“It's noisy while driving, the acceleration is terrible, the engine seems sluggish. The seats are uncomfortable and the suspension is awful and you feel every little bump. Avoid the vehicle.”
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport is a quiet carryover, not a redesign. The main update is a more generously equipped SV trim, while the rest of the small crossover stays familiar.
About the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport
1st generation (2017-2022 US), late-cycle year
Nissan positioned the Rogue Sport as a city-friendly compact crossover with a higher seating position, flexible cargo room, standard safety technology, and easy smartphone connectivity. It was meant for drivers who wanted something easier to park than a larger SUV but more versatile than a small hatchback. The emphasis was on confidence, visibility, and everyday usefulness, with available AWD for bad weather and a mature, simple cabin rather than sporty performance.
The S is the straightforward entry trim, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a full driver-assistance suite. The SV is set up for daily commuting and cold mornings with remote start, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The SL is the more polished version, adding leather seating, navigation, highway driving assistance, and a 360-degree camera system.
What changed, by category
Styling
The S gets standard 17-inch alloy wheels. Fog lights become standard on the SV but move from standard to optional on the SL.
Tech
The S adds voice recognition. The SV makes remote start, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel standard; those features previously depended on an option package.
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 141 hp | 141 hp | 141 hp |
| Torque | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 61.1 cu-ft | 53.3 cu-ft | 53.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport a redesign?
No. The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport carries over the same basic design, engine, transmission, and body structure as the 2020 model, with only modest trim-equipment changes.
What changed on the 2021 Rogue Sport S?
The 2021 Rogue Sport S gains standard 17-inch alloy wheels and voice recognition for its infotainment system. Its 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and driver-assistance suite remain key standard features.
What changed on the 2021 Rogue Sport SV?
The 2021 Rogue Sport SV makes remote start, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and fog lights standard. These items were optional or tied to a package for 2020.
Did the 2021 Rogue Sport get a new engine or AWD system?
No. Every 2021 Rogue Sport keeps the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions continuing from 2020.
Is the 2021 Rogue Sport meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
Only slightly. The 2021 model is most different in SV form because several comfort features become standard; otherwise, its design, performance, safety equipment, and infotainment setup are largely unchanged.
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport.
4.2
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport
(976 reviews)
“This vehicle drives smoothly; is easy to handle, comfortable, and has plenty of amenities.”
“I really enjoy my 2021 Nissan Rogue sport because it is a smaller SUV and perfect size. Very roomy and comfortable.”
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Roguesport Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2022 / 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2017 / 2017 Rogue Sport Brochure En