Nissan could also be hemorrhaging cash, however you would not comprehend it from sitting inside the brand new 2021 Rogue. Nissan spent the cash to put upscale supplies within the spots the place they matter most, leaving a remarkably good inside. As in any mass-market car, there are some clear cost-cutting measures, however who cares if the decrease door panels are onerous plastic if the instrument panel seems nice, the turn-signal stalks transfer with precision, and the textured end on the window switches is agreeable to the contact?
These kinds of particulars stand out within the compact-crossover phase the place all the important thing gamers are basically the identical dimension, the identical value, and provide the identical options. And admittedly, we would not have blamed Nissan if it had punted on the third technology of its compact SUV, on condition that the outgoing Rogue offered in big numbers regardless of being about as compelling as a plastic storage container from Walmart.
Though it will not succeed on its reworked inside alone, the brand new Rogue is much better geared up to compete with the Honda CR-Vs and Toyota RAV4s of the world. We imply that actually, as our Rogue Platinum check automotive had options unusual for this phase together with wi-fi Apple CarPlay, a separate climate-control temperature zone for rear passengers, and rear-window sunshades. We might be much more impressed if the absolutely loaded mannequin have been a number of thousand {dollars} lower than our check automotive’s $38,660 sticker value.
When you will pay additional for a elaborate tools Rogue, no sum of money will change the tools underneath the hood. The Rogue’s sole engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It offers competitive-enough numbers towards different base-engine crossovers, hitting 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and averaging 32 mpg in our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy check. It is also 1.2 seconds faster to 60 mph than the outdated Rogue, a noticeable enchancment. However with many opponents providing an influence improve and the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape sprouting each hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variants, the Rogue’s roster is trying slightly skinny.
The most effective praise we will pay the Rogue and its constantly variable computerized transmission (CVT) is that it stays out of the way in which. The engine is quiet and well-isolated from the cabin, so even when it hangs on and drones at elevated rpm it is not too irksome. In Sport mode, the CVT even does an honest impersonation of a step-gear transmission.
Conquering twisty roads is just not the Rogue’s forte, however there aren’t actually any compact crossovers that get the heart beat racing. This one a minimum of handles higher than the category norms dictate, with good physique management and direct steering. Our outcomes on the check observe have been on par with the CR-V and RAV4, with a 0.84-g skidpad end result and 169-foot braking distance from 70 mph.
The truth that the brand new Rogue measures as much as its chief rivals on paper is a win for Nissan, because the outdated mannequin was considerably slower, worse to drive, and fewer refined than just about each different compact crossover on sale. Closing the dynamic hole is vital, however it’s the brand new inside high quality and obtainable options that may seemingly assist the brand new Rogue win gross sales. It would not harm that the Rogue’s outward look displays the enhancements inside, with a leaner, extra athletic form and enticing lighting components that make its predecessor look dowdy and dated. Whereas the outdated Rogue was a compact crossover you accept at a rental counter, the brand new mannequin is one you may really need to purchase.
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