2022 Nissan Rogue vs Rogue Sport

When hunting for a new crossover SUV, car shoppers should check out Nissan’s latest offerings. The 2022 Nissan Rogue and the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport are both great options. While the subcompact Rogue Sport is roomy enough for most commuters, folks who have a larger family may need the Rogue’s extra space.

For the 2022 model year, no changes were made to the Rogue Sport. On the other hand, Nissan has transformed the Rogue into a more pleasing daily-driver. Its all-new powertrain packs noticeably more muscle, thus boosting performance. However, is the 2022 Nissan Rogue really better than the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport? Keep reading this head-to-head comparison to find out.

Size and Styling

While these two crossovers are roughly the same width, the Rogue is about 10 inches longer. It’s also nearly 4.5 inches taller. Drivers who must regularly navigate tight parking areas may favor the Rogue Sport’s more compact dimensions.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue has a more accommodating interior. It’s total passenger volume is a tad more than 105 cubic feet, which trumps the Rogue Sport’s 96 cubic feet of passenger space. What really sets apart the larger Rogue is its more family-friendly backseat. When sitting in the rear of the Rogue, passengers will have up to an extra 5.1 inches of legroom. Taller adults will have noticeably more space for their knees.

Both of these crossovers give drivers enough space to spread out. While the Rogue provides 43.3 inches of front legroom, the Rogue Sport offers 42.8 inches of legroom. However, extra headroom does give the Rogue an advantage when there’s a tall person behind the wheel.

These SUVs reward drivers with an unblocked view of the road ahead. While forward visibility is good, rearward visibility can be a bit compromised. For this reason, drivers will be thankful for Nissan’s standard blind-spot detection system.

The bigger Rogue has a more sizable cargo area, which provides 36.5 cubic feet of storage space. By comparison, there’s 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the back of the Rogue Sport. Both SUVs have a folding rear seat to further expand the available cargo capacity. Like the Rogue, the Rogue Sport offers a nifty Divide-N-Hide cargo system. It enables drivers to neatly tuck away their extra belongings.

In the past, the Rogue Sport looked like a smaller variant of the Rogue. However, Nissan recently redesigned the Rogue last year. It now looks a bit more eye-catching. Noticeably thinner headlamps are found on the Rogue’s front fascia. A “floating” roof also enhances this crossover’s sleek body styling.

The Rogue Sport is an attractive crossover in its own right. Because of the Rogue Sport’s more compact body, it actually looks a tad more athletic than the Rogue, Larger 19-inch alloy wheels give the range-topping SL trim a more aggressive stance. While every Rogue trim receives LED headlights, only the Rogue Sport’s top trim level comes equipped with LED headlights.

Drivability

Last year, the Nissan Rogue somewhat lagged behind the competition in terms of performance. Nissan addressed this issue by equipping the 2022 model with an all-new VC-Turbo three-cylinder engine. This advanced engine brings more power and enhanced efficiency. Nissan tunes it to develop 201 horsepower, which is a 20-horsepower increase.

There’s also an impressive 225 lb-ft of torque on tap, which makes the Rogue more pleasurable to drive at low speeds. A 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds makes the updated Rogue significantly quicker than last year’s model. Nissan also tweaked the crossover's continuously variable automatic transmission. It now does a better job of mimicking the responsiveness of a traditional automatic gearbox.

The Nissan Rogue Sport is motivated by a traditional four-cylinder engine. Output is a decent 141 horsepower. While it also uses a continuously variable transmission, it has not been revised to improve operation.

Most people describe the Rogue Sport’s overall performance as being merely adequate. It takes this crossover more than 10 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. Upon taking the Rogue Sport for a test drive, there will be an obvious difference in power. Drivers must be careful when attempting to pass another vehicle.

Neither SUV is made for pulling hefty loads. Nevertheless, the 2022 Nissan Rogue is more suitable for the task. It can tow up to 1,500 pounds of trailer weight. Nissan lists the Rogue Sport with an 1,100-pound maximum towing capacity.

Despite being heavier and more powerful, the Rogue manages to still offer the best fuel economy. Its cutting-edge engine has helped boost efficiency to 30 mpg in city traffic and up to 37 mpg on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive drops this rating to around 28 mpg town/34 mpg freeway, depending upon the trim.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport has a government-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg town/32 mpg freeway. Trims equipped with all-wheel drive are rated to return 24 mpg town/30 mpg freeway.

The Rogue Sport’s optional AWD system enables folks living in snow-prone regions to overcome wintry road conditions. However, adventure-seeking drivers will find the Rogue to be a better option for traveling off the beaten path. Activating the SUV’s off-road mode optimizes traction of rugged trails. A higher ground clearance also makes the Rogue more appropriate for exploring the wilderness.

