Nissan Rogue is one of the best-selling cars in the US. It is at the top of the charts in the compact crossover segment. However, the Toyota Rav4 is not far away from sales in 2019. By launching the new generation next season, the 2021 Nissan Rogue will increase demand and probably reach 500k sales per annum. First spy photos of the crossover are here and the company is unveiling pieces of information about its new product.
One thing is sure – the 2021 Nissan Rogue will get a new look. According to spy photos, the crossover might be bigger. It will make some space for the all-new Rogue Sport model to fit between its bigger sibling with a similar name and Nissan Kicks, which replaced Juke.
Nissan is pretty active in the SUV market. The Rogue is not the only vehicle by this company to receive the facelift. However, the changes in the compact class are happening more often. Also, the sales are increased compared to the previous years. So, there is no wonder why the Japanese carmaker is redesigning its small SUV.
What’s more, the modern needs will push Nissan to consider a hybrid and all-electric variants. The main rival, Toyota Rav4, returns 40 mpg from its hybrid drivetrain. Honda is also bringing the CR-V with a similar mileage very soon and the new Ford Escape is also on the way. Some reports say the next-gen rogue might get an all-electric version.
2021 Nissan Rogue Spy Shots
Since the company is still quiet about details (they unveiled only the arrival of the 2021 Nissan Rogue), spy photos are our biggest source for mostly all about the crossover. The shape we see is different than for its predecessor. On the other hand, the change is not revolutionary. Designers are probably using the concept we could see as Xmotion in 2018.
The highlight of the new styling is a boxier appearance. We don’t know how it will affect performance. Also, we expect a larger vehicle. Precise dimensions are not available yet, but the bigger rear window tells us we are getting a more generous cargo space. Currently, Rogue offers 70 cubic feet behind the first row and 39 cubic feet with seats up.
See more spy photos at Carscoops
Engine and Specs
Under the hood of the 2021 Nissan Rogue, you will find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Although it has only this option in the past, the crossover managed to achieve great sales numbers. The drivetrain is capable to produce 170 hp and 175 lb-ft, which are average values for the segment. Still, the reliability, durability, and ride quality beat most opponents’ powertrains. Nissan is pairing a four-pot unit with a CVT transmission and the system returns 29 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is optional, and the fuel economy drops by one point. The drivetrain is also not making Rogue capable of towing, with a rating at 1,100 pounds. The class-leading crossover, Jeep Cherokee, will offer 4,500 pounds.
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Turbo and Hybrid Options for 2021 Nissan Rogue
Most of the other compact models in the crossover SUV class are offering a turbocharged option. This is not the case with Rogue. But, the next-gen model will probably change it, especially with the growing competition. The sole petrol unit cannot stand the rivalry from vehicles offering hybrid, turbo, and diesel powertrains. A turbo unit could bring the Nismo version for the 2021 Nissan Rogue.
The more likely option is to see the Rogue Hybrid. Main rivals have already electrified their crossovers. Toyota Rav4 is already enjoying a fruitful year with increased sales. Honda is going the same way with the CR-V being already presented in Europe. A home-grown Ford Escape is also on the way. So, we expect the move by Nissan. The company is already a leader in this segment and owner of the best-selling electric car of all time, LEAF. So, the Rogue Hybrid shouldn’t be a surprise for enthusiasts and the new generation of the crossover.
What is Nissan Rogue Sport?
Don’t be confused – the Nissan Rogue Sport has nothing to do with the standard crossover. Well, the name is the same, and the Sport version is the smaller vehicle. It remains bigger than the subcompact Kicks. Nissan is expanding the lineup since the demand for crossovers and SUV is raising. A 2.0-liter 140-hp rated engine is powering the new model which joined the lineup recently.
Price
The redesign will force the company to revisit the price and make it go up. Currently, the compact crossover is one of the cheapest in the market, so the slight increase shouldn’t affect its sales. The base price will be just above $26,000 and the SV version will add $2,000. The SL tops the class with a price tag of $35,000. The hybrid version will probably add around $2k.
