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The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport is here. Well, sales are yet to start, but the crossover had its debut and we know everything about it. This is a smaller version of Nissan Rogue, the best-selling subcompact crossover in the US. Since it replaced Select trim level, we consider Rogue Sport as the independent model. And the latest facelift confirmed it. The company is developing it apart from the standard Rogue.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport is coming with a new design language. This is a US version of the new Nissan Qashqai, which is one of the most popular models in Europe. Whatsoever, differences are large, so we can’t talk about rebadging. The fresh design introduces a new front fascia. Also, the rear end will get some tuning. Under the hood remains a 2.0-liter unit. This was a disappointment since fans were talking about the drivetrain we can find in new Altima. Well, the old boy still can offer 140 hp, which is enough for the subcompact category.
2020 Nissan Rogue Sport Hybrid
The announcement about the drivetrain specs left most fans asking – why is Nissan is waiting with the hybrid model of a subcompact crossover? Well, not too many other companies are bothering with these kinds of vehicles. This class is already fuel friendly. However, the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport hybrid would push the bar to incredible levels. Currently, the petrol unit is returning up to 32 mpg for highway drive. With the electric motor, these numbers could go up to 40 mpg combined. Light body and not a powerful engine are the key. Still, in the future, engineers can combine the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a battery to get more miles and power.
2.0 Engine is the Only Option (For Now)
So, the main drivetrain for the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport remains a 2.0-liter inline-four mill. With 140 hp and 150 lb-ft, it is not creating the wow effect. Well, none subcompact crossover can’t meet the demands of buyers that look for high outputs. Still, the engine works fine, although Nissan needed to retune it. At first place, all fans expected the replacement of a CVT transmission. With it, the crossover returns 25/32 mpg if the power goes to front wheels. All-wheel drive was a surprise when the Rogue Sport appeared for the first time. Now, this version is very popular, especially with some other companies are leaving their subcompact models without AWD configuration.
No New Petrol Engine With More Power For the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
We expected a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from Nissan Altima to take the position under the hood of the new Rogue Sport. But, engineers couldn’t make it fit. Well, buyers could appreciate 50 hp boost. It would make an immediate impact since turbocharged units creating similar outputs are coming with the high bill for maintenance. Still, this engine is also using a CVT gearbox, which is the major downside of this segment.
2020 Nissan Rogue Sport Facelift
The main changes on the vehicle we show in Chicago are the new grille, headlights, and fresh set of alloy wheels. Well, the new 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport will also add two more exterior colors (Orange and Lime Green). Remaining paintjobs are carried over. With the V-motion grille comes the new look of bumpers. DRLs are between LED headlights and fog lights, at corners of the front fascia. Besides the standard setup, buyers can enlarge wheels to 19-inchers. At the back, everything is pretty much the same as before, except taillights.
Interior
The lack of space is the major downside of all subcompact crossovers. Nothing is different from the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport. The rear bench is tights and it will be a problem if you need to take five passengers. On the other hand, the front row is a bit more spacious. Besides that, the new layout is offering a lot of buttons and knobs. The touchscreen display is the same for all trim levels. The cabin is all black, which is pretty elegant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. Well, the standard offer is far from acceptable. The good thing about that is a low price. Finally, if you need more features and equipment, pick a higher trim level. The base crossover is S, SV is a mid-range, and the SL comes with the most systems and additions. It even offers Bose audio, but not as a standard feature.
2020 Nissan Rogue Sport Price and Competition
The new subcompact crossover debuted, but the company didn’t unveil the price list. After the redesign, we can only expect a price bump. How much the facelift is worth, we will see. The starting cost will definitely be over $23,000 (without destination). SV adds $2,000 and SL $4,000. AWD is another $1,500.
The new 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport will face competition in Japanese models – Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-V. Ford EcoSport and Jeep Renegade are the home-grown best-selling crossovers. Do not write off Kia and Hyundai as well.
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