The Next-Gen 2021 Nissan Rogue Compact SUV Looks Bigger and Boxier

From Car and Driver

• These photos give us our first look at the next-generation Nissan Rogue compact SUV.

• It appears to have more squared-off styling than the current Rogue and may grow in size to put more space between it and the smaller Rogue Sport.

• Look for more information about the new Rogue either later this year or in early 2020. It will likely go on sale in 2020 as a 2021 model.

The Nissan Rogue is one of the most popular SUVs in America, and it's about to get redone. A new, third-generation Rogue will soon replace the current, second-generation Rogue, which has been around since 2014. Based on these photos, it will introduce boxier styling and possibly will grow slightly in size. We're also hoping it will improve on its lackluster driving dynamics and follow in the footsteps of the appealing new Nissan Altima sedan, with which the Rogue may share some mechanical components.

A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four is likely to be the base engine, but we're thinking the newer PR25DD engine from the Altima will supplant the old Rogue's QR25DE motor. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions will be available, and a continuously variable automatic (CVT) should remain the only transmission choice. Nissan may opt to offer its variable-compression-ratio turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four in the Rogue to match competitors' more powerful upgrade engines, but that's not a sure bet. A Rogue hybrid model should continue on, to do battle with Toyota's RAV4 hybrid.

The new Rogue appears to be slightly taller than before, and its blunt front end is reminiscent of the Xmotion concept from last year. Although the camouflage obscures much of the details, it looks as though the headlights might be split into two elements, mimicking the Nissan Juke and Jeep Cherokee's controversial designs. The new Rogue's chunkier shape may lead to more interior space, and it's possible that Nissan will reintroduce a third-row option; there was previously a seven-passenger version of the Rogue available, but the option was dropped for the U.S. market a few years ago.

Nissan hasn't said anything official about the new Rogue yet, but we should hear more about this new model either at the end of 2019 or early in 2020, with the car going on sale sometime next year.

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