2020 Nissan Rogue Sport | Review & Road Test

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Nissan Rogue Sport Script


Built to compete with subcompacts like the Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Hyundai Kona, and Chevy Trailblazer, the Nissan Rogue Sport is made to live that urban SUV life…but on a small scale.


Being able to adjust the rear seatback angle would make the rear quarters even more comfortable but I’d happily ride back here…if I wasn’t such a control freak. I’ll also note that rear vents come standard. Nissan, my daughter thanks you.


For small items, there’s storage in the doors, a modestly sized and damped glove box, and a center console hold. Move aft and the cargo area offers up to 22.9 cu-ft, a competitive figure versus the Rogue Sport’s adversaries. Add the optional Divide-and-Hide cargo system and you’ll have a handy way to partition your gear.


Powering all trims is a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (141hp, 147 lb-ft) linked to a continuously variable transmission.

This is where things get murky. Modest power plus the constant swell then retreat of engine revs thanks to that CVT result in acceleration that is dynamically underwhelming and audibly grating.


That said, as a breed, subcompact SUVs are not powerhouses. With that expected slothfulness you’d think the Rogue Sport would be an ultra-frugal at the fuel pump but, brace yourself, its larger and heavier sibling, the Nissan Rogue, is actually more efficient. (25city/32hwy FWD Rogue Sport, 26city/33hwy FWD Rogue)


But I do know that if you want all-wheel drive, it’s yours for a modest $1,350.

In terms of ride and handling the Rogue Sport moves with a pleasant demeanor.

I’ve noticed a tendency to wander at freeway speeds but around the town, the steering feels light and responsive.


Another Rogue Sport strength is its parkability. Beyond small dimensions and easy steering efforts, Nissan offers a 360-degree camera system for primo situational awareness.

Other welcome added-cost features include dual-zone climate control, smart-key access with pushbutton start, a heated steering wheel, power heated front seats, and larger wheels like the 19-inchers on our test car.

Incidentally, I think the Rogue Sport looks handsome.

Thankfully, even in base form the Rogue Sport comes respectably equipped with blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear door alert…so you don’t forget important items in back, and a 7-inch infotainment system featuring Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and graphics that are overdue for an update.


Optional on the mid-tier SV and standard on the highest SL trim is ProPilot Assist, which bundles full-speed dynamic cruise control, an electronic parking brake, and steering assist.


If you depart your lane the system should nudge you back in your lane…but doesn’t.



Including destination charges, the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport starts a bit higher than $24k.

The versatile Honda HR-V can be had for less but when similarly equipped that price advantage fades…though the HR-V’s superior resale values do not. Other vehicles worth considering are the premium feeling Mazda CX-30, the comparatively rugged Jeep Renegade, and the value-rich Kia Seltos.

If you want a more-powerful, more-efficient, or more exciting subcompact SUV, you’ve got options.

Nonetheless, the Nissan Rogue Sport is well-rounded and handsome. If you’re shopping small SUVs and you don’t mind groaning CVT power delivery, the Rogue Sport is worth a test drive.