Looking to diversify their small-SUV lineup, Nissan has introduced a shorter version of its top-selling Rogue SUV, called the Rogue Sport. The Sport is dual-purpose vehicle: it gives Nissan a competitor sized similarly to the Hyundai Tucson, and it provides a slightly larger option in the growing subcompact segment, which is populated with vehicles like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3. Right now, Nissan only has the long-in-the-tooth Juke to compete with those newer sub-compact SUVs. Nissan says the new five-passenger SUV is meant to appeal to singles and young couples.
The Sport has a 2.3-inches shorter wheelbase than the regular Rogue, and overall length is 12.1 inches shorter. With the second-row seat folded the Rogue Sport has a claimed 61.1 cubic feet of cargo space, compared with 70.0 cu. ft. in the larger Rogue. With the rear seat raised, the Sport has a claimed 22.9 cu. ft. of cargo space.
All trims will use the same 141-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission, which Nissan calls Xtronic. This engine is smaller than the larger Rogue's 2.5-liter, 170-hp four cylinder. In an almost-hidden news item, Nissan announced the larger Rogue will also get an available gasoline-electric hybrid with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a 30 kW electric motor, and 176 net system horsepower.
Similar to the larger Rogue, the Rogue Sport has a variety of advanced safety features as options, not standard equipment, including blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Connectivity features include the available NissanConnect navigation/app system with a 7.0-inch color touch screen. Siri Eyes Free is standard, although there is no mention of available Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
The Rogue Sport will be available in three trim levels—S, SV, and SL. While the base S trim has some basics, it's clearly configured to provide affordable entry, with notables limited to CVT automatic transmission, LED light accents, Bluetooth connectivity, and rearview camera. The Rogue Sport SV adds 17-inch wheels, dual-zone climate controls, keyless entry and start, and automatic headlights. The SL models get leather-appointed front seats, remote engine start, heated front seats, 19-inch wheels and heated outside mirrors and steering wheel.
The Rogue Sport goes on sale spring 2017.
