The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport is more of a good thing
for the folks at Nissan. The Rogue Sport unveiled ahead of the 2017 Detroit
Auto Show is being billed here as an extension of the popular Rogue nameplate
that Americans can’t seem to get enough of. It unseated the Altima as the most
popular Nissan in 2016 and, pickup trucks aside, was the best-selling vehicle
in the U.S. in December.
The Rogue Sport, largely unchanged from the Qashqai,
is built in Japan and comes only to the U.S. with a 2.0-liter four making 140
horsepower and mated to a CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel
drive optional. Suspension tuning has been altered for the American market, as
well as the center console design adapted from the bigger Rogue.
Rogue Sports will come from Japan, whereas Europeans
can't get enough from the Qashqai that's produced in the UK. Canada will also
keep the Qashqai name, despite the U.S. intro of the car. In addition, the
Rogue Sport gets different suspension tuning and a new center console over the
Qashqai.
It's the same as the updated 2017
Rogue models, although the hybrid powertrain isn’t offered on the Sport. It’s a
foot shorter than the standard model and a smidge narrower, so bet on it
feeling very similar to drive. That’s not derisive, because the Rogue is an
accomplished vehicle for carting people around – even if it doesn’t incite
passion.
The Rogue Sport will come in S, SV and SL trims,
with the option of lovely leather upholstery and the Nissan suite of driver
assistance features. It’s exactly what people who live in cities probably want
from a Rogue – something admirable, but with less bulk. Nissan has another winner
on its hands.
