{"id":3337,"date":"2020-07-14T20:21:04","date_gmt":"2020-07-15T00:21:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/?p=3337"},"modified":"2025-03-07T09:28:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T14:28:14","slug":"nissan-gives-its-best-selling-rogue-a-ground-up-redesign-for-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/nissan-gives-its-best-selling-rogue-a-ground-up-redesign-for-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Nissan gives its best-selling Rogue a ground-up redesign for 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"2021
Nissan has given its redesigned Rogue a more rugged new look for 2021, and we like what we see.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Rogue is without doubt Nissan\u2019s most important vehicle, selling in greater numbers than any other in its lineup.<\/p>\n

Last year the Japanese brand\u2019s compact SUV found 37,530 Canadian buyers, compared to 18,526 for the subcompact Qashqai<\/a> crossover, 16,086 for the even smaller city car-sized subcompact Kicks<\/a> crossover, 12,000 for the mid-size Murano<\/a> crossover, 7,719 for the compact Sentra<\/a> sedan, 6,361 for the now discontinued Micra<\/a> city car, 5,704 for the mid-size three-row Pathfinder<\/a> SUV, 3,723 for the mid-size Frontier<\/a> pickup truck, 3,342 for the mid-size Altima<\/a> sedan, 2,881 for the compact Leaf<\/a> EV, 2,807 for the full-size Titan<\/a> pickup truck (both half-ton<\/a> and 3\/4-ton<\/a> versions), 2,369 for the now defunct subcompact Versa Note<\/a> hatchback, 1,783 for the NV200<\/a> compact commercial van, 971 for the full-size Maxima<\/a> flagship sedan, 807 for the NV<\/a> full-size commercial van (both cargo<\/a> and passenger<\/a> versions), 593 for the full-size (and real flagship) Armada<\/a> SUV, 500 for the iconic 370Z<\/a> sports car, and finally 53 for the nearly unbeatable GT-R<\/a> super-coupe.<\/p>\n

\"2021
The new Rogue isn’t as boxy as Toyota’s RAV4, but it’s certainly more masculine looking than its predecessor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Interestingly, the only Nissan model to lead its segment in deliveries was the Micra<\/a> (RIP), with some displaying woefully poor performance on the sales charts compared to their competitors, the Sentra<\/a>, Altima<\/a>, Pathfinder<\/a>, Frontier<\/a>, Titan<\/a> and full-size NV<\/a> van particularly, while doing well yet not at the very top of their respective categories are the Leaf<\/a>, Kicks<\/a>, Qashqai<\/a> and, yes, you guessed it, the Rogue<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Nissan desperately needs a hit, and while the Rogue won\u2019t likely race past the RAV4<\/a>\u2019s comparatively (to everything else) interstellar numbers last year, selling 65,248 units to Honda\u2019s 55,859 CR-V<\/a>s, it could rise to third by overtaking the Ford Escape\u2019s 39,504 deliveries once calendar year 2021 is in the rearview mirror. Of course, 2020 will either be a negative blip on the sales chart radar or the beginning of a downturn, but either way there will be winners and losers throughout this year and in the years that follow, and all the changes made to the new 2021 Rogue appear to be putting it on the right side of the balance sheet.<\/p>\n

\"2021
A bolder, squarer V-motion grille is the Rogue’s standout feature.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Like it or not, rugged, blocky styling is in for modern SUVs, and soft, smooth curves are out. All we need to do is look at the aforementioned RAV4<\/a> to appreciate how true this appears to be. Fortunately for Nissan, the 2021 Rogue is gone all brazen, with a tougher look that should be very appealing in its small SUV segment.<\/p>\n

We shouldn\u2019t go so far as to call it aggressive, but the new Rogue definitely comes across as more assertive than the outgoing model. It gets a bolder version of Nissan\u2019s squared off V-motion grille at the front and new black D pillars at the rear, the latter coming close to the \u201cfloating roof\u201d concept initiated by the previously noted Maxima<\/a> and Murano<\/a>. This looks even better when opting for new two-tone exterior colour combinations that allow for a fully black roof. Tough looking lower body cladding muscles up its look further, enhanced by new \u201cU-shape\u201d bodyside panels, while the sharp looking LED tail lamps don\u2019t deviate quite as much from those on the old model as the entirely new multi-level LED head lamps.<\/p>\n

