2021 Nissan Rogue Off Road

[@SidharthSen]

Thank you for this awesome test. I have a rogue 21 platinum awd, and I got this since I got a great combo of price and features. My off road use would be on trails like this,like getting to a camp site or something - no crazy rock crawling and you showed it performs admirably in such situations.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! I think the rogue will treat you well, I quite enjoyed my time with it.

[@williampulley]

I have the SV version of the 2021 rogue. I was waiting for someone to do this video. It performed the way I expected. I got mine primarily for the all weather performance and I have already driven through some deep road snow and it is really good in that respect. It's a very nice driving car and it's going to serve me well in Colorado and the extreme weather changes we have in my area.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you took my review as a positive, many people think that a vehicle must be terrible if it can't make the hard line on the steep hill. That simply isn't true and I loved the new Rogue, I even drove this one in a bit of snow and it did really well. It's just not a really rough off-roader.

[@vicluv1165]

I have the 2021 SL Sport and love it!! I've been to some hairy snowy areas and it got me through just fine. I haven't even needed chains either. I'm very impressed with what they have done! By far the best one they have ever made for sure!!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@honaker326]

I've been debating on this Rogue and the Frontier for a while now. They both are interesting choices. I watched your videos on each. I enjoy your test bench setup for off roading. Part of me is waiting on the 2022 Frontier to come out and grab a 2021 on a discount. But I'm not sure yet. I'm seeing pros and cons with a lot of these new vehicles and that is technology. I'm an IT Administrator and one of the number one silent killers for all tech is heat. Let's give an example: You live in Arizona, 100 degrees constantly, keep your shiny new car out in the sun for the next 10 years, displays in the head unit, displays in the gauge cluster, cameras, and sensors all over the car. I know what happens to that tech a decade from now. It was not designed to handle the kind of heat a car gets hit with on the daily. The ones that scare me the most are vehicles that have fully integrated AC unit controls into the head unit. That is a proprietary device and now a single point of failure for multiple jobs. Don't even get me started on start stop tech. Turn the vehicle on and off enough times and something eventually won't ever turn on again. I must be getting old. I'm becoming that guy that says: BACK IN MY DAY... Simplicity x Time = Longer chance of life.

[@EngineAdventures]

I also love simplicity, but sometimes fall victim to needing nice features (like ventilated seats). There seems to be an idea that Computer Technology = Luxury, but to me luxury is something that wont be outdated in a few years. In my opinion luxury vehicles don't have bigger and better screens, they have better build quality and better materials that will last the test of time.

[@honaker326]

@@EngineAdventures I couldn't agree more.

[@chrisgraydon]

I have a 2012 Nissan Sentra S with over 219,000 miles on it. Never had an issue with the original CVT. I changed the fluid every 60,000 miles as required in the owner’s manual. Nissan is capable to be reliable as Toyota and Honda. You haters should learn how to read a manual and drive a car properly and you won’t have any problems long term.

[@EngineAdventures]

Driving style and maintenance certainly affect it, but there are other issues too. A Sentra weighs significantly less than the SUVs, the higher weight wears out the transmissions faster. CVTs have come a long way and I think for normal use they are probably fine. For harder use they simply can't take the abuse long term.

[@ghry7803]

You just got lucky

[@DM-hw4cr]

186k on my 08 rogue. Original CVT with OEM fluid changes.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Sentras2011]

The fog light thing is normal for newer Japanese vehicles. My 09 versa, 11 Sentra, 13 rogue, 15 rogue all did it, so does my 15 Tacoma. I read somewhere that it is illegal in some countries/states to have your fog lights on only. They require low beams with fogs. Also they switch off when high beams are on, because of the illegal thing again.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing! Yup, I've actually gone away from discussing this as it isn't really a purchase point for anyone (I don't think). In some of my videos I've explained exactly what you said about laws in other states/countries. However laws aren't logical in many cases. I've shared personal experiences where it was easier for me to see without my lights on because the vehicle I was in could only have the fog lights on when the headlights were on. It was at night and I couldn't drive without my lights on because then other vehicles wouldn't have been able to see me as clearly. It's a poorly thought out law for the areas that have it and is detrimental to those who actually need to use their fog lights.

