Small crossovers have overtaken compact cars and are often the vehicle of choice for first-time car buyers. Nissan is well-positioned in the segment as it offers a trio of models: Kicks, Rogue Sport, and Rogue.
The Nissan Rogue Sport brings value to the segment and occupies a niche sub-set as well. Indeed, this model is wedged between the subcompact Kicks and the compact Rogue, giving buyers one more vehicle to consider when shopping for a small crossover.
Nissan Rogue Sport Highlights
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport is worth your consideration if you’re looking for a small people mover with a competitive starting price. Here’s what you should know about this vehicle.
1. Not a Rogue, but a Rogue Sport.
Although the Rogue Sport shares its name with the larger model (and Nissan combines sales reporting under one name), the two vehicles are different. Notably, the Rogue Sport is slightly shorter than the Rogue, although it is markedly larger than the Kicks. In other markets, it is offered as the Qashqai (pronounced “Cash’kai”), which is “migratory Turkic-speaking people of the Zagros mountains situated east of the Bakhtiari,” according to Merriam-Webster.
2. Available in three trims.
Nissan markets the 2020 Rogue Sport in three trims: S, SV, and SL. It is priced from about $24,000, including destination, with fully loaded models nudging past $30,000. Opting for all-wheel drive adds $1,350 to the cost.
3. Refreshed for 2020.
Now in its fourth year, the Rogue Sport receives a noteworthy refresh for 2020. A new grille design along with a restyled front bumper, wheels and taillights keep this model competitive in its segment. Other changes include feature and package offerings.
4. One powertrain choice.
All 2020 Rogue Sports have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 141 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. This engine works with a continuously variable transmission. The Rogue Sport is slow as its emphasis is on fuel economy. Indeed, you’ll average about 30 mpg, which is laudable for this segment.
5. Strong roster of driver-assist features.
Customers want safety features and they typically must pay extra for these items. The good news for Rogue Sport shoppers is that its Safety Shield 360 suite is now standard across all three trims. This suite is comprised of forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, automatic front and rear emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It’s unusual to find these features in a small, mainstream model. Heck, even some luxury models charge extra if they offer every feature at all.
6. Roomy for two, cramped in the rear.
The front-seat passengers should find the Rogue Sport to their liking, with ample head, shoulder, hip, and legroom. As for the back seat, few adults will want to venture there as space is tight. Consider this vehicle if you have one or two small children. Otherwise, if you drop down the rear seat, you’ll find more than 60 cubic feet of storage space and that’s perfect for week-long getaways with your significant other.
7. It nails the infotainment offering.
Nissan could have given the base model a tiny screen and left out several infotainment options. Happily, they did not. Every model has a 7-inch touch-screen display and comes with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone compatibility. You’ll also find Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and a USB port. Navigation is available.
Rogue Sport Takeaways
The Nissan Rogue Sport offers tremendous value, although its weak power may put off some shoppers. The larger Rogue has 170 horses to show for it, but it too is eclipsed by stronger models.
If style, features, and utility are important to you, then the Rogue Sport holds its own with the best. Other models to consider include the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and the Toyota CH-R.
2020 Nissan Rogue Sport Specifications
| Nissan | 2020 Rogue Sport |
|---|---|
| Segment | Small SUV |
| Price Range | From $23,000 (est.) |
| Destination Charge | $1,045 |
| Standard Engine | 2.0-liter, I4 |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 147 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Automatic |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,261 to 3,446 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 104.2 |
| Length (inches) | 172.4 |
| Width (inches) | 72.3 |
| Height (inches) | 62.5 or 63.4 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 39.6, 38.3 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 42.8, 33.4 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 56.6, 55.7 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 53.4, 46.9 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 22.9, 61.1 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | 4,340 to 4,455 |
| Towing (pounds) | NR |
| Payload (pounds) | NR |
| Fuel | regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 14.5 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 24/30/27(AWD); 25/32/28(FWD) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Kyushu, Japan |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
See Also — Rogue Sport Delivers a Difference for Nissan
If you’re looking for outlandish styling, the Rogue Sport will disappoint. In fact, the designers were careful to work with a canvas that is at once curvaceous and elegant. Inside and out, the look seems almost upscale — a far cry from the more pedestrian styles we’ve seen before.
With it, you’ll find such features as approach lighting, power outside mirrors, full power accessories, Siri Eyes Free, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
All models have a USB outlet, an auxiliary audio port, satellite radio, and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. The base model offers a four-speaker audio system with a five-inch display, the SV comes with a six-speaker system, while the SL has a seven-inch touchscreen display and satellite radio. The two top trims have Siri Eyes Free.
