New Nissan Rogue Sport Takes Center Stage at NAIAS; Who is the New Crossover’s Target Audience?

The Nissan Rogue is the brand’s top-selling small crossover and it just got a new Sport model to expand Nissan’s audience. It’s set to hit dealer showrooms later this spring and it’s good news for consumers looking for a lower-cost option. The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport is not just another Rogue with a new nameplate. It’s smaller than the standard Rogue and comes with a lower price.

The new Rogue Sport looks like the Qashqai crossover that’s so popular in Europe. It could be ideal for singles or couples without kids, or empty nesters “who want a sportier vehicle and can live with a little less cargo capacity than the current Rogue offers” says Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America.

Smaller than the Rogue

Rogue Sport has a 2.3-inch shorter wheelbase and a 12.1-inch shorter overall length than Rogue, which will make it a capable urban commuter. It features up to 61.1 cubic feet of cargo space (2nd row seat folded) and available innovative Divide-N-Hide Cargo System to the Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD).

It’s powered by a four-cylinder 141-horsepower 2.0-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) engine coupled with a Xtronic transmission. It will be offered in S, SV and SL trims. It’s expected to compete with the Honda HR-V, Ford EcoSport and Toyota C-HR.

The new 2017 Rogue Sport shares the Rogue name, platform and numerous advanced safety and security features, but the 2017 Rogue Sport stands on its own, and should be a nimble, fun-to-drive and affordable compact SUV for urban consumers. Nissan has not announced pricing, but it will slot in under the Rogue making it a good choice for compact crossover buyers. Look for it to hit dealer showrooms this spring.

Photo credit: Nissan