The Nissan Rogue and the Nissan Rogue Sport have been two of Nissan’s strongest SUV offerings in the U.S. The Rogue Sport ended production after 2022, but it remains popular in the used market. The Rogue continues as a leading compact SUV. Both share design DNA, yet they serve different drivers. You need to know how they compare before making a choice.
What Are the Key Differences Between Rogue and Rogue Sport?
| Feature | Nissan Rogue (2023–2025) | Nissan Rogue Sport (2022, discontinued) |
| Vehicle Class | Compact SUV | Subcompact SUV |
| Engine | 1.5L VC-Turbo 3-cylinder, 201 hp | 2.0L 4-cylinder, 141 hp |
| Fuel Economy (FWD) | 30 mpg city / 37 mpg highway | 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway |
| Cargo Space | Up to 74.1 cu. ft. | Up to 61.1 cu. ft. |
| Passenger Volume | 105.4 cu. ft. | 96.0 cu. ft. |
| Length | 183 in. (~15 ft) | 172.8 in. (~14 ft) |
| Interior Tech | 8–9 in. touchscreen, digital dashboard, wireless Apple CarPlay | 5–7 in. touchscreen, no wireless CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Key Features | Panoramic moonroof, motion-activated liftgate, advanced driver-assist | Around View Monitor (optional), compact size for city driving |
| Availability | In production | Discontinued after 2022 (used market only) |
Industry data shows compact SUVs like the Rogue account for over 20% of U.S. SUV sales in 2024, while subcompact SUVs like the Rogue Sport capture about 12%. That market split explains Nissan’s decision to focus on the Rogue.
How Much Space Do You Get?
The Rogue offers nearly a foot more length and 13 cu. ft. more cargo room. Families and road-trippers benefit from the extra space. Passenger volume also favors the Rogue at 105.4 cu. ft. compared to 96.0 cu. ft. in the Rogue Sport.
The Rogue Sport works better for city drivers. Its shorter body and lighter weight make parking easier. You sacrifice space, but you gain agility in tight streets.
How Do They Perform on the Road?
The Rogue uses a turbocharged 201-hp engine. It accelerates faster and delivers 30/37 mpg, which beats many rivals like the Toyota RAV4 (27/35 mpg). The ride feels smooth and quiet, which appeals to commuters.
The Rogue Sport uses a 141-hp engine. Reviewers often describe it as weak on highways. It handles city commutes well but struggles with high-speed passing. Fuel economy at 25/32 mpg trails the Rogue despite its smaller size.
What Technology Do They Offer?
The Rogue includes an 8–9 in. touchscreen, a digital dashboard, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Premium trims add a panoramic moonroof and motion-activated liftgate. Advanced driver-assist features come standard.
The Rogue Sport features smaller 5–7 in. screens. Earlier trims lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Around View Monitor, available on higher trims, made parking easier. That feature gave it an edge in urban driving.
How Do They Compare on Price?
The Rogue competes with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Hyundai Tucson. It positions itself as a premium-feel SUV at a competitive price. Average transaction prices for compact SUVs in 2024 reached $34,000, and the Rogue fits that range.
The Rogue Sport launched at $21,600 and topped out near $31,000. Today, you find it only in the used market. It competes with the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Mazda CX-3. Used models often sell below $20,000, which makes them attractive for budget buyers.
How Do They Fit Globally?
The Rogue Sport is known as the Nissan Qashqai in Europe and Asia, where it remains a best-seller. The Rogue is sold internationally as the Nissan X-Trail. That global strategy explains their shared design but different market focus.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Nissan Rogue if you need maximum space, modern tech, and stronger performance. It suits families, commuters, and long-distance drivers.
Consider a used Nissan Rogue Sport if you want a budget-friendly SUV for city driving. It offers style, agility, and practicality at a lower cost.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if I have a Rogue or Rogue Sport?
Check the badge on the rear liftgate. The Rogue measures about 15 ft in length, while the Rogue Sport measures about 14 ft.
Q: Why was the Rogue Sport discontinued in the U.S.?
Nissan streamlined its lineup to focus on the Rogue, Kicks, and Ariya EV. The Qashqai, its twin, continues to sell strongly in Europe and Asia.
Q: Is the Rogue Sport still a good buy in 2025?
Yes. A well-maintained used model offers value for city drivers. You gain affordability and compact size, but you trade away performance.
Final Verdict
The Nissan Rogue stands as the better all-around SUV. It delivers space, comfort, and advanced features. The Rogue Sport remains a smart used-market choice for budget-conscious buyers who value agility and style.
In short:
- Rogue = Space, comfort, premium features
- Rogue Sport = Budget, agility, city-friendly design
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