[@ahsamahi4385]

Good video for testing this car , I wished you make another video for the new pathfinder 2022

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks, I'll see what I can do!

[@Ahto42]

Not the 4wd system let down, but the cvt transmission does not let the wheel spin when there is hughe torque demand like on that speep climb. Not even a Subaru CVT can not clim that hill. Proven on many videos where cvt 4wd cars fail climb steep hills and stall.

[@EngineAdventures]

Good point! CVTs currently on the market simply don't have low enough gearing to make these steep climbs while braking two wheels. If the vehicle were equipped with lockers, or maybe even a Torsen style differential, then the gearing of a CVT would be enough.

[@Ahto42]

@@EngineAdventures still same results, because the cvt protects it self and does not let the wheels spin freely. Even if you floor it, nothing hapends.

[@Ahto42]

@@EngineAdventures kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3u5goGcg8h0p5Y Subaru cvt

[@bogart5131]

can you load with people and heavy staff to see any difference

[@EngineAdventures]

I only had the vehicle for testing for a week. However you make a good point. Added weight could help or hurt performance depending on a variety of factors.

[@bogart5131]

@@EngineAdventures looking forward if you can borrow again...jeje

[@taserface9073]

I bought a SL today. Hoping it will help my wife navigate all the crazy weather conditions here in Florida. We have wind, rain and flooding in the summer, black ice and some time snow in the winter. Mostly a lot of black ice. The snow fallos very light.

[@EngineAdventures]

I would imagine it would handle most things you will encounter. The only thing is it probably can ford very deep in water, so flooding could be an issue. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@taserface9073]

I agree, thankfully, I’m blessed with common sense and know not to drive through it. 😉 my police Tahoe can hand pretty deep water, so if that bad, I’ll probably be at work. Lol.

[@rifatakon7938]

Please change the tire of off roading. Factory tire dose not have the grip for those hilly are.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for commenting! Tires are very important when offroading, but in this test it really comes down to the vehicle being able transfer power to the wheels with traction. 2 wheels are basically in the air, meaning the vehicle has to be able to transfer power to the two tires on the ground with enough torque left over to make the climb. That's where most crossovers struggle.

[@philipc239]

Wonder how this awd system is differ from the Outlander one? 😊 or if they both use the same S-AWC from Mitsubishi

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm not familiar enough with S-AWC to answer that. If I'm correct S-AWC has active differentials in front and rear. I believe the rogue has standard front and rear differentials and there is no center diff because the clutch systems take care of that function

[@philipc239]

@@EngineAdventures alright thanks ✌😊

[@jgon015]

Impressive! But what do you think of that engine? I was so afraid to go for the new Rogue because a 3-cyl for an SUV didn't sound like the best idea. But I could be wrong.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! The 3 cylinder turbo part doesn't bother me too much, it's the variable compression that has me worried about longevity. It might be just fine, but then again it may not. It isn't proven technology yet.

[@blessed4164]

Off road tires?

[@EngineAdventures]

Having proper tires for the terrain is extremely important, however my testing focuses on the ability of the vehicle to transfer power to the wheels with traction. If all 4 tires are spinning the same speed and the vehicle can't make the climb, then the tires could be the issue. That wasn't the case here though. Very few vehicles without a rear locking diff or low range transfercase can make this climb.

[@jeremystout412]

I’m glad I got my Cherokee so I can have some fun off the beaten path with it’s off-road prowess. I just opted for the Active Drive 1 as you can put the transmission in low gear and with good tires it performs quite well. Especially with the torquey 2.0L Turbo! Good to see what the Rogue can do though!

[@EngineAdventures]

The Cherokee is very capable, especially in Trail Hawk form!

[@HarmonyWheeler]

I'm looking for an AWD that can do some off-roading, but I'm not tech-savvy. What would be the next best thing above a CVT to improve off-road performance?

