The 2021 Nissan Rogue is already one of the more fuel-efficient compact SUVs, but Nissan plans to boost its fuel economy anyway. The Japanese automaker is adding a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine to the options Rogue buyers can choose.
The 1.5-liter, turbocharged 3-cylinder engine pairs with the Rogue’s continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy numbers on the government’s FuelEconomy.gov website list the new engine as providing 30/37/33 mpg in front-drive and 30/36/33 mpg with AWD.
Those numbers compare even more favorably to the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that’s currently standard in 2021 Rogues. That engine is rated up to 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway for front-drive models and 26/33 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Pricing and Power to Come
Nissan has not released pricing or power figures for the new engine. The company tells reporters the 3-cylinder is “part of a small pilot program.”
That means few Rogues will be available with the new powertrain.
However, it will eventually be a permanent option if all goes well. It’s not clear if the smaller engine will be part of a new base model trim. If so, it might be priced below the current 2021 Rogue S. That model lists for $25,750 plus $1,150 destination.
The newly published numbers would put the Rogue at the top of its class for fuel efficiency unless compared to hybrid models like the Toyota RAV4 Prime or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
