2021 Nissan Rogue Sport

If you're in the market for a subcompact crossover SUV but you're concerned about not having enough room for your passengers or cargo, Nissan has heard you and has responded with the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. Slightly larger than the Nissan Kicks but still smaller than the Rogue on which it is based, the Rogue Sport is another subcompact in Nissan's crossover range but one that offers just a tad more room than the average. With just 141 horsepower from the inline-4 under its hood, the Rogue Sport is rather dull to drive and, despite its subcompact sizing, it doesn't feel particularly compliant or adroit. There are scores of subcompact 5-door cars in the USA, and with competitors such as the Mazda CX-30, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Kona in the market, the Rogue Sport has failed to impress.

The default 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas that powers the 2021 Rogue Sport crossover is one of its greatest failings. The diminutive naturally aspirated unit musters up just 141 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque that is then managed by a listless continuously variable automatic transmission. What power there is, is forwarded to the Rogue Sport's front-wheel drivetrain as standard, though all-wheel drive is available. As one would expect, the 2021 Ford Rogue Sport's performance is basic and mundane. Acceleration is gradual whether from a standstill or getting up to highway speeds and overtaking.

With a cabin that's slightly more modern or upscale than the Kia Soul's and with it being slightly larger than its more compact sibling, the Nissan Kicks, the Rogue Sport does have a few qualities that make it worth considering. It comes standard with a good selection of comforts and conveniences, albeit only from the mid-spec model upwards It also gets a good infotainment system with full smartphone connectivity and a comprehensive selection of advanced driver-assist and safety features that are standard as of the base model. The official safety review for the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport is good and it has, during its short tenure, established a decent track record for reliability.

Though the Rogue Sport crossover does offer a lot of value in terms of features, competing crossover SUVs, such as the Kia Soul, present similar levels of value at significantly lower prices. The Rogue Sport is also not a very pleasant vehicle to drive with its sluggish acceleration and inconsistent handling dynamics. Lastly, it lacks the kind of fuel efficiency we expect from smaller four-pot cars. All in all, the Rogue Sport, though an adequate performer with several standout qualities, falls slightly behind its core competitors in various ways. With buyers looking for the best value for their money, it just doesn't cut the mustard.

The sticker price of the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport crossover line starts at $24,160 and tops out at $28,790. That's some fairly attractive pricing, albeit a little more than the average for a subcompact crossover SUV. You receive a good amount of value from the Rogue Sport no matter, which model you go for, but we'd still give the S a skip and go straight for the top-spec SL. It's still attractively priced and comes with a really extensive array of desirable comforts, conveniences, and advanced driver-assist systems. Along with remote engine start, navigation, and leather seating upholstery, the SL also comes outfitted with Nissan's ProPilot Assist, which is a semi-autonomous driving system, adaptive cruise control, driver-alertness system, traffic-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera.