2022 Nissan Rogue Sport

The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport is a compact SUV that slots in below the automaker’s larger Rogue.

Sharing part of its name and a number of available features with the Rogue, the Rogue Sport sees no notable changes for the 2022 model year.

This five-seat crossover SUV is offered in S, SV, and SL trim levels, all powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive costs $1,500 more.

With 141 horsepower on tap, the Rogue Sport won’t light an enthusiastic driver’s flame, but its ​​28-mpg combined rating with front-wheel drive means it makes a decent fuel-saver. All-wheel-drive is slightly thirstier at 27 mpg combined.

The Rogue Sport boasts a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and mostly good marks from the IIHS. Automatic emergency braking is standard, while an adaptive cruise control system is on the options roster.

Model Lineup

The Rogue Sport range begins at $25,685 for the base S trim level, which is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic emergency braking, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility plus Bluetooth connectivity. Its interior wears cloth upholstery and it’s available in a wide array of exterior colors, some of which cost extra.

The more popular Rogue SV costs $27,650 and it adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and an automatic climate control system, while adaptive cruise control, synthetic leather seats, and a surround-view camera system are bundled together in an option package for about $2,000.

Topping the lineup is the Rogue Sport SL for a little over $30,000, which includes 19-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery, plus the option to add a sunroof, Bose audio, and driver-side seat memory.

All in, the Rogue Sport tops out around $34,000 in SL trim with all-wheel drive, optional equipment, and extra-cost exterior paint colors.

Exterior

The Rogue Sport breaks little stylistic ground, but its clean lines have long-lasting appeal and can be accented with an unusually wide range of paint-color options. Its styling isn’t as sporty as its name, but the Rogue Sport is a pleasant-looking choice in a crowded sea of SUV options.

SV and SL models have tinted windows that lend a dressier look, plus upsized 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

Inside, the Rogue Sport is simple and convenient. Its 7.0-inch touchscreen is perched up high on the dash, and it’s flanked by control knobs and buttons, and it sits above climate controls for a clean, symmetrical look. Black and neutral colors can be accented by optional brown for a more classic look.

The front seats can be power-adjusted and heated on higher-trim Rogue Sport models. They have good bolstering and soft enough padding that helps take the edge off of a grueling highway commute. Rear-seat riders have fairly tight door openings and a modest 33 inches of leg room, so shoppers who need lots of space may want to step up to the larger Rogue.

Cargo space is good given the modest exterior dimensions, topping out at a maximum of 53 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions

The 2.0-liter inline-4 under the Rogue Sport’s hood is tuned more for frugality than performance. Acceleration is leisurely, especially with a full load of passengers and their cargo. The 4-cylinder puts out 141 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque, which means a 0-60 mph run of about 10 seconds. That’s definitely on the slow side for a compact SUV.

On the plus side, the CVT mostly operates in the background aside from some droning during passing and hill climbs.It also offers simulated manual gears for descending hilly terrain.

Ride quality is good, especially with the standard 17-inch alloy wheels thanks to their tall sidewalls. The Rogue Sport is relatively small, which gives it crisp, nimble handling around town.

Add all-wheel drive and the Rogue Sport becomes a surefooted winter or rainy day cruiser, though its limited ground clearance and those available large wheels won’t take it very far off-road.

The optional adaptive cruise control system is an asset for highway haulers given how well it reacts to other vehicles and lane markings.

Final Word

The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport will be the economy-car replacement for many drivers. It’s efficient in size and in fuel economy—and it’s best in SL trim, with its long list of features.

—by Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection