2020 Nissan Rogue Sport SUV

Starting at a price of $24,580 for the basic format, the Nissan Rogue is surely an affordable option that goes straight against the market share of the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Soul. Appealing stance and bossy presence are the virtues that have given this engineered frame a high rank on that captivative index. As per its skimming analysis, it tends to seem like a worthy one to champion the segment.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport comes in three different trims namely S, SV, and SL that can be availed of in both FWD and AWD layouts. The price tag begins at $24,580 for the lowest trim and goes up to $31,100 for the range-topping sibling. The reason behind such gaping is pretty evident as the base S comes with Manual Air Conditioning and Cloth Seat touches that get better with the Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning and Leatherette Upholstery respectively in the SL variant. There is a slight difference in wheel muscularity as well with 16" x 6.5" Steel format for the base S, 17" x 7.0" Aluminum Alloy for SV, and 19" x 7.0" Aluminum Alloy for the SL.

Though one can pinpoint many features what’s more fascinating than the rest is the safety portrayal throughout the trim tree which includes the likes of the Vehicle Dynamic Control, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Collision Mitigation, and counting, right from the most primitive sibling. This is so inspiring that one can even overlook its other demerits if any. The Automatic High Beams Headlights and Bluetooth hands-free phone system are other assists that are also normal among all of them. On the whole, the Nissan Rogue Sport is a promising prospect for its price range.

Which Trim should you buy?

With three trims to choose from, the most viable option comes out to be the mid-tier SV that has a perfect blend of both interior engagement and comfort within a reasonable price increment. The base lacks some basic features while the top-most costs a little for the same. The 6-Speaker Audio Unit with 2 additional tweeters and Power-Adjustability for seats are some of the values that make such a difference. Though one does not get heating function as a standard in this trim yet this does not stain its overall picture.

Unlike its trim variation, the Nissan Rogue Sport is powered by the same configuration of 2.0L Inline-4 throughout the hierarchy that churns out the power of 141hp @ 6,000rpm and a torque of 147lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm. But one can opt between FWD and AWD layout as far as power delivery to the wheel is concerned. This whole setup is in coupling with a CVT that is not a performance booster rather enhances daily city rides with its smooth and seamless gear shifting. Registering 9.8 seconds for accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph and 17.4 seconds for a quarter-mile further bolsters the statement. The top speed is also restricted to a mark of 120 mph as its peak which is comparatively low among the rivals.

The cheapest yet the most accelerating and fastest in the lot is the Kia Soul with 8.4 seconds for the 0-60 mph mark and 16.5 seconds for the quarter-mile. It even aces the high-speed maneuvering with its top speed of 128 mph which is 8 mph more than the Nissan counterpart. It is followed by the HR-V which is as reputed as the former. Despite having lower figures, the HR-V manages to deliver in real-time circumstances. Therefore, it is an indication that Nissan has to revisit the hood to make necessary amendments to match the benchmarks.

How well does the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport handle?

Since when you design something that allows you to carry more and fit in extra, you also welcome some undesired dynamics by default that need further extension for counter measuring. That’s exactly what happens with the Nissan Rogue Sport because of which it is difficult to drive around high-curve tracks and paths. In addition to that, one also has to go through massive diving which follows when hard braking is applied. 

But to curb these uncertainties and undesirables, the Rogue Sport comes equipped with the Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control System with which it gets that contact patch and traction it needs. Moreover, the Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering reduces the driver’s efforts, and multi-link suspensions in the rear make sure the ground clearance remains intact even when loaded at full capacity. Hence, one can say that it drives decently on a regular basis with its mechanical attachments and corresponding smooth-shifting CVT.

2020 Nissan Rogue Sport Braking Performance

The foundation will be in shambles if one does not receive an efficient braking system to limit the power surge he/she is empowered with when throttled to the bottom. Though the figure regarding braking travel is not available for the machinery, the 11.7-inch vented disc rotors in the front and 11.5-inch ones in the rear are expected to be performing as expected with their abilities to dissipate heat as swiftly as possible. The 4-wheel ABS and Hill Hold Control further expand the possibilities with the Brake Assist. 

Lack of data does impede the progress towards a conclusive analysis but one can gauge and come up with some important observations that might make a ground for comparison. For instance, the Nissan Rogue Sport, having the highest weight transfer at its disposal, is bound to have the biggest rotors among all with other assistive assets to bring the SUV to halt within the minimum possible travel. The pressure does go off a bit when the Kia Soul is brought because of the same reason.

Considering the towing capacity and payload, one should not be expecting a mileage that is out of the world for such SUVs to achieve. That being said, the returns of 25 mpg in the cities, 32 mpg on the highways, and 28 mpg overall by the Nissan Rogue Sport don’t seem to be an underappreciated deal yet the figures could have been a bit more when compared to its rivals. But the 14.5-gallon fuel tank fills that void by noting a range of 464 miles in favorable driving conditions.

Others like the HR-V and Soul are not way too behind the Nissan logo in their range coverages and a better fuel economy of 30 MPG by the HR-V puts it on the top of the segment. The Kona, meanwhile, does offer an efficient powertrain but its fuel tank size brings a margin of nearly 30 miles with the Rogue Sport, thereby staining its image. Hence, the HR-V gets the podium with a close call and uncertainty of being ousted from the position.

