2018 Nissan Rogue Sport SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport is powered by a 2.0 liter inline-4 engine producing 141 horsepower and 147 lb. ft. of torque. It is mated to a continuous variable automatic transmission (CVT) and power is delivered to the front wheels. An all-wheel drive is an option, and the SV trim was tested here. In the compact crossover SUV segment, the Rogue Sport has the most sluggish engine. The acceleration takes time even though the gas pedal is floored, and overtaking required a more precise decision-making. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a little over 10 seconds, placing it on the slower group of its class. Thankfully the transmission was not noisy during driving. Handling the Rogue Sport is a decent experience, although it does not really live up to its name. Going through corners is tidy and tight maneuvers are easier given its smaller size. The steering however did not inspire confidence as it felt heavy and returns to center longer than most. The brakes are capable of stopping the vehicle from 60 mph in 115 feet, an average yet definitely safe figure. Unlike the Rogue, the pedal did not require a longer stroke and felt responsive in driving around the city.

Technology

The S trim features Siri Eyes Free, a rearview camera, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging, a USB port, and a four-speaker sound system. There are no package options for the base S trim. The SV trim adds a power adjustable driver's seat, automatic headlights, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a six-speaker sound system. The All-Weather package includes heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, heated steering wheel, remote start, and fog lights. The Technology package adds rear cross traffic alert, navigation, voice recognition, blind spot monitoring, 7-inch touch screen, and a 360-degree camera. The SL trim includes heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, heated steering wheel, remote start, fog lights, navigation, voice recognition, 7-inch touch screen, and a 360-degree camera. The Premium package adds high-beam assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, LED headlights, and a moonroof.

Safety

There are no IIHS ratings for the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport. However, since it is virtually identical to the previous model year, it should be noted that the IIHS rated the 2017 model a -Good- in crashworthiness. It achieved -Good- marks in both the front and side crash tests. Safety features that come standard with the Rogue Sport are side airbags, rollover sensor, electronic stability control, antilock brakes, daytime running lights, and a rearview camera. The test unit in SV trim includes rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and fog lights. To attain the more advanced safety features, one has to upgrade to the SL trim and add the Premium package.

Appearance

The 2018 Rogue Sport is 172.4 inches long, 72.3 inches wide, 62.5 inches tall, and has a wheelbase of 104.2 inches. Nissan markets the Rogue Sport as a compact crossover SUV and rightly so, given its larger sibling, the Rogue, is classified as a compact SUV. Its styling is similar to the Rogue, since Nissan opted to introduce a smaller model to the Rogue lineup in the US. Visually it is a little more compact and not as stocky. The center grill is noticeably smaller and its headlights are slightly more squinted. Both the S and SV trim come optional with 17 inch wheels while the SL trim can bump it up to 19 inch wheels.

Comfort

The ride quality of the 2018 model is good enough, but the suspension has a firmer set-up. That means bumps are felt more on the road and driving around town is bearable but not exactly comfortable. On the highway, it has a decent handling, but overall, the suspension set-up is stiffer compared to its bigger brother, the Rogue. The Rogue Sport can seat up to 5 people and the front and back rows are spacious and easy to enter. Legroom at the back however can be tight depending how tall or big the legs of the passenger is. The seats come with adjustable lumbar support, but it happens to flatten out the longer the trip became. The leather seats on the SL trim are a little stiffer, but it remains much more comfortable.

Cargo

The 2018 Rogue Sport offers 19.9 cu. ft. of space behind the rear seats and it expands to 61.1 cu. ft. when the rear seats are folded down. Only the SL trim comes with the Divide-and-Hide system that comes standard in the Rogue.