Nissan is making final preparations for the debut of the new-generation Rogue which should happen in the coming months. On the other hand, a similarly named Nissan Rogue Sport which is actually a rebadged version of the global Qashqai SUV will enter the new model year with no significant upgrades. The current generation Rogue Sport arrived for the 2017 season while received a mid-cycle update for the 2020 model year. The next 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport will go on sale with just a few changes in the equipment availability as the reports claim.
Thanks to the last model year update, the Rogue Sport looks modern and comes equipped with the up-to-date tech and safety features. The Rogue Sport is fuel-efficient providing also competitive cargo capacity.
The Rogue Sport isn’t, however, sporty as the name suggests and its inline-4 engine doesn’t provide swift acceleration. The model is, however, pleasant and comfortable while riding.
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport: Design
Thanks to the recent mid-cycle update, the Rogue Sport doesn’t have much room for improvement regarding its styling. The 2020 version arrived with the revised front and rear fascias including a redesigned grille, new LED signature lights, reworked hood and additional body color options. The result is a more chiseled appearance with modern-looking styling elements.
The Rogue Sport wears the brand’s 3D V-motion grille and angular headlights. The sculpted lower fascia and hood contribute also to the model’s appearance.
The profile gets attention with the prominent character line while the tailgate area is also nicely shaped and equipped with the boomerang style taillights.
The model starts with the 16-inch wheels while the upper grades come with the 19-inch units.
Interior, equipment:
The cabin of the Nissan Rogue is less expressive than exterior. However it scores high when it comes to the passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The model is also well-equipped from the entry-level version including the brand’s Safety Shield 360 suite.
The Rogue Sport comes with fairly comfortable front seats and plenty of the headroom. The rear seat legroom is limited. The model’s cargo capacity is also decent with up to 53 cubes at disposal with the rear seats folded or 20 cubes with the rear seats up.
At the equipment level, the Rogue Sport starts with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and an array of active driver aids. The standard safety suite includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and intervention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear automatic braking.
The next-grade version adds larger 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors and more. Options include heated front seats and steering wheel, upgraded cloth or faux leather upholstery, etc.
The top-grade version comes with the 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, premium Bose sound system, surround-view cameras, navigation, standard heated front seats, etc.
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport: Performance, Efficiency
The recent reports don’t suggest possible changes regarding the model’s mechanics. The next 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport will likely return with the single-engine option in the equipment list.
A 2.0-liter inline-4 engine is connected to the continuously variable transmission which sends the power to the front wheels by default. The all-wheel drive will be available as an option in all trims. The engine makes 141 hp and torque of 147 lb-ft.
The model should also repeat a light steering, competent handling and smooth ride quality as the current version.
When it comes to the fuel economy, the model should also repeat the same EPA scores as the actual version. The front-wheel-drive version manages 25 mpg city, 32 highway and 28 combined. With the power on all wheels, the model should return 24 mpg city, 30 highways and 27 combined.
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport: Release, Price
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport should hit the market by the year’s end. The price range should stay in the vicinity of the current version. The current Rogue Sport starts from $23, 240 and reaches $30, 000. The the top-grade version which goes over $30, 000 when equipped with the all-wheel drive.
The Rogue Sport sized between the subcompact and compact class is an alternative to the models such as Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Ford Escape and Chevy Trax.