Nissan Rogue Sport

THE AUTO PAGE

By John Heilig      

• MODEL: 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport SL AWD 
• ENGINE: 2.0-liter DOHC I-4
• TRANSMISSION: XTronic with Eco mode switch
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm/143 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
• WHEELBASE: 106.5 in.
• LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 184.5 x 72.4 x 68.5 in.
• TIRES: P225/45R19 
• CARGO CAPACITY: 39.3/70.0 cu. ft. (rear seat backs up/down) 
• ECONOMY: 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/23.7 mpg test 
• FUEL TANK: 14.5 gal. 
• CURB WEIGHT: 3,659 lbs. #/HP: 26.0 
• TOWING CAPACITY: 1,102 lbs.
• COMPETITIVE CLASS: Subaru Crosstrek, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V 
• STICKER: $31,105 (includes $835 delivery, $2,850 options) 
• BOTTOM LINE: The Nissan Rogue Sport proved to be capable of all we asked of it, but it didn’t cause any excitement in the Heilig household.

            The Nissan Rogue has always held a special place in my heart, because of fond memories of the introduction of the first model. The Rogue Sport is a variation of the original, with the difference being in that the Sport has a smaller engine. 

            Nevertheless, the Rogue Sport still has decent power at 141 horsepower. Acceleration could be better, but it never got us in any trouble.

            Additionally, the handling is good with a strut front suspension and independent rear suspension. The Rogue Sport handles curves well, and is easy to park, especially with the “overhead” video camera that allows the driver to see all the lines in a parking space as well as any obstacles around the car. The camera turns on in reverse mode, but you can also turn in on when you want to check how close you are to objects in front.

            Overall styling is not unlike the big brother Murano, which is to be expected. I think the Murano’s styling is a little curvier, but the Rogue Sport doesn’t disappoint. Interior design is also nice. Our tester was fitted with a black and cream interior with a well-designed dash. Instrumentation is standard.

            In the center of the dash is a clear infotainment screen with the usual assortment of choices. Audio performance was good as was the HVAC system. We had a minor complaint with the heating in that it didn’t work as fast as we wanted it to, but we had a spell of wicked cold weather and I’m getting old. Okay, I am old. The heated front seats helped.

            Front seats are comfortable. The driver’s seat is power adjustable, while the passenger has to do with a manually adjustable seat. Both seats offer some side support. Rear seat legroom is cozy with the passenger’s knees developing a close relationship with the back of the front passenger’s seat. Rear passengers have good visibility.

            Interior storage consists of a cubby at the base of the center stack with USB, AUX and12-volt outlets. The center console/arm rest is deep. There is the standard pair of cupholders and there is room for water bottles in the front doors. There is also a small cubby to the rear of the cupholders that is ideal for holding keys. Twice I forgot, though, and left the keys in the car when I went shopping. Is my mind going? (see age reference above) Rear doors also have room for water bottles and the rear door pulls have bottoms. Two cupholders reside in the pull-down arm rest.

            The Rogue Sport has a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert, both part of the $2,280 SL Premium Package. That package also contains a power sliding moonroof, forward emergency braking and high beam assist, where you can leave the high beams on all the time and the Rogue Sport decides when you are blinding oncoming traffic. The Blind Spot Monitor lights are located not on the outside mirrors, but inside, near the A Pillar. I prefer them to be on the mirrors, but you can learn to look inside. 

            Cargo capacity is good, and the rear seat backs fold easily to create a flat floor with 70 cubic feet of capacity. Additionally, there are two lift-up panels that allow you to configure the cargo area for various uses.

            In general, the Nissan Rogue Sport is a nice package and a decent competitor for the other vehicles in its class. Sadly, it just didn’t “wow” me.

(c) 2018 The Auto Page Syndicate