?2017 Nissan Rogue Sport?
An Unsanforized Version of the Popular Nissan Rogue

Nashville, TN – Nissan North America has billed this year as the ?Year of the Truck?, and the latest new vehicle to emerge as part of that theme is the all-new Nissan Rogue Sport, which brings to the Rogue clan a more diminutive, sportier (as the name implies) and more affordable offering.

I?ve questioned the name Rogue as the term generally refers to an unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable sort; a scoundrel or rascal, or something large, destructive, and anomalous or unpredictable. The Nissan Rogue is Nissan?s number one selling vehicle and is perhaps the exact opposite of all of the above. It is not large, destructive or unpredictable and it exhibits an elevated level of control. It is an example of Biokenetic Synchronicity, which is the harmonious blend of exterior visual clarity, dynamic strength and smart premium in one design package, while the interior showcases protected comfort, smart premium and meaningful efficiency.

Size really does matter to some consumers., and In terms of its size relativity, remember Goldilocks and the three bears? Nissan?s full size SUV, the Armada would be Papa Bear, the popular Murano would best be likened to Mama Bear, and the Rogue, which was Nissan?s first entry into the small crossover segment back in 2008 filled the role of Baby Bear. The Nissan Rogue Sport takes over that slot in a slightly smaller form. In terms of its purpose, the Rogue Sport is very reliable and predictable, and as already stated, it features an elevated level of control through its advanced systems and features.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport comes in the same levels of trim as the Rogue: the base S; a more upscale SV; and the top-of-the-line SL model. The Rogue is perhaps more family oriented, while the Rogue Sport fills a more fun-to-drive role for singles or couples. The Rogue Sport?s wheelbase is 2.3-inches shorter, its overall length is 12.1-inches less, the width is shaved by .4 inch, and the height is reduced by 5.1-inches. Head, leg and hip room is minimally less, while cargo space shrinks more significantly, but still provides up to 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 2nd row seat and up to 61.1 cu. ft. with 2nd row seat folded down. The Rogue Sport does not offer third row seating.

The new Rogue Sport offers the same comprehensive suite of Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield technologies including Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention.

The power source for the Nissan Rogue Sport is a 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder transversely mounted front engine with a Continuously Variable Timing Control System and Direct Injection that produces 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm while developing 147 pound feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Motive energy reaches either the front wheels (FWD) or available all four (AWD) through Nissan?s Xtronic? CVT transmission with Eco Mode switch and four-wheel limited slip and Hill Start Assist.


Visually, the Rogue Sport features a distinctive ?emotional geometry? design combining a curvaceous, compact body with powerful fender volume and a bold athletic, wheel-oriented stance that delivers a robust and agile aura.

My test 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport was in SL trim with the Platinum Package and in the AWD configuration. The exterior was sprayed in Monarch Orange metallic, with the interior done in Charcoal. The base price was set at $27,420., while the final sticker totaled $31,365. after factoring in the SL Premium Package, Platinum Package, floor mats and Destination and Handling. Base pricing runs from $21,420 S FWD to $27,420 SL AWD. AWD is $1,350 over FWD.

Available comfort and convenience features Include: leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, SiriusXM? Satellite Radio (SiriusXM? subscription required, sold separately) and available Divide-N-Hide? Cargo System, RearView Monitor, Siri? Eyes Free, NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, a 7.0-inch color touch-screen display and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. Also available is the advanced Around View? Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Intelligent Cruise Control.

SUMMARY: The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport SL AWD is light on its feet (okay, wheels and tires), while delivering a very flat, stable and controlled ride quality. The steering displays a positive and direct reaction to drive input. The ride quality is on the firm side, but remains comfortable and compliant even when pushed. It is also relatively quiet.

Tennessee?s back roads outside Nashville provided a chance to showcase the Rogue Sport?s enhanced agility, and it was highly maneuverable in both urban and suburban environments.

In summation, this new addition to the Rogue family provides yet another ideal vehicle for a different set of consumers. In addition to its affordability, its sinewy form and character lines showcase a pleasing and alluring look.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport SL AWD

Base Price: $27,420.
Price as Tested: $31,365.

Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder with Continuously Variable Timing Control System and Direct Injection.

Horsepower (bhp): 141 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 147 @ 4,400 rpm

Transmission: Xtronic? CVT with Eco Mode switch and four-wheel limited slip and Hill Start Assist.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / AWD

Suspension: Front – Independent strut with coil springs and 23 mm stabiizer bar.
Rear ? Independent multi-link with 19.1 mm stabilizer bar.
Brakes: Power-assisted four wheel vented discs with ABS, EBD, VDC, TCS and G-Sensor w/AWD.

Tires: Bridgestone Ecopia 225/45 R19 92V mounted on 5-?V?-spoke alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 104.2 inches
Length Overall: 172.4 inches
Width: 72.3 inches
Height: 63.3 inches
Curb Weight: 3,300 lbs.
Turning Circle: 36.9 ft.
Approach Angle: 17.3 degrees
Departure Angle: 28.2 degrees
Breakover Angle: 17.7 degrees
Step-in Height: 17.1 inches front / 17.8-rear
Fuel Capacity: 14.5 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.33
0 – 60 mph: Not tested.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.