© Motor Trend Staff2021 Nissan Rogue 01
The 2021 Nissan Rogue is a truly substantial upgrade from the last generation, even if the powertrain is still less than impressive. But that's one of the only demerits in an otherwise worthwhile compact SUV that's also Nissan's best-selling vehicle. With four different trim levels and all-wheel drive available on each one, there's a lot to consider. Read on for our trim review as well as our pick for the best trim of the bunch.
2021 Nissan Rogue S Pros and Cons
The Rogue S comes standard with a long list of active safety features, including rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking-something the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 lack. But both the Honda and Toyota offer adaptive cruise control, which is only available on higher-spec Rogue trims. Every Rogue features LED headlights and taillights, as well as an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
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Although the Rogue is technically a crossover, its below-average towing capacity of 1,350 pounds. limits it to pulling a small utility trailer or a boat. But since we found the 181-hp 2.5-liter I-4 to be merely adequate in testing, pulling more weight probably isn't the best idea, anyway. By comparison, the Ford Escape offers a much more robust towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. To be fair, Nissan positions its Rogue primarily as an efficient people hauler; any cargo is likely to live behind the rear seats.
To put stuff on the roof, you'll have to move up the trim ladder.
© MotorTrend Staff2021 Nissan Rogue AWD Platinum 3
2021 Nissan Rogue SV Pros and Cons
More tech and comfort differentiate the 2021 Rogue SV trim. The most prominent of these features is Nissan's semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist, which combines stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist. When activated, the Rogue can plod along in heavy traffic for up to 30 seconds without intervention, but we found the lane-centering to be a bit jerky in its operation.
Inside the cockpit, the SV Trim warms things up by adding a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. When it's time to cool down, there's dual-zone automatic climate control and a power sunroof. It's here you'll also find more convenience in the form of remote start and a power liftgate. 18-inch alloy wheels supplant the 17s found on the S.
At less than $2,000 over the S trim, all of these features alone justify an upgrade, but Nissan also manages to up the safety quotient as well by including a 360-degree camera system-an unusual feature to find below $30,000. If your budget supports it, the SV trim is worth a look.
2021 Nissan Rogue SL Pros and Cons
© Brandon Lim2021-Nissan-Rogue-AWD-Platinum-5.jpg
The SL trim rolls on the same 19-inch alloy wheels as the Platinum trim we tested; the ride is noticeably firmer but not uncomfortably so. Roof rails provide a space for bikes or even more cargo.
More convenience items join the list, including power front seats with memory function, remote-folding rear seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Mirrors are auto-dimming, and both outside mirrors tilt down when you shift to reverse. The power liftgate gains a motion sensor, so you can wave your foot under the bumper to activate it. Nissan even found room to equip the Rogue SL with a front and rear sonar system, which detects objects-not unlike a submarine.
Unlike the small price jump from S to SV, the leap from SV to the SL trim is close to $5,000. But if leather seating is a must, this trim level is the entry point to get it.
2021 Nissan Rogue Platinum Pros and Cons
Nissan channels luxury-car aspirations with the interior of the Rogue Platinum trim. In our test, we found the quilted leather seats and overall material selection to be genuinely impressive. Outboard rear seats are now heated. Also of note is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces the analog gauges, though we would appreciate a more configurable setup. The infotainment touchscreen increases to 9.0 inches, accompanied by wireless CarPlay (Android users must remain tethered). Both camps can take advantage of a wireless charging pad.
On the tech front, the Platinum trim adds traffic sign recognition and GPS linking to the ProPilot system, meaning the vehicle will slow down automatically on exit ramps and curves.
Opting for Platinum requires another $3,000 over SL, or nearly $10,000 over the base S trim. That's serious coin for this crossover, though Nissan has followed through on interior quality and amenities.
Which 2021 Nissan Rogue Model Is Best?
It's entirely possible to get a well-equipped Rogue SV with all-wheel drive under $30,000. At that price, we would have to forgo leather and heated surfaces but would still benefit from the convenience of semi-autonomous assistance. The 18-inch wheels provide a more comfortable ride, making the SV a solid value play. But if you have your sights set higher and want to revel in a swank-looking interior, we'd advise skipping SL and go for the Platinum.
2021 Nissan Rogue Trims:
- S
- SV (MT's pick)
- SL
- Platinum