After its smaller sibling, the 2021 Nissan Rogue is also going to suffer a redesign. The first spy shots appeared recently, and it seems like the nose of the compact crossover SUV is taking the most damage. Rogue is the best-selling model in the class for two straight years. Nissan is not going to wait for this trend to start slowing down. After the redesign, the sales could jump to a half million per annum.
The new Nissan Rogue 2021 will be introduced next year. The company announced the premiere, but they didn’t give any further details. Still, the spy photos are unveiling something. We already know that Rogue is going to be slightly larger. However, it stays a compact model. Nissan recently introduced a smaller version – Rogue Sport. This one is not a kind of trim level, but the independent model. Rogue will be available in S, SV, and SL versions.
Rumors say the new 2021 Nissan Rogue is going to add a new drivetrain to the lineup. Its sibling for the European market, Nissan Qashqai, recently added a 1.3-l turbo-four unit. So, this one could be the choice for the next-gen model. The hybrid version will be updated, possibly with a plug-in system.
What’s New for the 2021 Nissan Rogue?
It is still early to talk about details. Designers have plenty of time to build this vehicle and make it even better. We could peek into the cabin, but the interior is the last thing the company is going to build. Meanwhile, the shape of test mules is unveiling different look and size of the Rogue. The crossover is going to be boxier than before. However, not as boxy as some other well-known cubes.
We will see how these changes are going to affect one of the major downsides – driving mechanics. Still, it is not so bad. Also, we can hear that Rogue is going to share a lot of things with the new Nissan Altima that debuted this year. It gives us some hints about the styling, interior, and features lists.
Engines, Hybrid
The main drivetrain for the compact crossover remains a reliable 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. This unit is producing 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Nissan sticks to the continuously variable transmission and the company doesn’t plan to replace it, even with the new generation of the Rogue coming. Still, there are a few drive modes that will improve performance or save fuel, or offer the best combination if you set it to Normal.
As we can hear, the next-gen 2021 Nissan Rogue is getting an improved hybrid system. Currently, the drivetrain can go on its own, by using electric power only. In the future, this type of drive will get some serious range. Total output will jump to 200 hp by combining a 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor. The fuel economy is the priority here and engineers will try to maintain at least 35 mpg combined.
New Drivetrains for 2021 Nissan Rogue
Another possibility is a new drivetrain. For the 2021 Nissan Rogue, it could be a 2.0-liter turbo version. Could this mean the Rogue is getting the Nismo trim? We will see. With 250 hp and 280 pound-feet, the crossover is going to deliver a serious performer. Altima is also getting power from this engine, and that could be another thing these two vehicles are going to share.
Recently, Nissan Qashqai, the European version of the Rogue, introduced the new drivetrain. It is a 1.3-l petrol unit with the capability to produce 160 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Ever since its appearance, experts are sure this powertrain is going to become the part of Rogue’s lineup. It could be the solution to the major issue we were talking earlier – driving impression. The new engine would improve the entire system with the new suspension and shocks setup. But, will the drivers love these changes?
ProPilot Autonomous Drive Turns into Self-Driving System (Level 4)
Nissan is one of the leaders in self-driving systems. The company can’t match Level 3 of the autonomous drive Tesla is offering. Soon, the Japanese company could launch the next stage of this system. Currently, the ProPilot feature is capable to maintain the speed and distance. A lot of sensors around vehicles can activate brakes if necessary.
Since the difference between Level 3 and 4 is not big, Nissan would skip the lower tier and develop the systems for the more autonomous system. Well, they are not the only carmaker with such plans, with Audi and BMW also announcing similar ideas.
Trim Levels
The new 2021 Nissan Rogue will definitely use the same versions as before. The entry-level model is S, mid-range is SV, and top of the line crossover SL. Nissan could also add Limited or Platinum editions with more options. A 2.0-liter turbo unit is good enough to be the drivetrain of the performance-oriented Nismo model.
Spy photos: caranddriver
