The Nissan Rogue Sport is a versatile and compact SUV that combines practicality, stylish design, and advanced technology. It’s a smaller, sportier sibling of the popular Nissan Rogue, aimed at those who want an agile, city-friendly vehicle without sacrificing the utility of an SUV. Let’s explore what makes the Nissan rogue sport an appealing option for many drivers.
Overview and Exterior Design
First introduced in the U.S. market in 2017, the Nissan Rogue Sport is a compact crossover that falls between the smaller Kicks and the larger Rogue. It offers a stylish exterior with sharp lines, a bold front grille, and a sporty stance that makes it appealing to urban drivers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The design emphasizes Nissan’s signature “V-motion” grille, flanked by LED headlights and available LED daytime running lights, giving it a refined and modern look. The body design strikes a balance between sportiness and functionality, with features like muscular wheel arches and aerodynamic lines enhancing its dynamic appearance. With its compact dimensions, the Nissan rogue sport is easy to maneuver and park in tight city spaces, which is a significant advantage for urban dwellers.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Nissan rogue sport provides a cozy and functional cabin that focuses on comfort and convenience. High-quality materials and well-designed seating arrangements make for a pleasant driving experience. The interior is roomy for a compact SUV, offering comfortable seating for up to five passengers, though rear-seat legroom may be slightly cramped for taller passengers on longer journeys. Nevertheless, the front seats are designed for comfort and are available with options like heating and power adjustments.
The interior design is both driver-focused and practical, with accessible controls and a user-friendly layout. The infotainment system is centered around a touchscreen display, which varies in size depending on the trim level but generally includes smartphone connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This connectivity allows drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones, making it easier to navigate, stream music, or make calls hands-free. Storage options are well-thought-out, with sufficient cubbies, a spacious glove compartment, and an ample cargo area for a vehicle in this class.
Technology and Infotainment
Nissan has equipped the Rogue Sport with a suite of technology features aimed at enhancing convenience and safety. Standard and optional tech features vary by trim level, but all models generally offer Nissan’s intuitive infotainment system, which includes a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice recognition. The more advanced trim levels come with larger touchscreens and additional features like a premium sound system and integrated navigation.
A standout feature of the Nissan rogue sport is the availability of Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist system, an advanced driver assistance feature that aids in maintaining a set speed and distance from the car in front and assists with steering to keep the vehicle centered in its lane. While not a full self-driving system, it offers a significant boost to safety and reduces driver fatigue during long highway drives. Other safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning, which are all part of Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the Nissan Rogue Sport is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 141 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While these figures might not set any speed records, the Rogue Sport is more than adequate for everyday commuting and city driving. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections and offering a smooth ride even over rough surfaces.
One of the Rogue Sport’s strengths is its balanced and predictable handling. The electric power steering provides sufficient feedback, and the compact size of the vehicle makes it easy to maneuver through congested streets and parking lots. It’s not particularly sporty in terms of acceleration, but its ride quality and ease of handling make it a comfortable choice for urban and suburban drivers. Fuel efficiency is another advantage, with the front-wheel-drive models achieving approximately 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is competitive within its class.
Practicality and Cargo Space
Despite its compact size, the Rogue Sport offers a decent amount of cargo space, making it practical for weekend trips or grocery runs. Behind the rear seats, there is about 20 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 53.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This versatility is enhanced by Nissan’s Divide-N-Hide cargo system, which allows users to adjust the cargo floor height and create hidden storage spaces to keep items organized and out of sight.
Additionally, the Rogue Sport’s rear seats are split-folding, which makes it easier to carry long items while still accommodating a passenger in the back. For those who occasionally need to transport larger loads, the flexibility of the cargo area is a major plus.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Nissan Rogue Sport is available in three main trim levels: S, SV, and SL. Each trim level offers a progressively higher level of features, allowing buyers to choose the model that best fits their needs and budget.
- S Trim: The base S trim is equipped with a decent array of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. It also includes Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, providing valuable driver assistance features at an affordable price point.
- SV Trim: Moving up to the SV trim adds additional conveniences, such as roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start. The SV trim also offers the option of the Technology Package, which includes Pro PILOT Assist, a power driver’s seat, and heated front seats, making it a popular choice for those who want a bit more comfort and tech.
- SL Trim: The top-tier SL trim is equipped with more luxury features, including leather upholstery, a larger touchscreen display with navigation, a surround-view camera system, and a premium sound system. It’s an excellent option for buyers seeking a compact SUV with a touch of luxury and the latest in technology.
Pricing for the Rogue Sport starts at around $25,000 for the base S model, making it competitive in the compact SUV segment. The mid-range SV trim offers a good balance of features and value, while the SL trim tops out in the low $30,000 range. Considering the suite of technology, safety features, and comfort it provides, the Rogue Sport represents solid value for money in the segment.
Safety Ratings and Reliability
Nissan has built a reputation for producing reliable vehicles, and the Rogue Sport is no exception. The SUV has received good safety ratings from various agencies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Its suite of standard safety features, part of Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, provides added peace of mind, making it a suitable choice for families and safety-conscious buyers.
In terms of reliability, the Rogue Sport has shown consistent performance, and owners report relatively low maintenance costs. Nissan’s warranty coverage is also competitive, offering a basic warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, providing additional reassurance for buyers.
Competitors
The compact SUV market is highly competitive, with numerous options that rival the Nissan Rogue Sport. Some of its main competitors include:
- Honda HR-V: Known for its reliability and spacious interior, the HR-V offers more cargo space and a versatile Magic Seat feature but lacks some of the advanced technology and driver-assistance features available in the Rogue Sport.
- Toyota C-HR: The C-HR has a unique design and comes with a good array of standard safety features, but it lacks all-wheel drive, which may be a drawback for some buyers.
- Mazda CX-30: With its stylish design and sporty handling, the CX-30 appeals to drivers looking for a more engaging driving experience, though it has slightly less cargo space than the Rogue Sport.
Conclusion
The Nissan Rogue Sport is a well-rounded compact SUV that excels in offering a balance of comfort, technology, and practicality. Its stylish exterior, comfortable interior, advanced driver-assistance features, and flexible cargo space make it an excellent choice for those who want a compact yet capable vehicle for daily use and weekend getaways. With competitive pricing and a suite of modern features, the Nissan rogue sport is an attractive option in the compact SUV segment, catering especially to urban drivers and small families looking for a versatile and reliable vehicle.
