2022 Nissan Rogue Sport Pros vs Cons

The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport is a part of the growing subcompact SUV class. There are many things that this vehicle gets right, but there are a few significant problems that drivers need to be aware of as well. While it is ultimately up to what your specific needs are, many shoppers will find that the pros of the Rogue Sport do manage to outweigh the cons.

What's New for 2022?

There are no changes made to the Rogue Sport in 2022. Last year, the SUV got standard alloy wheels but not much else. Experts think that this SUV is going to be fully redesigned for the 2023 model year, which would explain the lack of changes seen now.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport – The Pros

1. Wide Variety of Technology Features Available

The Nissan Rogue Sport is intended to be an affordable SUV. For some vehicles, this means going light on technology and safety features. The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport has a respectable amount of standard equipment, however, including smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Satellite radio is also included, along with a 7-inch touchscreen. Top models of the Rogue Sport are equipped with navigation and a premium eight-speaker sound system.

2. Impressive Cargo Capacity

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Rogue Sport beats out most of its competitors. There are 23 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and a maximum capacity of 61 cubic feet when buyers stick with the entry-level model. These are phenomenal numbers for a subcompact SUV. If you decide to go with the midlevel or upper trim, there is less space overall. The maximum cargo capacity is 53 cubic feet, but there is a sophisticated cargo management system that helps you bring all of your gear in a safe and secure manner.

3. Highly-Efficient Standard Engine

The 2022 Rogue Sport comes standard with a 141-horsepower 2.0L engine and front-wheel drive. This will give you an estimated 25mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway. Upgrading to all-wheel drive will mean getting an estimated 24mpg city and 30mpg highway out of the Rogue Sport. These numbers beat many of the Rogue Sport's rivals.

4. Easy to Maneuver Around Town

One of the biggest draws of a subcompact SUV is maneuverability. The Nissan Rogue Sport excels in this area, giving you a tight turning radius and the ability to squeeze into the most compact of parking spaces. Not only is this maneuverability due to the SUV's small size, but it is also due to its responsive steering.

5. Extensive List of Standard Driver Aids

Choosing the Rogue Sport will mean getting more than just your average number of driver aids. Lane departure mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision mitigation are all standard across the board. As a bonus, the Rogue Sport also comes with rear automatic emergency braking and rear parking sensors on all models. Many SUVs reserve these features for their top trim levels only. Select models add Nissan ProPilot Assist, which is a sophisticated version of adaptive cruise control.

6. Surprisingly Generous Passenger Space

The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport is undeniably small, but there is a great deal of space for up to five to sit inside. The headroom is particularly impressive in both rows of seating. Although the rear legroom is not as generous, two adults could comfortably sit back there for shorter journeys. Three younger children should have no problem sharing the backseat of the Rogue Sport.

7. Head-Turning Exterior Design

If standing out from the sea of SUVs currently on the road is a priority, the Rogue Sport can help. You can choose a classic color, such as Glacier White and Magnetic Black. Or, you can really get noticed with options like Scarlet Ember, Caspian Blue, or Monarch Orange. Brilliant LED daytime running lights are standard on all models. The SL and SV also add black roof rails and turn signal integration on the side mirrors.

8. Easy to Drive and Comfortable Ride

The Rogue Sport is not an athletic SUV. Instead, it offers a comfortable ride, thanks in large part to the suspension and its ability to handle bumps in the road. The brakes are strong, which makes it easy to feel confident when driving this vehicle. That, in combination with the well-balanced steering, makes the Rogue Sport easy to drive.

9. Available NissanConnect Services

Those who buy a new Rogue Sport can sign up for NissanConnect Services. There are different plans available to meet different sets of needs. NissanConnect Services works with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to help you access features for the Rogue Sport remotely. You can do everything from start your SUV or have it honk its horn to help you find it in a crowded parking lot. Automatic Collision Notification is also included and can give you added peace of mind at the wheel.

10. Available Advanced Drive-Assist Display

The Advanced Drive-Assist Display puts all the relevant information right where you need it. You can get turn-by-turn directions, Bluetooth audio information, and even access to the hands-free text messaging assistant here. If your Rogue Sport has the advanced ProPilot Assist equipped, the Drive-Assist Display is where you can set and monitor the distance and speed between you and the car ahead.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport – The Cons

1. Engine Does Not Live Up to the Sport Name

The only engine available for the Rogue Sport is 2022 puts out just 141-horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. This is not enough to give drivers much confidence when they are trying to pass someone or merge onto the highway. In the future, Nissan should consider making a more powerful engine available for the higher trim levels.

2. Front Seats Lack Cushioning

Although just fine for shorter trips, you will notice that the front seats of the Rogue Sport are not very comfortable on longer journeys. They simply lack padding and support. Nissan gives many of its other vehicles their amazing "Zero Gravity" seats, which are some of the best ones out there. The Rogue Sport needs them added to its standard feature list sooner rather than later.

3. Continuously Variable Transmission is Loud

The CVT that comes standard for the 2022 Rogue Sport helps it be an efficient choice. That is the only nice thing that can be said about it. Not only is this transmission not very smooth, but it is also quite noisy. The overall unrefined feel of the CVT further proves that the Rogue Sport is not, actually, sporty at all.

4. Expensive Compared to Rivals

When compared to other entry-level subcompact SUVs, the Nissan Rogue has a significantly higher price tag. One could argue that this is due to its numerous safety and tech features, but many of its rivals are similarly equipped. The top SL trim level costs over $30,000 when equipped with AWD, which is quite pricey for this vehicle class.

5. Available 19-inch Wheels Ruin the Ride Quality

Select models of the Nissan Rogue Sport ride around on 19-inch wheels. While these admittedly look nice, they are not good for the overall comfort level inside the SUV. These wheels are unfortunately standard for the Rogue Sport SL, which is the most sophisticated version of the SUV.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Nissan Rogue Sport vs. 2022 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a popular and affordable subcompact SUV. It has an excellent warranty and easier-to-use infotainment features, plus a more engaging drive. Unlike the Rogue Sport, the Kona has an available engine upgrade that makes the acceleration much more satisfying. On the other hand, the Rogue Sport has significantly more cargo space, which makes it a more practical choice for some drivers.

2022 Nissan Rogue Sport vs. 2022 Honda HR-V

Another popular choice in this segment of the market is the Honda HR-V. It is not particularly powerful, but it manages to be even more fuel-efficient than the Rogue Sport. The HR-V also has a bit more space in the second row. At the same time, the Rogue Sport has more standard features than the HR-V. Buyers will need to look near the middle of the HR-V's trim list if they want the same things that the entry-level Rogue Sport gives them.

Conclusion

The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport is a perfectly respectable choice for many sets of driving needs. If this SUV is in fact redesigned for next year, Nissan should prioritize making improvements to the performance. Either a more powerful standard engine or an available upgrade should be made available, if not both. The CVT should be re-tuned or replaced. Nissan should also reevaluate its starting price and potentially offer a new entry-level model with a more competitive price.