Flash Drive

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport

August 9, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport SL AWD

Slightly smaller dimensionally than the Rogue, the new 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport provides the perfect size and utility for active urban lives, featuring responsive handling and maneuverability.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 141 horsepower 147 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 24-mpg city/30-mpg highway/27-mpg combined

Base Price: $27,420

As Tested: $31,240

Performance:

Smooth highway ride

Quite agile off-road

AWD lock

Eco mode button

Good fuel economy; our best was 29.8 highway

The missing 12-inches were taken from behind the front doors.

Blind spot monitor warning lights on “A” pillars

Comfort:

Two temperatures heated front seats

Driver power lumbar support

Heated steering wheel

Nicely contoured, flat bottom leather steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Sufficient rear seat room if fronts are up slightly

Tight middle position due to no shoe room

The Rogue Sport interior is well appointed and comfortable. The excellent steering wheel has a flat bottom.

Low to medium floor hump

Soft rear armrest with two cupholders

Ample front legroom

Good headroom

Dual zone HVAC controls

Soft headrests

Utility:

Flat cargo floor

Additional storage under floor

Ample liftgate clearance

Split rear seats fold flat

Large glovebox, but no lock

Small sunroof

Medium size, but deep console bin

The SL trim level includes handsome 19-inch alloy wheels.

Medium to small front door bins

Small rear door bins

Large seatback pouches

Hard, sliding sunvisors

Excellent satellite radio

WOW Factors:

Good size; not too big or too small

Smooth highway ride

Ample cargo capacity

Quality interior materials and design

Whines:

More horsepower would be nice

A side by side shot of the Rogue (right) and the Rogue Sport (left) illustrates the size difference.

Smallish door storage bins

Better looking than most Nissan SUVs, but still needs help up front

Bottom Line:

The new 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport is a five-passenger version of the popular seven-passenger Rogue. The Rogue Sport is 12-inches shorter overall, but only two-inches less in wheelbase. The ride is smooth for a compact SUV. The Sport weighs about 200 pounds less, but gives up 29 horsepower. If the Rogue Sport had the same 170 hp as the regular Rogue it would better fit the “sport” moniker.