[@EngineAdventures]

Mostly depends on what kind of roads you're driving. The Rogue will traverse most well maintained dirt roads. As far as transmissions go a normal transmission with a torque converter is the next step up above a CVT. Keep in mind CVTs aren't necessarily bad, but they don't like rougher off-road stuff.

[@HarmonyWheeler]

@@EngineAdventures What would a normal transmission be labeled as in tech specs? Are there any reliable AWD SUVs that offer that?

[@EngineAdventures]

@@HarmonyWheeler normally it would just said the number of gears and then AT for automatic transmission. Like "8AT" or 8 speed AT.

[@lifewithdaley8399]

It’s so pretty 😍

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@lifewithdaley8399]

@@EngineAdventures bp

[@vicluv1165]

Love the review! I really enjoyed it!!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jeromerobinson7830]

Your videos are great man

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and for the support!

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Coffee and Engine Adventures once again….it’s going to be a good Saturday. On the hard line was the the awd system overheating or the cvt limiting torque to protect the internals?

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm not 100% sure, but the CVT only has a low gear ratio of 2.6:1 or something (can't remember off the top of my head but it seems like it was in the mid 2 range) which likely means it just didn't have the torque. I'm still kicking myself for not testing with the traction control off. It could have made a huge difference, or it could have just let the wheels without traction spin and not transfer power with the brakes at all.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@@EngineAdventures Subaru is notorious for limiting initial cvt torque to protect the chain and internals. That’s why I asked. Your testing is likely the roughest any Rogue owner will ever encounter. I am confident in almost every scenario this vehicle will perform very well, if not even better than the competition.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the information! I really enjoyed he Rogue and I think you're right, if you're shopping for a Rogue it's not likely you will be doing any offroading harder than this.

[@trent7080]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 I recommend the Outlander as it has better low gear ratio and a AWD system derived from the Lancer Ralliart and Evolution.

[@EngineAdventures]

I really need to test one of those!

[@thomasandrews8033]

Another great video as usual, fair and definitely comprehensive. What I take from this is when going off-road don't mess around in the other highway modes first and you should be fine. Is it likely the Rogue would have made the hill climb if that test were done first and in off-road mode? Thanks

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting! It would have made the crest at the top first try, but I don't think it would ever make the hard line.

[@thomasandrews8033]

@@EngineAdventures hmm, where do you test? I'll be right over! Ha ha

[@EngineAdventures]

Haha just here in Utah, let me know when you drive through and we can meetup!

[@thomasandrews8033]

@@EngineAdventures absolutely! Would love to meet a legend!

[@tomtalker2000]

I think if you had traction control off and either in snow mode or off road you would have cleared the entire hill climb. I've seen Mazda CX-5 do hills like this with ease. And it's got lower ground clearance.

[@DavidG-kv8wm]

Does have oil dilution problem

[@EngineAdventures]

Not that I've heard

[@mariatejero9430]

Can you do the same in the new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

[@EngineAdventures]

I'll see what I can do, I haven't had a Mitsubishi yet.

[@dandee28]

Would it be okay to get a fwd version? There is a brand new one at the dealership for 30k cad

[@EngineAdventures]

A FWD version would be absolutely fine for most scenarios. Even most well maintained dirt and gravel roads are fine in a FWD vehicle as long as the weather is good. In the winter a good set of tires is more important than AWD.

[@dandee28]

@@EngineAdventures how do you like the interior, storage capacity and for road trips? I do alot of camping, hiking, road trips. I cant handle my coupe anymore lol. Fuel economy is okay? how many kms would I get out of a full tank. for my accord v6 it was 500km per 74 liter tank

[@EngineAdventures]

If you're used to a coupe then you'll have no problem with the Rogue. I would expect a full tank to get you at least 600 km on the highway.

[@dandee28]

@@EngineAdventures I hope I made a good decision. I can't afford the higher trims so I got fwd rogue S, no sunroof and no leather seats or GPS..it will arrive in a few weeks

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm sure you'll love it, a co-worker got one and she really enjoys it!