\"2021
Partially blackened rear pillars form a floating roof effect when the optional black roof is added.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In an automotive world that almost always grows outwardly it\u2019s refreshing to learn that this new Rogue actually arrives shorter by 1.5 inches than its predecessor, while it also slices 0.2 inches from road to rooftop. This won\u2019t likely be noticeable inside, but the subtle dimensional shrinkage contributes to the updated SUV\u2019s more upright look without causing it appear too chunky.<\/p>\n

While Nissan hasn\u2019t announced a specific off-road trim for its new 2021 Rogue, the RAV4<\/a> being the only small SUV to do so with its near-4×4-capable 2019-2020 Trail version and the even more robust TRD Off Road Package now available for the 2020 model year, it\u2019s unfair to claim the new Rogue\u2019s rugged image is only surface deep.<\/p>\n

\"2021
Nice detailing within the LED taillights looks sharp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With trims featuring the brand\u2019s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, a centre console-mounted Drive Mode Selector boasts an \u201cOff-road\u201d setting for overcoming more challenging terrain. Don\u2019t expect it to keep up with the old Xterra or current Armada<\/a>, but be confident it will be able to make its way over protruding rocks and other moderately sized obstacles emanating from the gravel on the way to the family cabin. Nissan also provides a \u201cSnow\u201d mode that does similarly for slippery road\/trail surfaces, while the Drive Mode Selector also features Standard, Eco and Sport settings for normal conditions, these last three being the only settings offered with front-wheel drive models.<\/p>\n

Benefiting traction yet more, new Rogue AWD models feature a Vehicle Motion Control System that Senior Vice President of Research and Development at the Nissan Technical Centre North America Chris Reed claims will do \u201cwhat a human can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe all-new Vehicle Motion Control predicts what the driver is trying to do by monitoring steering, acceleration and braking,\u201d says Reed. \u201cIt can then step in and help to smooth things out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"2021
The new Rogue provides a more upscale experience than its predecessor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a nutshell, Vehicle Motion Control (VMC) combines with the new Rogue\u2019s all-wheel drive system and its Drive Mode Selector to provide four-wheel control individually, enhancing line traceability so as to smooth out curves via the braking system\u2019s ABS. It can even apply a single brake pad in order to do so. VMC, that incorporates a chassis control module that continuously \u201cmonitors and adjusts engine, transmission, Vehicle Dynamic Control, all-wheel drive and steering functions,\u201d is particularly useful when \u201cdriving on snowy slopes, deep snow, snow flat turning and off-road driving (such as beach or dirt trails),\u201d confirmed a press release.<\/p>\n

The Rogue\u2019s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system now features an electro-hydraulic controlled clutch that disseminates torque more quickly and more precisely due to its ability to predict front-wheel slippage. This improves rear torque distribution as well as greater traction and responsiveness.<\/p>\n

\"2021
A fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster is available.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Responsiveness in mind, a new faster-ratio rack electric power steering design is said to speed up turn-in, while a rigid six-position front suspension mounting and reworked multi-link rear suspension should go further to benefit handling.<\/p>\n

Better road-holding matters because the new 2021 Rogue receives 11 additional horsepower and 6 more lb-ft of torque via a revised direct-injection 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. This results in 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, with much of the gains coming from a mirror bore coating technique that reduces friction for better efficiency, as well as a new variable displacement oil pump, plus an integrated exhaust manifold, and finally an e-VTC intake valve.<\/p>\n

\"2021
This is the top-line 9.0-inch infotainment display atop the new tri-zone auto HVAC interface.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nissan has long been a technology leader under the hood and within the chassis, not to mention in advanced driver assistive systems (ADAS), the new model carrying forward with its innovative Rear Door Alert system that warns the driver when something or someone may have been left in the rear seating area, while also adding new Intelligent Driver Alertness to monitor steering patterns and recommend a break when detecting drowsiness, plus Easy Fill Tire Alert to maintain ideal tire pressure.<\/p>\n

Continuing on the ADAS theme, Nissan\u2019s Safety Shield 360 is a suite of essential systems featuring Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist, while Rear Intelligent Emergency Braking is now standard too, this technology automatically stopping the Rogue before backing into an obstacle or worse, into a child or traffic.<\/p>\n

\"2021
Of course, wireless device charging is available.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Intervention and Intelligent Cruise Control with improved stop-and-go are available with the new Rogue as well, the latter feature coming as part as an upgraded ProPilot Assist hands-on-wheel partial self-driving system. The new Rogue\u2019s safety kit is improved further with 10 standard airbags instead of just six, plus extended crumple zones to protect occupants during impact. Yet more extras include new four-door Intelligent Key that lets driver and passengers open all four doors, this being part of the updated SUV\u2019s \u201cFamily Hub\u201d group of features that also adds tri-zone auto climate control.<\/p>\n

