?2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport SV AWD?
Repackaged Versions of the Popular Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue Sport was added to Nissan?s crossover and SUV stable at the end of the 2017 model year. The Rogue remains Nissan?s best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and the Rogue Sport version shares several of the design cues along with the utility and technological features inherent in the regular Rogue models. The Sport version for 2018.5 is slightly smaller, more sporty and affordable, focused on appealing to a younger set of urban SUV buyers than the Rogue. These consumers want more space than that offered by a compact sedan, while still seeking sporty handling attributes and overall fun-to-drive factors delivered by the Rogue Sport.


OVERVIEW

The term Rogue generally references an unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable sort; a scoundrel or rascal, or something large, destructive, and anomalous or unpredictable, but the Rogue Sport reverses that supposition, and is perhaps exact opposite of all of the above terms. It isn?t large, nor is it destructive or unpredictable and it serves up an elevated level of control. Nissan calls it an example of Biokenetic Synchronicity, which translates as being the harmonious blend of exterior visual clarity, dynamic strength and smart premium in one styling exercise, with the interior showcasing a protected comfort level, smart premium content and meaningful efficiency.

Size is a genuine concern for many consumers, and putting its size into a relative perspective, remember the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Nissan?s full size SUV, the Armada would fill the role of 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 Baby Bear role. The Nissan Rogue Sport has taken over that slot in a slightly smaller package. The Rogue Sport?s purpose combines reliability and predictability, featuring an elevated level of control through its feature content and advanced systems.

The Rogue tends to be more family oriented, while the Rogue Sport focuses on 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. Third row seating is not offered in the Rogue Sport.

MODEL AVAILABILITY

The Rogue Sport lineup consists of the same three basic trim levels or models found in the regular Rogue family: There?s the base model SE, followed by the SV trim, which is in turn topped by the flagship model SL. The standard drive configuration is Front-Wheel Drive, with AWD optionally available.

SINGULAR POWER SOURCE

Propulsion for all Nissan Rogue Sport models is provided by a front transversely mounted 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Timing Control System and Direct Injection. The horsepower rating is 141 at 6,000 rpm, with the torque rating measuring 147 pound feet at 4,400 rpm. Energy is geared to the driving wheels via Nissan?s Xtronic? CVT with Eco Mode switch and four-wheel limited slip and Hill Start Assist.

NEW PACKAGING

Packaging plays a key role in the 2018.5 change venue with only a few refinements to its optional package naming and content. The new SV Technology Package (previously named the SV Premium Package) now includes the contents of the previous SV All-Weather Package, including Quick Comfort? heated driver?s and front passenger seats, Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, leather-wrapped shift knob and heated outside mirrors. The SL Premium Package now includes the contents of the previous SL Platinum Package ? including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection.

STRONG STYLING

Visually, this latest iteration Nissan Rogue Sport carries forward its ?emotional geometry? exterior design language, displaying a strong contrast between dynamic management of volume masses along with geometric sharp edges and details. The compact body is sleek but with pronounced fender volume and a wheel-oriented stance along with bold lower body sides. The front leads off with a sporty grille as well as a sophisticated headlight design with LED signature Daytime Running Lights, halogen headlights with auto off function, and available fog lights. Also available are LED low-beam headlights with auto on/off function and High Beam Assist.


Another exterior feature is the a large rear opening and a wide rear body image ? along with iconic, sleek LED boomerang-shaped taillights and rear spoiler. Other exterior details include body-color front and rear bumpers, black wheel arches and roof molding, body-color outside mirrors with available integrated turn signals and heated outside mirrors. Also offered is a power sliding moonroof with sliding shade and roof rails.

CREATURE COMFORTS

The cabin displays Nissan?s ?gliding wing? interior design, blending a wide-open feeling with areas for personal space. Seating includes a standard 6-way adjustable driver?s seat, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with rear seat center armrest and rear seat heating/cooling center console vents. Also available are an 8-way power adjustable driver?s seat (including 2-way power lumbar support), heated front seats, leather-appointed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and heated steering wheel. Leather-appointed seating is standard on the SL grade.

The instrument panel features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges and 5.0-inch center meter color display with Advanced Driver Assist Display. The front center console includes an integral armrest and storage compartment, along with a 12-volt power outlet. Rogue Sport SV and SL grades include Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start.

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.

My test 2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport was in SV trim and AWD configuration. The exterior wore a Palatial Ruby metallic finish, with the interior done in Charcoal tone, patterned cloth. The base price was set at $25,090., while the final sticker came to $28,760. after adding for the Technology Package, floor mats, carpeted cargo area protector, first aid kit and Destination and Handling charge.

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.

OURAUTOEXPERT?S TAKE

The 2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport SV AWD is light on its wheels and tires, while delivering a very flat, stable and controlled ride quality. The steering provides a positive and direct reaction to driver input. The ride quality is on the firm side, but remains comfortable and compliant even when pushed. It is also relatively quiet.

Challenging backroads showcase the Rogue Sport?s enhanced agility, making for high maneuverability in both urban and suburban driving scenarios..

Wrapping up, this new 2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport family yet another ideal vehicle for a more youthful and active consumer group. In addition to its affordability, its aerodynamic, yet athletic form and character lines stage a pleasing and attractive styling persona.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport SV 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 stabilizer bar.
Rear ? Independent multi-link with 19.1 stabilizer bar.

Brakes: Power-assisted four wheel vented discs with ABS, EBD, VDC, TCS and G-Sensor w/AWD.

Tires: Falken Sincera SN250A A/S 215/60 R17 96H mounted on 5-?V?-spoke silver painted alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 104.2 inches
Length Overall: 172.4 inches
Width: 72.3 inches
Height: 63.4 inches
Curb Weight: 3,389 lbs.
Turning Circle: 36.9 ft.
Approach Angle: 17.4 degrees
Departure Angle: 28.6 degrees
Breakover Angle: 18.0 degrees
Step-in Height 17.1-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.