2017 Nissan Rogue Sport SL AWD Platinum: The Shrink-to-Fit Rogue [Review]

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport

The new 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport. Like the regular Rogue but smaller. [photo: Nissan USA]
 

Nissan’s all-new Rogue Sport brings to the Rogue clan a more diminutive, sportier (as the name implies) and more affordable offering. And why not, the Rogue is Nissan’s number one selling vehicle. And despite its nefarious name, Rogue, the vehicle is an example of Biokenetic Synchronicity, which is the harmonious blend of exterior visual clarity, dynamic strength and smart premium in one design package, while the interior showcases protected comfort, smart premium and meaningful efficiency.

WHAT’S NEW

In terms of its size relativity, Nissan’s full size SUV, the Armada would be Papa Bear, the popular Murano would best be likened to Mama Bear, and the Rogue, which was Nissan’s first entry into the small crossover segment back in 2008 filled the role of Baby Bear. Known in other parts of the world as the Kashkai, the Nissan Rogue Sport takes over that slot in a slightly smaller form. So call it Newborn Baby Bear.

The Rogue Sport comes in the same levels of trim as the Rogue: the base S; a more upscale SV; and the top-of-the-line SL model. The Rogue is perhaps more family oriented, while the Rogue Sport fills a more fun-to-drive role for singles or couples.

I test drove the Rogue Sport in SL trim with the Platinum Package and in the AWD configuration. The base price was set at $27,420., while the final sticker totaled $31,365. after factoring in the SL Premium Package, Platinum Package, floor mats and Destination and Handling. Base pricing runs from $21,420 S FWD to $27,420 SL AWD. AWD is $1,350 over FWD.

Nissan Rogue Sport Eng
The Rogue Sport’s 2-liter, 4 cylinder power plant puts out 141 hp. [photo: Arv Voss]

PERFORMANCE

The power source for the Nissan Rogue Sport is a 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder transversely mounted front engine with a Continuously Variable Timing Control System and Direct Injection. The set-up produces 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm while developing 147 pound feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. That makes it a step down from the Rogue’s 2.5-liter, 170-hp engine with 175 lb-ft. torque. Motive energy reaches either the front wheels (FWD) or available all four (AWD) through Nissan’s Xtronic® CVT transmission with Eco Mode switch and four-wheel limited slip and Hill Start Assist.

The tiny crossover is light on its feet (okay, wheels and tires), while delivering a very flat, stable and controlled ride quality. The steering displays a positive and direct reaction to drive input. The ride quality is on the firm side, but remains comfortable and compliant even when pushed. It is also relatively quiet.

Tennessee’s back roads outside Nashville provided a chance to showcase the Rogue Sport’s enhanced agility, and it was highly maneuverable in both urban and suburban environments.

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport interior
The Rogue Sport’s cockpit is nearly as roomy as the larger Rogue. [photo: Nissan USA]

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The Rogue Sport’s wheelbase is 2.3-inches shorter. Its overall length is 12.1-inches less. The width is shaved by .4 inch. Height is reduced by 5.1-inches. Head, leg and hip room is spared, although it does shrink a little. However, cargo space shrinks significantly. The big Rogue contains 32 cu. ft. of space behind its second row of seats. The Rogue Sport has just 22.9 cu. ft.

The new Rogue Sport offers the same comprehensive suite of Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield technologies including Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention.

Other available comfort and convenience features Include: leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and available Divide-N-Hide® Cargo System, RearView Monitor, Siri® Eyes Free, NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, a 7.0-inch color touch-screen display and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. Also available is the advanced Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Intelligent Cruise Control.

TFLCAR’s TAKE: The Nissan Rogue Sport is a right-sized sub-compact crossover for urban/suburban drivers without kids. And it comes with all the same safety features as its larger sibling, the Rogue.

TFLCAR VIDEO REVIEW

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport SL AWD Platinum

      • Base Price: $27,420
      • Price as Tested: $31,365
      • Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder with Continuously Variable Timing Control System and Direct Injection
      • Horsepower (bhp): 141 @ 6,000 rpm
      • Torque (ft./ lbs.): 147 @ 4,400 rpm
      • Transmission: Xtronic® CVT with Eco Mode switch and four-wheel limited slip and Hill Start Assist.
      • Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / AWD
      • Suspension: Front – Independent strut with coil springs and 23 mm stabilizer bar // Rear – Independent multi-link with 19.1 stabilizer bar
      • Brakes: Power-assisted four wheel vented discs with ABS, EBD, VDC, TCS and G-Sensor w/AWD
      • Tires: Bridgestone Ecopia 225/45 R19 92V mounted on alloy wheels
      • Wheelbase: 104.2 inches
      • Length Overall: 172.4 inches
      • Width: 72.3 inches
      • Height: 63.3 inches
      • Curb Weight: 3,300 lbs.
      • Turning Circle: 36.9 ft.
      • Approach Angle: 17.3 degrees
      • Departure Angle: 28.2 degrees
      • Breakover Angle: 17.7 degrees
      • Step-in Height 17.1 front / 17.8-rear
      • Fuel Capacity: 14.5 gallons
      • EPA Mileage Estimates: 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway