The arrival of the 2021 Nissan Rogue is particularly important for the Japanese carmaker. This is because this specific model competes in one of the most important segments in the auto industry. As a result, the Rogue has to be all things to all people if it wants to succeed. Motor1 recently reviewed the all-new 2021 model and found just one dull drawback.

What does the 2021 Nissan Rogue do well?

Before we dive into this specific 2021 Nissan Rogue drawback, let’s look at exactly what this crossover does well. It all starts with the price. The 2021 Rogue starts at just $25,650. This puts in line with major competitors such as the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and the Toyota RAV4.

During Motor1’s test, the publication evaluated the Nissan Rogue SL, which starts at $32,000. According to Motor1, this price-tag places the Rogue above similarly equipped models from Honda and Toyota. However, the reviewer argues that the Rogue offers nicer interior materials, passenger comfort, and superior driver assistance technologies.

Speaking of assistance, the 2021 Nissan Rogue SL managed to impress Motor1 with its safety features. According to Motor1, you get forward collision monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, automatic rear braking, and automatic high beams as standard. If you upgrade to the higher SV and SL trim levels, you get ProPilot Assist, which gives you adaptive cruise control and lane centering.

According to Car and Driver, you’re stuck with just a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine developing 181 hp and 181 lb-ft. The benefit here is that you still get excellent estimated fuel economy ratings. According to Nissan, the Rogue consumes just 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway for a combined average of 30 mpg.

There is just 1 weak drawback

While the tech-filled Nissan Rogue has some serious upsides, there is just one weak drawback. According to Motor1, the 2021 model isn’t particularly exciting to drive. Motor1 notes that the aforementioned 2.5-liter engine doesn’t exactly feel powerful. Additionally, the continuously variable transmission reportedly doesn’t make great use of the available power.

During Car and Driver’s test of the 2021 Rogue, reviewers noticed a similar issue with the lackluster powertrain. The fix here would be to option various powertrain options. Unfortunately, this 2021 model has just one.

Thankfully, both Motor1 and Car and Driver report that the CVT does a great job of staying out of the way during normal driving. Additionally, the complex transmission reportedly doesn’t drone or make excessive noise either. Motor1 reports that if you want a more exciting drive, you’ll want to give the Mazda CX-5 a look.

Should you buy a 2021 Nissan Rogue?

While the 2021 Nissan Rogue’s engine may not be the most powerful, there is still a lot to like about this crossover. In both Motor1 and Car and Driver’s separate testing, the Rogue managed to impress in daily driving scenarios. Additionally, the amount of available extras tops even some of its fiercest competitors. If you are a fan of this crossover’s sharp and unique styling, it is absolutely worth considering as a daily driver.