and back enhances the spacious feeling. Despite its roomy interior, the Rogue feels decently nimble and is easy to park.