[@paultruesdale7680]

I really enjoyed the review. How much head toss at 15mph? That’s a decent clip for a soft roader. Shame about the hill decent control at the end, no switch? A very nice vehicle. Keep em coming, looking forward to the next review EA.

[@EngineAdventures]

It was actually really smooth with little head movement, but it was at the edge of the suspension travel limit. It feels like a really hard limit too, rather than a damped bump stop, it hits hard. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@merajmahmudnibir8532]

was waiting for this

[@EngineAdventures]

I hope it answered your questions!

[@merajmahmudnibir8532]

@@EngineAdventures well, I just like seeing this kind of videos , even though i can not afford them. i was curious to see how it does in sending power to the wheels with traction.

[@robertyarbrough9008]

Kinda mad. This IS NOT off-road, this is CLEARLY a gravel road. I drive my Nissan Rogue through the forest and off-road frequently. I would love to see someone else doing it on KZbin aswell. Country people need REAL off-road reviews.

[@EngineAdventures]

Not sure what you mean by off-road. I don't own property to truly test off-road, and I follow tread lightly as much as possible to not destroy public land. This means I stay on designated routes. Also the vehicle wasn't able to make the hard line, so I figure the testing was plenty good for the vehicle. What would you like to see different?

[@336W]

I am sure the street tires are a huge hinderance for this type of off road activity.

[@EngineAdventures]

While having the right tires for the terrain is very important, this test isn't about the tires. The goal of this test is to examine the vehicle's ability to transfer power to the wheels with traction. If all 4 wheels are spinning and it's not able to climb, then I blame the tires.

[@dkwon616]

Hey! Do you think I can take the rogue awd on the beach?

[@EngineAdventures]

Sure, just depends on the conditions of the sand. If it's harder sand you'll be fine, if it's really soft sand not a good idea.

[@darvelbidenisapuppet7275]

After testing this rogue back to back with the Sub Crosstrek and kia seltos I went with the Seltos. I would have went with the rogue over the cross trek though.

[@dimekoza]

What's the ground clearance?

[@EngineAdventures]

I believe it is 8.2 inches.

[@trl510]

do the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander please

[@EngineAdventures]

I've had quite a few requests for that one, I'll see what I can do.

[@leonelsantamaria9653]

I was waiting different camera angle like the oldest videos

[@EngineAdventures]

From the other side of the car you mean?

[@leonelsantamaria9653]

Yes sir

[@yourfriendlyneighbor836]

If you let air out of the tires it would have performed better off road

[@EngineAdventures]

This is similar to the comment I often get about using AT tires. These tests are focused on the vehicle and it's abilities to get power where it needs to be. When a wheel is in the air, it doesn't matter what kind of tire it is, air isn't going to provide enough traction to move the vehicle. The vehicle needs to be able to transfer enough torque to the wheels with traction to make the climb. Having the right tires for the terrain is very important! Airing down is also beneficial in many situations, although I'd be very wary to air down with such small sidewalls. Thanks for watching!

[@tomtalker2000]

I think if you had traction control off this would have made it up the hill like butter. Too bad you can't re-test with it off. Too show off it's capabilities.

[@EngineAdventures]

Edited because I was wrong: I don't know if it would have made the hill or not, but you are correct that traction control could have been cutting power making it harder for the Rogue to make the climb! In some vehicles turning off TC also disables the brake based limited slip system. Which can be good because it allows for more wheel spin, but it doesn't transfer any power side to side on an axle. This Friday I'll have the 2022 Rogue off-road video up. I tested with TC off in that one, be sure to look at that for more info! Thanks for sharing!

[@BigLou-sb4mi]

My boy write down the model :(

[@rayray_x2]

Thanks to mitsu

[@DavidStanleymusic]

off road? it looks like a road to me

[@EngineAdventures]

It is definitely a road, but most people consider it off-road. I try to follow tread lightly as much as possible, meaning I almost never leave designated roads to prevent damage and erosion to the wilderness.

[@dukevonflankenheimer9430]

lol