Following on the tailpipe of the excellent re-do of its compact Sentra sedan, Japan’s Nissan delivers another treat with the redesign of the Rogue compact crossover sport utility vehicle.
The 2021 model, with new muscular styling, stronger performance, sharper handling and more features, comes at an opportune time. It is the third generation of a model that was introduced in 2007 and competes against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Despite the runaway sales of crossover SUVs, the Rogue’s popularity has slipped in the last couple of years. Its sales statistics, however, still look strong because Nissan lumps the Rogue with the Rogue Sport, a smaller, different crossover called the Qashqai in other world markets.
The 2021 Rogue announces itself with Nissan’s characteristic V-Motion grille, which has a sort of drooping lower-lip look. From there, however, the new styling suggests the brash strength of pickup trucks and body-on frame SUVs.
Yet there’s nothing trucky about this charmer. The Rogue is slick and sophisticated. Though not a blistering performer, it delivers instant throttle response off the line and in highway passing, along with competent handling and a ride that doesn’t punish occupants.
The tested Rogue was a pre-production model, which means that some equipment and characteristics were subject to changes and refinement before the production versions were sent out for sale. But the tester felt more like a fully realized version of itself, much like its garage-mate, the surprising Sentra.
Power is provided by a 181-horsepower four-cylinder engine that delivers 181 pound-feet of torque, the twisting force that makes a vehicle feel vibrant, especially during low-speed acceleration. Though the Rogue won’t win many drag races, it feels powerful in traffic.
The transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT), which uses belts or chains and pulleys to multiply engine torque. Unlike conventional automatics, there are no shift points; simply an uninterrupted smooth surge of power.
Nissan has focused much effort on improving its CVTs, which elsewhere are often criticized for a feel of slipping and over-revving. There’s none of that with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. But for those who miss the kick-down feel of a passing gear, the Rogue’s transmission delivers that sensation when you punch the throttle to pass on the highway. A manual shift mode also is programmed, operated by paddles on the steering wheel.
The tester was a nearly top-of-the line SL Premium with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,400 but unless you plan to spend a lot of time on snow belt streets and highways, you don’t need it. Base price of the SL is $33,095, including the destination charge. With the Premium package and a couple of other minor options, the sticker came to $35,195. The lowest priced Rogue is the front-drive S, which starts at $26,745.
There are three selectable drive modes: Eco, Standard and Sport, which adjust steering, suspension system and drive train performance. Except for slight differences in feel, they don’t seem to do much.
All Rogues get fundamental modern safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, overhead view rear camera and, with the tested SL model, adaptive cruise control and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving mode.
Other equipment on the tested SL Premium model included leather upholstery, hands-free power tailgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, roof rails, second-row window sunshades and LED fog lights. An optional Premium package ($1,320) added the ProPilot Assist, Apple Car Play, Bose premium audio system, front and rear sonar warning, and SXM satellite radio.
Getting behind the wheel is a familiar experience. White on black backlighted instruments are easy to read, controls are where you expect to find them and the infotainment system is mostly fuss-free. Overhead, the panoramic sunroof comes with an opaque power sunshade.
Front and outboard rear seats are supportive and comfortable with plenty of head room and, in back, more than adequate knee room. Even the center-rear seat, though hobbled by a floor hump and some console intrusion, at least has a comfortable seat cushion.
Specifications
Model: 2021 Nissan Rogue SL FWD Premium four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder; 181 hp, 181 lb-ft torque
Transmission: Xtronic continuously variable automatic with manual-shift mode and front-wheel drive
Overall length: 15 feet 3 inches
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 101/39 cubic feet
Weight: 3,540 pounds
EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 26/34/29 mpg
Base price, including destination charge: $33,095
Price as tested: $35,195
February 13, 2021 at 09:35AM
https://ift.tt/3jIVTXH
Test Drive: The 2021 Rogue is slick and sophisticated - The Providence Journal
https://ift.tt/2WinW4G
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Test Drive: The 2021 Rogue is slick and sophisticated - The Providence Journal"
Post a Comment