2021 Nissan Rogue Sport Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport fills the very narrow gap between the slightly larger standard Rogue and the FWD-only Nissan Kicks subcompact crossover. But as redundant as the Rogue Sport might seem, it does offer AWD as an option and some other handy features that make it worth considering if you're on the fence between a Rogue and a Kicks.
The Rogue Sport gets redesigned for the 2022 model year;read about that model here.
What's New
- Base S trim level gets standard 17-inch alloy wheels
- SV trim receives heated seats and steering wheel, remote engine start, leather-wrapped shift knob, and foglights as standard
What We Think
The Nissan Rogue Sport belongs to a niche segment that continues to grow each year, the space between the subcompact and compact crossover classes. Measuring 10.2 inches shorter than the standard Rogue and 3.7 inches longer than the Kicks, the Rogue Sport slots right in the middle of those two models.
The Nissan Rogue Sport is based on the global-market Nissan Qashqai and was first introduced to the U.S. market for the 2017 model year. When we first drove the Rogue Sport, we called it a "rather pleasant companion" for cruising down the highway, commuting in rush hour traffic, and navigating small parking lots. Its cabin, with a design inspired by its larger Rogue sibling, is comfortable and upscale.
But as we discovered in multiple test drives, the Rogue Sport isn't as sporty as its name implies. During our 2018 SUV of the Year evaluation, we found the Rogue Sport to be underpowered with just 141 hp from a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four at its disposal. We also knocked it for its numb steering feel and whiny CVT, saying it "moans like an old man getting up from his favorite reclining chair." More recently, we tested a 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport fresh from an exterior face-lift. It didn't impress on our figure-eight course, but we found the Rogue Sport stable and planted when driven on real-world twisty roads.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport's only drivetrain combination is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder mated to a CVT automatic. That engine makes 141 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Rogue Sport is EPA-rated at 25/32 mpg city/highway in FWD guise and 24/30 mpg when equipped with AWD.
Safety
For 2020, Nissan made Safety Shield 360 suite of features standard on all Rogue Sport models. That system includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. A driver alertness feature is available starting on the SV trim.
The IIHS awarded the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport scores of Good in the small overlap front driver-side, small overlap front passenger-side, moderate overlap front, and side impact crash tests but has not tested the SUV's crash avoidance tech. The NHTSA has only scored the Rogue Sport for the rollover test, where it earned four stars.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport has seating for five and room for 19.9-22.9 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, depending on trim. That compares to 23.2-24.3 cubic feet of space in the 2021 Honda HR-V.
The Rogue Sport's cargo area can be expanded to 53.3-61.1 cubic feet when the standard 60/40 split folding seats are dropped down. The Honda can handle 55.9-58.8 cubic feet with its second-row seats folded down.
Technology
All Nissan Rogue Sport models receive a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Bluetooth streaming audio and phone connectivity is also standard, as is a four-speaker audio system and center console USB port. An eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system is available. The Rogue Sport can be equipped with ProPilot Assist, which combines full-speed-range adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist features into one system.
Trim Levels
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport S
For 2021, the base Rogue Sport S trim receives 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. The Rogue Sport S can be had with FWD or AWD.
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport SV
The SV builds on the S model's equipment list by adding dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power seats, heated seats and steering wheel, remote engine start, leather-wrapped shift knob, and foglights.
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport SL
The range-topping SL model can be identified by its standard 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and gloss black and silver interior trim. Features like ProPilot Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intelligent Driver Alertness come standard on the SL trim.