Now that we\u2019re inside focused on the centre stack, the standard 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display (already sizeable for the segment) is optionally 1.0-inch larger, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard no matter which trim is chosen, with Google Maps and Waze featuring voice recognition also available.<\/p>\n

\"2021
The stubby little electronic shifter allows for storage space below.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even more advanced, the new Rogue sports a customizable 12.3-inch \u201cDigital Dashboard\u201d instrument cluster ahead of the driver, which totally replaces the more conventional instruments with a crisp, colourful high-definition TFT display, although take note that the base model still incorporates a 7.0-inch multi-information display between its dials, which not only is 2.0 inch bigger than the outgoing model\u2019s base cluster, but is fully customizable too. What\u2019s more, a massive 10.8-inch head-up display can be projected onto the windshield so all critical info is as easy as possible to see without taking one\u2019s eyes from the road.<\/p>\n

All of this impressive gear is housed in an interior that looks much nicer than its predecessor and most rivals, with plenty of premium-level pliable surfaces as well as nicer available Prima-Tex leatherette and quilted semi-aniline leather upholsteries, in no-cost optional Graphite, Grey or Tan. Better wood grains and metallic trims add to the upscale ambiance, while supporting driver and front passenger is a set of NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats that feature standard front heaters.<\/p>\n

\"2021
NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats are designed to be amongst the most comfortable in the compact SUV class.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The steering wheel is also heated in base trim, while rear outboard seat warmers are available, as is two-position driver-side memory. A surround parking camera system dubbed Intelligent Around View Monitor is also available, this useful feature combined with the previously noted rear driver assistance systems.<\/p>\n

Also notable, Nissan\u2019s adoption of a fully electronic transmission allows for a smaller, shorter and generally smarter electronic shift lever, while thanks to this there is plenty of space for stowing personal items below the \u201cfloating\u201d centre console.<\/p>\n

\"2021
No shortage of premium-level options in the new Rogue.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Storage in mind, Nissan still hasn\u2019t given the Rogue a rear centre pass-through or 40\/20\/40 split-folding rear seats despite some competitors anteing up with this much more convenient option. This allows users to stow longer items, such as skis, down the centre while rear passengers benefit from the more comfortable, optionally heatable rear window positions, but this said Nissan has provided one-touch automated folding with \u201can available remote fold feature\u201d for added convenience. The Rogue\u2019s innovative Divide-n-Hide cargo system is also available once again, as is a powered opening\/closing and Motion Activated Liftgate that allows access merely by kicking one\u2019s foot under the rear bumper.<\/p>\n

The 2021 Rogue is once again available in three trims, starting with the base S that\u2019s followed by SV and Platinum models. Deliveries will begin this fall, with pricing expected closer to the model\u2019s launch.<\/p>\n

\"2021
Cargo capacity has always been a Rogue strongpoint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As intriguing as the new 2021 Rogue might appear, some would rather benefit from the steep discounts currently being offered by Nissan Canada and its dealer organization. In fact, a quick check of our 2020 Nissan Rogue Canada Prices page<\/a> showed up to $5,000 in additional incentives at the time of writing, which is a staggering savings for an SUV in this price class. To learn about all the available manufacturer rebates, financing and leasing opportunities, and dealer invoice pricing that could save you thousands on any new model, find out how a CarCostCanada membership will put money back in your wallet<\/a>, and while you\u2019re at it make sure to download our free mobile app<\/a> from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.<\/p>\n

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann<\/p>\n

Photo credits: Nissan<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Rogue is without doubt Nissan\u2019s most important vehicle, selling in greater numbers than any other in its lineup. Last year the Japanese brand\u2019s compact SUV found 37,530 Canadian buyers, compared to 18,526 for the subcompact Qashqai crossover, 16,086 for the even smaller city car-sized subcompact Kicks crossover, 12,000 for the mid-size Murano crossover, 7,719 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3339,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[350,59,136,138,576,305,97,306,132,62,137,308,181],"class_list":["post-3337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carcostcanada","tag-350","tag-compact","tag-crossover","tag-cuv","tag-digital","tag-new","tag-nissan","tag-redesign","tag-rogue","tag-sport","tag-suv","tag-update","tag-utility"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3337"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3337\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3367,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3337\/revisions\/3367"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}