These days, there’s a new question for compact crossover shoppers – how compact would you like? In 2017, the Nissan Rogue gained a little brother in the smaller Nissan Rogue Sport. In addition to sharing half a name, both promise practicality and value in a compact package. So, which is worth the test drive?
See a side-by-side comparison of the Nissan Rogue Sport & the Nissan Rogue »
What the Rogue Sport Gets Right
As the smaller of the two vehicles, the Nissan Rogue Sport is also cheaper. In base trim, the Rogue is a little more than $2,000 extra. Adding all-wheel drive is also slightly cheaper on the Rogue Sport.
The Rogue Sport is the newer vehicle, and it’s scheduled for a styling refresh in the 2021 model year. The 2021 Rogue isn’t bad looking, but its tiered headlights may not appeal to everyone. The updated Rogue Sport may be a safer styling bet.
Despite its cheaper price, the Rogue Sport keeps up on tech and features. It comes with the same active safety suite as the larger vehicle, and it gets the same 7-inch infotainment system. Both are sophisticated, and they boost the Rogue Sport’s value.
What the Rogue Gets Right
No one would call the Nissan Rogue a performance car, but it has a significant power advantage over the Nissan Rogue Sport. The Rogue’s engine makes 40 more horsepower and 34 extra pound-feet of torque, which translates into a slightly peppier drive. The Rogue also has more ground clearance than the Rogue Sport, which makes it the more likely off-roader.
In spite of its extra power, the Rogue is the more efficient vehicle. The EPA estimates that it will do up to 30 miles per gallon combined compared to the Rogue Sport’s 28 mpg combined.
As the larger of the two compacts, the Rogue gets extra space for people and cargo. Rear-seat riders have over 5 more inches of leg room in the Rogue, which makes it more comfortable for adult passengers. The Rogue also has 36.8 cubic feet of luggage space, which bests the Rogue Sport's 33.3 cubic feet
The Rogue’s interior is also the more pleasant of the two. Materials are higher quality, and clever storage nooks keep devices and belongings close by.
How Small Is Too Small?
The Nissan Rogue isn’t a big car, but it manages to feel larger than its size. Its interior makes good use of space, and it has substantially more room in the front and the back than the Nissan Rogue Sport.
The Rogue Sport comes with an appealing price tag, but it feels like the cheaper car. Second-row passengers will be less comfortable, and the Rogue Sport's powertrain is less powerful and less efficient. Its tech features are a bright spot, but we still feel the Rogue is a better value.
Our Verdict: Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is better than ever in its latest iteration, and it will be a better fit for most buyers. It’s more practical, more efficient, and more pleasant to live with. The Rogue Sport may be cheaper, but this is one instance when it’s worth spending up.
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