The Nissan Rogue suffered a blow felt by most in recent months, with sales numbers knocking it off its feet. But Nissan won’t take the hit laying down, and it may just be the best time to take advantage of this best-selling SUV’s sales dip. What is Nissan doing to make the Rogue a great choice in 2021?

2020 was a rough year for the Nissan Rogue

The entire automobile industry took a hit in 2020, with most car brands suffering from losses from sales. Nissan also struggled to gain momentum in sales, but some Nissan models struggled more than others.

According to the Nissan brand’s official sales numbers, most of its models across all segments experienced a decrease in sales in 2020 over 2019. But sales numbers for the Nissan Rogue, one of its best-selling SUVs, are devastating for the brand.

In 2019, Nissan sold 350,447 Rogue SUVs, while only 227,935 models sold in 2020. This is a 35% decrease in 2020 over the previous year. 

Redesigned and ready to take back the segment: the 2021 Nissan Rogue

Nissan was wisely working on a redesigned Rogue before the devastation of 2020, but even with an impressive, fully-redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue available, sales still shrunk significantly through the year.

That isn’t to say that the 2021 Rogue deserves to overlooked. In fact, the 2021 Nissan Rogue stands as one of the best compact SUVs in the segment, and one of the best buys.

According to U.S. News experts, the 2021 Nissan Rogue sits within the top-half of a lengthy, compact SUV segment, with an Overall Score from experts of 8.1/10.

U.S. News experts say that the redesigned Rogue has “good fuel economy and handling,” “ample passenger and cargo space,” a “comfortable and spacious interior,” and an “above-average predicted reliability rating.” The Rogue also comes with a long list of standard equipment, as well as advanced safety features and superb safety ratings.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offers “one of the most expansive cargo areas” in its class, at 74.1 cubic-feet with the rear-seats folded flat. All four Rogue trim choices come with a 181-hp four-cylinder engine, paired standard with a front-wheel drivetrain (all-wheel-drive is available). Depending on drivetrain choice, the Rogue earns up to an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. 

Though standard features certainly improve as trims increase, base Rogue S models are sufficient for most families and include an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth/Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility, and more. Standard safety features are numerous but include a rearview camera with rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, and more.

Nissan isn’t taking any chances on another bad sales year (and pricing proves it)

One of the few drawbacks experts could claim against the Rogue is its starting price. When compared to many other cheaper options in the segment, the Rogue’s starting price may appear steeper.

But this starting price really is comparable, especially when you consider what you’re getting for the price. And according to the same U.S. News experts, spring 2021 might be the perfect time to take advantage of a cheaper Nissan Rogue.

U.S. News experts choose the 2021 Nissan Rogue for one of its top spots on its list of “The 10 Best Cars to Buy Now in March 2021,” saying that the Rogue’s slow sales could easily be used “as leverage to negotiate the starting price” down from the already-affordable $25,000.

In addition, Nissan is smartly prepared to deal with its deflated sales numbers and is currently offering 0% financing for five years, plus $500 bonus cash for buyers financing through Nissan. For those looking to lease, Nissan is offering a deal for the Rogue S of $229 per month for three years, after $4,529 due at signing.