Nissan unveiled its redesigned-for-2021 Rogue a little over a month ago, and the new generation of this popular compact SUV (the best-selling vehicle in Nissan’s lineup) is slated to begin arriving in dealerships this fall. Though no journalists have driven the new Rogue just yet, Nissan recently brought a pre-production Platinum model to Consumer Guide headquarters for us to check out.
Since this Rogue was a not-quite-ready-for-prime-time prototype, we couldn’t drive it—not even around the parking lot—but we had ample opportunity to climb through it and poke around… and we liked what we saw. In addition to its new technology features, the 2021 Rogue is full of thoughtful design touches and clever everyday-use features. Check out our pics below, and stay tuned… our first test drive of the new Rogue should take place in the near future.
The top-line Platinum trim level is a new addition to the Rogue lineup for 2021, and Nissan has indeed stepped up its game on the interior materials here. The quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery looks and feels great, and the clean accent stitching and woodgrain trim are classy details.
The new Rogue has an unconventional “push-pull” gear selector with a button on top to engage Park. The center console also houses the drive-mode selector dial, electronic parking brake switch, dual cup holders, and a wireless charging pad (standard on Platinum models). There’s also a handy open purse-shelf area below.
The Rogue’s tall body build gives it excellent headroom, even for tall occupants, and the panoramic sunroof (standard on SL and Platinum models) gives the cabin an airy feel.
The center console bin cover is now a center-split “butterfly door” layout instead of the previous rear-hinged lid. Nissan says the new arrangement makes for easier “pass-back” access to the second row.
The Rogue’s rear seat is roomy, and wide enough for comfortable three-abreast seating for kids and smaller adults. The rear of the center console houses HVAC vents, buttons for the heated outboard seats, and USB and USB-c charging ports.
In addition to a spacious back-seat area, the Rogue’s rear doors are generously sized, and they open to almost 90 degrees. This makes entry and exit a breeze, and also makes it easier to get the little ones in and out of their car seats. Pull-up sunshades in the rear doors are another nice touch.
Despite exterior dimensions that are virtually unchanged from the previous-generation model, the 2021 Rogue’s maximum cargo volume grows by 4.1 cubic feet over its predecessor—to 74.1 cubic feet in total.
The Rogue’s clever Divide-n-Hide cargo panels continue on the new model. The depression on the right side of the cargo area is sized to hold a gallon of milk.