Most commuters will like the Rogue Sport’s composed handling on the street. While the Rogue Sport’s steering system is not very responsiveness, it’s an easy vehicle to maneuver. A rather smooth ride also helps make the Rogue Sport a comfy daily-driver. However, opting for the crossover’s 19-inch alloy wheels does result in a harsher ride.

The Rogue is a bit more fulfilling to drive. Many testers find the Rogue’s handling to be more precise. Drivers especially enjoy the Rogue’s more responsive steering system. A tighter turning radius gives the Rogue another advantage over its more compact stablemate. Even when equipped with upsized wheels, this SUV still manages to offer a pleasant highway ride.

In terms of quietness, these two models are closely matched. An acceptable amount of road and wind noise can be heard inside their cabins at freeway speeds. When accelerating hard, drivers can also expect to experience a bit of engine noise.

Comfort, Options and Performance

When it comes to everyday comfort, the 2022 Nissan Rogue ranks in the upper echelon of its class. Zero Gravity seats come standard throughout the Rogue’s lineup. Designed to reduce back discomfort, these space-age seats are among the most comfy in the business. They provide excellent support on short drives and lengthy road trips. Evaluators also applaud the Rogue for its relaxing rear seats, which can recline to offer increased comfort.

Unfortunately, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport does not receive Nissan’s wonderful Zero Gravity seats. According to some automotive critics, its front seats could use more cushioning and support. When taking the Rogue Sport on a five-hour drive, passengers will be more prone to experiencing stiffness.

Some nice creature comforts are available for both models. In contrast to most of its primary competitors, the Rogue Sport can be equipped with a heated steering wheel. Other perks include front-seat heating modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-way power driver’s seats.

A few more luxurious amenities are offered on the Rogue. When the forecast calls for cold weather, families will enjoy this crossover’s available heated rear seats. Meanwhile, remote-folding rear seats make it easier to make room for extra stuff. Tri-zone automatic temperature control and second-row sunshades are also available for the Rogue.

In terms of overall interior quality, the Rogue is a step above the Rogue Sport. There are more hard plastics found inside the Rogue Sport. Elegant touches, such as wood accents and quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery, give the Rogue’s cabin an especially premium atmosphere.

Both of these crossover SUVs are equipped with an easy-to-operate Nissan Connect infotainment system. While the Rogue Sport provides a 7.0-inch touchscreen, the Rogue Sport receives a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on both units, thus making smartphone integration a simple task.

Only the Rogue can be upgraded with a wider 9.0-inch touchscreen, which includes built-in navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. A few other high-tech goodies are also exclusively available on the Rogue. The available head-up display enhances driver safety by projecting the speedometer’s key information onto the lower windshield. Rogue buyers will also have access to a completely digital gauge cluster and a wireless phone charger.

Nissan lists the Rogue Sport with a lower MSRP. Prices for the base Rogue Sport begin at around $24,760. By comparison, the base Rogue has a starting MSRP of $27,150.

Safety

The 2022 Nissan Rogue earned four out of five stars from the federal government in terms of overall safety. However, it was chosen as a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. According to this organization, the Rogue is extremely effective at preventing forward collisions.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport has not received an overall safety rating from the federal government. However, it did earn four out of five stars in the government’s frontal crash test.

Both the Rogue and the Rogue Sport come standard with potentially life-preserving safety technologies. A few of these driving aids include blind-spot warning, front/rear auto emergency braking, pedestrian warning, and lane departure warning. While these SUVs receive a regular backup camera as standard equipment, buyers can enhance their ability to spot parking lot obstructions by upgrading to Nissan’s 360-degree Around View Monitor camera system.

Nissan also offers these vehicles with an advanced adaptive cruise control system called ProPILOT Assist. Not only can this system actively control acceleration and braking, but it also helps keep the SUV centered in its lane. The Rogue’s available ProPILOT Assist system goes a step further by adding Navi-Link, which can adjust speed when encountering curves.

Which Model to Choose?

From a performance standpoint, the Rogue is clearly a notch ahead of its smaller counterpart. A new VC-Turbo engine and a revamped transmission have greatly elevated its driving experience. Because of the engine’s unique engineering, fuel economy has increased as well. Drivers who choose the Rogue Sport will be sacrificing quite a bit of performance. Even worse, they won’t save any extra fuel.

When equipped with all-wheel drive, both crossovers will do well in snow weather. However, the Rogue is a better pick for adventure-seeking families. When venturing off the beaten path, its available off-road driving mode and extra ground clearance will prove to be valuable.

Space is another factor to consider. The Rogue certainly has a more family-sized backseat. There’s also more available cargo space in the Rogue. Furthermore, drivers seeking luxury can take advantage of this SUV’s greater selection of premium features.

While it may seem the Rogue handily wins this comparison, there are some good reasons to choose the Rogue Sport. Its more compact dimensions make it a solid option for urban dwellers. Car shoppers who are trying to stick to a budget may also favor the Rogue Sport’s more affordable pricing. Attractive exterior styling adds to the Rogue Sport's appeal.