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2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport SL FWD: just the right size

Published 1:30 am Friday, July 6, 2018

2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport SL FWD: just the right size
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2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport SL FWD: just the right size
2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport SL FWD: just the right size
2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport SL FWD: just the right size

The 2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport SL FWD is a “right-sized” sports utility perfect for conquering everyday urban adventures.

It comes in three well-equipped models — S, SV and SL, each in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The Sport has a 2.3-inch shorter wheelbase and a 12.1-inch shorter overall length than Rogue, helping make it more maneuverable in city traffic and an ideal size for tight city parking spaces. Other helpful city-adventure features range from up to 61.1 cubic feet of cargo space (second-row seat folded) and available innovative Divide-N-Hide cargo system.

Mid-year updates include:

• The addition of standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert for all trim levels

• Intelligent cruise control added as standard on SL grade

• And, the front grille receives a minor redesign to accommodate the radar/front camera utilized for around-view monitor, AEB and ICC systems

Rogue is Nissan’s top-selling U.S. model and even with the smaller dimensions, seats five adults without a problem — and delivered improved fuel economy, with a 32-mile-per-gallon EPA rating for down the highway driving.

Powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine mated to an Xtronic CVT automatic transmission with manual shift mode, the Rogue delivers 141 horsepower and 147 lb.-ft. of torque.

My wife and I dropped the rear seats on a recent weekend getaway to Camano Island and were able to cram the back with two medium-sized dogs, a Coleman cooler, prizes for Bunco, gifts for Father’s Day, overnight bags and tons of food. It was a squeeze, but worked.

Creature comforts were plentiful — and most of them were standard. My tester did come with a Premium Package ($1,990) that added a power sliding moon roof, LED headlamps, high-beam assist, lane-departure warning, intelligent lane intervention, and automatic emergency braking.

Standard goodies are highlighted by heated leather seats and steering wheel, intelligent cruise control, dual-zone climate control, navigation system with voice recognition, multi-view rear-view camera, Sirius XM satellite radio, pushbutton and remote engine start and more.

A four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio input jack, USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, streaming audio via Bluetooth, hands-free text messaging Assistant6 (compatible smartphone required) make the Rogue hip. It also has a number of available connected technology and smartphone integration features, including NissanConnectSM with navigation, mobile apps and services.

Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, electronic brake force distribution, four-wheel power assisted disc brakes and a vehicle security system.

All in all, the Rogue Sport delivers value, fun and affordability — not a bad triumvirate to sway savvy consumers in this ultra-competitive market niche.

Base Price: $27,190

Price As Driven: $30, 430

Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.