The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport occupies a curious niche in the automotive landscape. A subcompact SUV positioned between the truly diminutive and the more spacious compact offerings, it aims to deliver a blend of practicality, style, and affordability. But does it hit the mark? Let’s delve into the details.
Performance and Handling:
- Peppy Engine, Uninspiring Drive: Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 141 horsepower, the Rogue Sport offers adequate pep for city commutes. However, don’t expect thrilling acceleration, especially when merging onto highways or tackling inclines. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) delivers smooth shifts but contributes to a somewhat numb driving experience.
- Comfortable Ride, Composed Handling: On the flip side, the Rogue Sport boasts a comfortable ride quality, effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections. Handling is predictable and surefooted, making it a capable companion for navigating urban environments.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency:
- Decent MPG Ratings: The Rogue Sport achieves reasonable fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive variants see a slight dip to 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. While not class-leading, these figures should satisfy budget-conscious drivers.
Interior and Comfort:
- Spacious Cabin for its Size: Despite its subcompact classification, the Rogue Sport provides surprisingly ample space for passengers and cargo. The cabin feels airy and uncramped, offering comfortable seating for four adults, with decent headroom and legroom even in the rear.
- Cargo Flexibility: Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 19.9 to 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on trim level. Folding the seats expands this to a respectable 53.3 to 61.1 cubic feet, making it suitable for weekend getaways or grocery hauls.
- Mixed Reviews on Material Quality: The interior design leans towards a functional aesthetic, with a blend of soft-touch materials and harder plastics. While some reviewers appreciate the straightforward layout, others find the material quality lacking compared to some competitors.
Technology and Features:
- Standard Features Cover the Basics: The base S trim comes equipped with essential features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a suite of safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
- Higher Trims Offer More Refinement: Opting for the SV or SL trims unlocks upgrades like heated seats, a sunroof, navigation, and a Bose sound system. However, the infotainment system remains a weak point, with outdated graphics and a clunky interface.
Overall Value:
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport starts at an attractive price point, making it a budget-friendly option in the subcompact SUV segment. It offers decent fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and a surprisingly spacious cabin. However, it comes with compromises in terms of driving excitement, interior refinement, and infotainment technology.
