The Rogue vs. The Rogue Sport: What’s the Difference?
Nissan has built its reputation on expertly addressing drivers’ needs with innovative, practical, and efficient models like the Rogue and Rogue Sport. These sibling SUVs share many of the same features, but how do they differ? What distinguishes one from the other on the lot of a Nissan Rogue dealership? As your Nissan authority, we’re here to answer those questions with a closer look at two of Nissan’s best-selling SUVs.
#1 Size
Size is the most noticeable difference between the Rogue and Rogue Sport. The Rogue is a compact SUV, while the Rogue Sport is a subcompact SUV, taking everything drivers appreciate about the larger Rogue and putting it on a smaller platform. But how much smaller is it?
The Rogue sits on a 106.5-inch wheelbase and measures 183 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, and 66.5 inches tall. The Rogue Sport is comparable in width at 72.3 inches but is much shorter with its 104.2-inch wheelbase, 172.8-inch length, and 62.5-inch height. These differences dramatically impact the SUVs’ cabin size, especially with both models offering seating for five across two rows.
The Rogue is far more spacious, offering 105.4 cu.ft. of passenger volume and 74.1 cu.ft. of cargo space. In contrast, the Rogue Sport boasts 96 cu.ft. of passenger volume and only 61.1 cu.ft. of cargo room. This volume translates to less head and leg room across the front and second rows. For example, the Rogue offers 41.1 inches of headroom in the front and 43.3 inches in the rear compared to the Rogue Sport at 39.6 inches and 38.3 inches, respectively. The same is true for legroom, with the Rogue measuring 41.5 inches in the front and 38.5 inches in the rear and the Rogue Sport at 42.8 inches and 33.4 inches.
Overall, you can expect your passengers to feel more comfortable in the Rogue, especially adults who appreciate ample head and legroom. The Rogue’s larger cabin also makes it easier to haul gear and larger items, which might be an issue in the smaller Rogue Sport. For example, the Rogue might be ideal for a small family, while the Rogue Sport may better accommodate an adventurous family or couple that packs a lot of gear for outings.
#2 Performance
Nissan ensures the Rogue and Rogue Sport offer engaging driver dynamics by equipping the models with powertrains that match their size and handling needs. For example, the 2022 Rogue introduces Nissan’s all-new 1.5L variable compression turbocharged engine and updated Xtronic transmission. The new powerplant increases the Rogue’s output, churning out 201 hp and a best-in-class 225 lb-ft of torque for exceptional handling and acceleration.
The Rogue Sport’s smaller size doesn’t require as much power, so Nissan outfits the SUV with its proven 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The engine features continuously variable timing valve control that optimizes power and efficiency to deliver 141 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque. Even though this is a significant decrease over the Rogue’s output, it’s enough power to make the Rogue Sport fun to drive and agile at any speed.
#3 Efficiency
The Rogue’s larger size might imply that it’s less efficient than the Rogue Sport, but Nissan proves otherwise with its 2022 lineup. The Rogue’s all-new 1.5L variable compression turbocharged engine delivers on-demand power and a best-in-class fuel economy of 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. While the Rogue Sport might be smaller, its average fuel economy of 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway can’t compare.
#4 Price
Price is another factor to consider when deciding between the Rogue and Rogue Sport, with the 2022 models offering exceptional value with affordable starting prices. The Rogue Sport is one of the most affordable in the segment, starting at $24,960.[a] The same is true for the larger and more spacious Rogue, with its starting MSRP of $27,150.[a]
#5 Safety
Nissan sets the standard for confidence in the Rogue and Rogue Sport, outfitting every trim with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety and driver-assist features. The suite is impressive and equips the SUVs with a virtual spotter that enhances your focus, improves your visibility, and minimizes the potential for a collision. Advanced tools like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection watch for traffic and pedestrians ahead, bringing the SUV to a stop if you fail to respond to visual or audible cues, while rear automatic braking and rear cross traffic alert work similarly, monitoring the rear of the SUVs.
Additional tools in the suite include lane departure warning, high beam assist, and radar-based blind spot warning. Fortunately, Nissan doesn’t stop there and adds several more standard features to the SUVs. For example, you’ll find intelligent forward collision warning that watches two cars ahead, alerting you to slow down when it senses a vehicle decelerating ahead of you. Nissan’s standard intelligent lane intervention is also impressive since it helps keep the SUV safely in its lane, alerting you by tapping the brakes and then gently guiding the SUV back to where it needs to be.
#6 Comfort
Beyond size, the Rogue and Rogue Sport differentiate themselves in another unique way—their interior seating. The Rogue Sport is more athletic, designed specifically for those with active lifestyles. Its subcompact platform equates to a smaller cabin and minimal comforts beyond a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and a 60-40 split-folding rear seat. The Rogue, at least for 2022, is a stark contrast to the Rogue Sport and relies on a “family hub” design that provides optimal comfort.
The Rogue features Nissan’s exclusive, NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats that position you and your passengers for optimal comfort. Tri-zone climate control guarantees every area of the cabin is at the perfect temperature, while optional amenities like heated seating add a touch of luxury. The Rogue Sport’s intelligent climate control system and remote engine start give you more control over your comfort, allowing you to remotely start the engine and set the cabin’s temperature from an app on your smartphone.
The Same, Yet Different
The Rogue and Rogue Sport are two of Nissan’s best-selling SUVs, which is easy to see when you look at everything the SUVs offer. The models come with Nissan’s renowned Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies that prioritize your safety wherever you travel. These features and the use of high-strength platforms explain why the Rogue and Rogue Sport earn top safety ratings across the board.
But the Rogue and Rogue Sport are also remarkably different when you move beyond their safety and connectivity features. They are two distinct SUVs, with the Rogue Sport putting everything drivers love about the Rogue on a smaller scale. The result is phenomenal, with the Rogue and Rogue Sport carving a niche in their segments and showcasing their talents as versatile SUVs designed for specific demands.
You can’t go wrong with the Rogue or Rogue Sport because they bear the Nissan name. While the Rogue prioritizes passenger comfort, cargo volume, and efficiency, the Rogue Sport answers the need for a subcompact road warrior that’s capable and easy to maneuver. So, which SUV will you choose? You’re already off to a great start; next up is getting in the driver’s seat for a test drive so you can experience what it’s like to go Rogue for yourself.
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