What we're driving: 2021 Nissan Rogue

The redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue has arrived, and it is vastly improved over the outgoing model.

The big picture: The Rogue is Nissan's best-seller, but the automaker has been known to push it with discounts. Now the Rogue seems capable of competing on its own merits against leading crossover utilities like the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4.

• It features an upscale interior, including quilted leather seats on the Platinum version and a digital dashboard.
• The 181-hp, 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 28-30 mpg.
• Pricing starts at $26,650 and goes up to $36,830 for the Platinum AWD model.

What's new: Nissan is billing the roomy and practical Rogue as a "family hub," and has spent as much attention on the back seats as the front seats.

• The rear doors open extra-wide — almost 90 degrees — making it way easier to get a car seat in and out.
• There's a huge panoramic glass roof and rear passengers can now adjust the climate controls themselves.

Tech and safety are the big story for the Rogue.

• Besides the digital instrument cluster, it's available with a large head-up display, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system.
• An enhanced version of Nissan's ProPilot Assist helps control acceleration, braking and steering in stop-and-go traffic and on long drives.
• The latest version also links to the car's navigation system, automatically slowing for curves or highway exits.

The bottom line: The Rogue is a very worthy contender for your next family car.