2021 Nissan Rogue Review: Reasonably Dependable Compact SUV With Average Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter
May 15, 2023

The 2021 Nissan Rogue lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor blind spot monitoring and cruise control issues reported. At $25,025 to $35,370, it’s a decent value for a small SUV which offers a more upscale cabin than many competitors.

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likeFilled The Good
Interior materials are very luxurious for a small SUV, the engine is efficient, and there’s plenty of passenger room.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Performance is worse than many other small SUVs, the transmission is loud and there are some software issues.

Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Nissan Rogue since the redesign makes it feel more upscale while still having plenty of room. Owner reviews praise the comfortable seats, quiet cabin, along with the advanced safety tech.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a small SUV, the seats are very comfortable, cargo space is also excellent.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 Nissan Rogue. Avoid models from 2013 through 2016 which have a lot of transmission problems, while 20172022 are more reliable as they age.
  • Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard four-cylinder engine which is more focused on efficiency rather than power.
  • Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Rogue is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, it comes standard with forward collision warning along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist as well as adaptive cruise control.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 30 MPG, giving 435 miles of range out of the 14.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $42 cheaper than average at $209 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2021 Nissan Rogue is cheaper than many other small SUVs while also having low ownership costs, making it a good value.

What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Rogue?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2021 Nissan Rogue feels more substantial than in earlier years, with average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
  • Edmunds rates the 2021 Rogue at 3.2/5, praising the comfortable seats throughout the cabin but doesn’t like the wind noise.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Nissan Rogue a 3.8/5, praising the quiet interior, but owners don’t like the relatively weak engine.

What Common Problems Does the 2021 Nissan Rogue Have?

Common problems found on the 2021 Nissan Rogue include issues with the blind spot detection system, cruise control problems, along with water leaking from the side windows. Overall, these problems are a little worse than other small SUVs, although repair costs are average as it ages.

Issues with the blind spot detection system are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Rogue owners in the first 5,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by a damaged or dirty sensor. Cleaning the sensors should be the first step, but if they need to be replaced they’re roughly $100 per sensor.

Cruise control problems have also been reported on the 2021 Rogue at roughly 1,000 miles. There are software updates for the cruise control system which improves its reliability. Most dealers are willing to install these updates for free, while others charge around $100.

Water leaking from the side windows and doors shows up on some Rogue models as well. The problem is caused by damaged door and window gaskets. Often the gaskets can be fixed by reheating them, although if it’s torn or severely pinched you will need to have it replaced. Installing new gaskets can cost around $150, depending on local labor rates.

There are eight recalls on the 2021 Nissan Rogue, which is worse than other compact SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for the fuel pump which may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Nissan will replace the fuel pump in affected models for free. Other recalls cover the seat belts, along with the rearview camera.

How Long Will the 2021 Nissan Rogue Last?

A well-maintained 2021 Nissan Rogue can last around 200,000 miles, which is less than the popular Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $417 per year.

As a used 2021 Nissan Rogue reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the power seat switch for $350, traction control switches costing $100, along with the powertrain control module which costs around $950.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is very good, offering a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 9-inch touchscreen along with a Bose stereo system.

Standard safety technology is excellent and includes:

  • Forward collision warning
  • Pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Driver attention monitoring
  • Rearview camera

Optional driver assistance features include:

  • Surround-view parking camera system
  • Lane keep assist
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Head-up display
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • ProPilot Assist self-driving features
  • Front parking sensors
  • Navigation Linked ProPilot Assist

Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue a Good Value?

Yes, the 2021 Nissan Rogue is a reasonably good value since it offers improved reliability from earlier years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,025 to $35,370, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $26,050 to $37,230. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 5% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Nissan Rogue?

There are four main models of the 2021 Nissan Rogue offered, from the base S all the way through to the more luxurious Platinum. The Rogue comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

S is the entry-level model with:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Cloth Upholstery
  • LED Headlights
  • Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
  • Rear Air Vents
  • 8-Inch Touchscreen
  • Four-Speaker Stereo System
  • Satellite Radio

SV is a step up, adding:

  • 18-Inch Wheels
  • Remote Engine Start
  • Keyless Entry and Ignition
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
  • Six-Speaker Audio System
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot

SL is next in the lineup, which adds:

  • 19-Inch Wheels
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Auto Dimming Rearview Mirrors
  • Leather Seats
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Power Liftgate
  • Roof Rails
  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Second Row Sunshades
  • Dual-Panel Cargo Floor

Platinum is the flagship model which has:

  • Upgraded Leather Upholstery With Quilted Stitching
  • Wireless Charging Pad
  • Heated Rear Seats
  • 9-Inch Touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay
  • 10-Speaker Bose Audio System
  • Digital Instrument Panel
  • Head-Up Display

What Engines Come In the Nissan Rogue?

The 2021 Nissan Rogue comes with a single engine option, a 2.5-liter inline-4. This powertrain generates 181 horsepower, which is adequate for daily driving and provides a reasonable balance between performance and efficiency. The combined fuel economy for this engine is an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon, making it an economical choice for drivers who prioritize fuel savings.

The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and responsive gear shifts. As for the 0-60 mph acceleration time, the 2021 Nissan Rogue takes around 8.2 seconds to reach this benchmark. While it may not be the quickest option in its class, the Rogue delivers reliable and efficient performance that caters to the needs of most drivers.

What Colors Does the Nissan Rogue Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Nissan Rogue?

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both drivers and passengers alike. Its well-appointed interior features high-quality materials and a modern design that creates a pleasant atmosphere. The seats are ergonomically designed, providing ample support and cushioning for long drives, while the spacious cabin provides passengers in both the front and rear have plenty of legroom and headroom. Additionally, the Rogue is equipped with Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, which are specifically engineered to reduce fatigue and enhance overall comfort during extended periods behind the wheel.

How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Rogue Have?

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offers an impressive amount of storage space for drivers and passengers, making it a versatile and practical choice for families or those who need extra room for cargo. This compact SUV boasts a total of 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats. When the second row is folded down, the available cargo space expands significantly to 74.1 cubic feet.

This spacious interior allows you to easily fit a variety of items, including luggage for a family vacation, sports gear for weekend activities, or even larger items such as furniture or home appliances when moving. The Nissan Rogue’s smartly designed cargo area and flexible seating arrangements guarantee that you can comfortably and efficiently transport items of all shapes and sizes.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

The third generation of the Nissan Rogue was introduced for the 2021 model year.

2015: No changes from earlier years.

2016: Siri Eyes Free added to all models, Nissan Connect available on the SL model.

2017: Small exterior styling changes, optional hands-free liftgate, adaptive cruise control, along with darker trim on the Midnight Edition.

2018: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all models, third row discontinued.

2019: More standard driver assistance features added.

2020: No major changes.

2021: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new engines, styling, and technology features.

How Does the Nissan Rogue Compare to the Competition?

The 2021 Nissan Rogue is a nice small SUV offering more luxury features than many of the competitors, although long-term reliability is not as good as many other choices in its price range.

The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV which costs around $4,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are higher on the Toyota RAV4, while the Nissan Rogue offers a more upscale interior. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since ownership costs will be lower as it ages.

The Honda CR-V is another competitor, which is about $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Honda CR-V, while the Nissan Rogue offers some more standard technology features. We recommend the Honda CR-V since it’s expected to last longer, although both are decent.

Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Rogue?

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avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.