The Nissan Rogue Sport packs a mixed review of interior accents and cabin. This is so as the base trim is defiant in a few inspiring features while the SL is top-notch in all those deficient. The cloth-trimming over seats remains their feel in both S and SV which is replaced by the leather upholstery in the SL. Unlike accents, the Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning goes on to add the SV trim this time in its list and the same is true for power-assist seats too. The 6-way manual driver seat in the base also improves with 8-way flexibility with an additional power-heating that has been kept exclusive for the SL. In the end, comes the Smart Device Integration and Remote Keyless Entry that are standard throughout the structure that fill the blanks for tech-ends.

There is no denying that the top-tier trim of the Rogue Sport is self-sufficient, however, it is cabin space management, rear-row specifically, where the charm seizes to radiate. Figuratively, it can accommodate 5 passengers but the rear-row is a cramped one making that fitting a not-to-remember one for sure. The Hyundai Kona also has a somewhat similar build-up, meanwhile, the HR-V and Soul are two much-appreciated organizations for one’s long hauling comfort. They have the highest cargo volume of 24.2 cu-ft as well. 

Some of the features are:

• Smart Device Integration
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• Heated Front Bucket Seats
• Power-Adjustable Seats
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Full Cloth Headliner

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Nissan Rogue Sport has been given an array of assets for one’s entertainment inside the cabin but with little variations as per trim levels. Beginning with the 6-Speaker Audio Unit in the S trim would be relevant to highlight the claim that adds 2 additional tweeters as we move up the trim scale. The Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio are some functional propositions in both S and SV but SL further extends this list by including a Navigation Unit, SiriusXM Traffic, and SiriusXM Travel Link. Apart from such details, one does have some neutrality in offering too with the NissanConnect that comes in conjunction with the 7” touchscreen display unit. 

Some of the features are:

•  6-Speaker Audio Unit
• Apple CarPlay 
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Android Auto 
• Navigation Unit
• 7” touchscreen display unit
• SiriusXM Traffic

A slight brushing of bodylines and creases on the hood and sides along with a trapezoidal-shaped chrome-accented grille is what starts the descriptive tone of the Nissan Rogue Sport. The silhouette looks bulky but the curves around the edges metamorphs that into a bossy appearance. Either they are 16" x 6.5" Steel Wheels or 19" x 7.0" Aluminum Alloy Wheels, the masculinity remains unblemished and the Projector Beam Headlamps further boost that stance. Moreover, one can spot lip spoilers in the rear too for dynamic functionalities throughout the trim hierarchy but roof rack rails start to be standardized SV onwards.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport is the heaviest and widest SUV among all the rivals which is why it is harder to handle if tech-assists are scrapped off. However, the ground clearance of 7.4 inches can be praised keeping the fully laden situations in mind. On the other hand, the Kia Soul is comparatively more compact and a light feather that is an added advantage in going around the tight corners. The torque shifts and weight transfer would also be easier to curb for the same. The rest also gels well within the same scale as that of the Kia while the Nissan needs to shed some weight. 

Some of the features are:

• 16" x 6.5" Steel Wheels
• Chrome-accented grille
• Projector Beam Headlamps
• Roof Rack Rails
• Lip spoiler

By far the most impressive pursuit in this whole lineup is the safety guide one gets when he/she owns a Nissan Rogue Sport. Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Monitor, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and Collision Mitigation are some of the advanced features that are available at your service right from the base trim itself. Handling sophistication does improve when Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control System are brought into the discussion. Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags in pairing with other assists make the inside of the cabin equally capable on all fronts. With all these active features, an overall 4-star rating by the NHTSA and “Good’ in all parameters by IIHS gives wings to its status. 

Some of the features are:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind-Spot Monitor
• Intelligent Lane Intervention
• Collision Mitigation
• Vehicle Dynamic Control
• Traction Control System

2020 Nissan Rogue Sport vs. 2020 Honda HR-V

Both Nissan Rogue Sport and Honda HR-V are capable of delivering what is needed from such machinery but the question that arises here is which one delivers better and the positive response inclines towards the HR-V for its better fuel economy and corresponding performance curve. The spaciousness inside the cabin is also more balanced than the Rogue Sport. Therefore, HR-V is a better value for money between the two.

2020 Nissan Rogue Sport vs. 2020 Hyundai Kona

Though Hyundai Kona is quite the same in terms of space management, it lags behind Rogue Sport in all the rest sections including the range practicality and performance dynamics. The safety assurance, one is entitled to, with the Nissan is also exemplary that tends to shift the propensity towards it. Competitively priced yet a significant difference in virtue puts the Nissan Badge on the hot seat and gives an edge over the other. 

2020 Nissan Rogue Sport vs. 2020 Kia Soul 

Probably the cheapest yet the most offering SUV in the lot is the Kia Soul. It is relatively better in all aspects, be it compactness, spaciousness within, acceleration, economy, and whatnot. There is hardly any number where it does not perform beyond one’s expectation. Its looks are somewhat a matter of subjectivity while that of the Rogue Sport is universally accepted but apart from that, there is no pothole to pinpoint in this engineering. 

The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport is definitely a nice proposition to consider and invest in. With such a set of safety assists and comfort, one can’t shun it outrightly. The price also comes within one’s affordability. But it is simultaneously advisable to look for the HR-V and Soul before finalizing it.