SUVs fill something of a gap between the sedan and 4×4 segment. They have the go-anywhere capability of an off-roader but give drivers the comfortable driving experience of a sedan. And to top it off, SUVs usually come with a generous carrying capacity. Making it the perfect companion whether you’re shopping in the city or camping in the words.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue is the Japanese car maker’s latest and greatest SUV. However, some don’t enjoy the bulk of SUVs — that’s where the Rogue Sport comes in. The Rogue Sport is more compact version of the base Rogue. Due to its smaller size, the Rogue Sport has smaller 2.0L engine and less cargo space. Despite giving up power and space, the Sport is more affordable than the base Rogue.

Trim Levels

The Rogue Sport comes in three trim levels that are identified as:

  1. S: Starting at $24,060.
  2. SV: Starting at $25,630.
  3. SL: Starting at $28,690.

All three trims come with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive as an option. Plus, all trim levels are powered by the 2.0L Nissan petrol engine as a standard.

Like all Nissans, the Rogue Sport comes with a CVT transmission as standard. So, don’t go expecting a manual box variant with this one.

Performance Specs

While the Rogue Sport may come equipped with a more compact 2.0L engine, this doesn’t mean that it’s a slouch.

Engine

The 2.0L four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine pumps out a decent 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 147 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. These numbers make the Rogue Sport more than up to the task for city driving where low-end power is called for.

But it should be said, the Rogue Sport is not something that would excite performance enthusiasts. Even with a name that ends in sport, the Rogue does tend to suffer when accelerating at highway speeds. At higher revs, the engine can sometimes feel like it’s running out of breath.

Gearbox

Nissan has put plenty of work into their CVT boxes and it shows on the Rogue Sport. Pulling away from a stop light feels easy and effortless thanks to its low-end power.

Gear shifts are smooth and buttery with the appropriate “shift points” to optimize acceleration and efficiency. The gearbox is responsive to driver input with no noticeable delay when you put your foot down.

Brakes

Just as would be expected of an SUV, the brakes do an adequate job. However, the brakes can get easily overwhelmed during hard or sudden braking.

Suspension

On some cars, the suspension can feel a little too soft. This problem causes excessive lean and makes handling a real chore.

Fortunately, the Rogue Sport’s suspension gives a smooth, gentle ride even when going over bumps and dips. This refined feel makes the Rogue Sport an excellent city cruiser. After a long day of driving, your back won’t feel like it’s hammered, which is a major plus.

Fuel Efficiency

SUVs haven’t always had the best reputation for fuel efficiency. Given their larger size and more powerful engines, early models guzzled fuel at a frightening rate. However, technology has come a long way.

The Rogue Sport boasts relatively decent fuel efficiency. According to U.S. Department of Energy, the Sport gets 25 mpg when driving in the city and 32 mpg when cruising on the highway.

Safety Features

The road can be a dangerous and unpredictable place. That’s why you need to be on the alert when you’re driving.

Along with the standard safety features such as airbags and driver assist, the Rogue Sport comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360. This system monitors your surroundings and alerts you of any potential dangers.

The main features of Nissan Safety Shield 360 are:

  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection;
  • Rear automatic braking;
  • Rear cross traffic alert;
  • Blind spot warning;
  • Lane departure warning, and;
  • High beam assist.

Entertainment Features

Stay connected on the road and in your car. Listen to music and bring your favorite apps along with you thanks to Nissan’s connected technology. As a standard, the Rogue Sport comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, little else is offered in terms of in-car entertainment.

Pros

  • Good fuel efficiency.
  • Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes as a standard.
  • Can choose between FWD and AWD.

Cons

  • Engine can feel a bit lethargic, especially on the highway.
  • Only available in CVT.
  • Few in-car entertainment features.

The Bottomline

The Rogue Sport is an excellent offering from Nissan, and one that’s ideal for city dwellers living an active lifestyle. While rather mediocre in the performance department, the Rogue Sport more than makes up for it with good fuel efficiency and a variety of safety features.

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