2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S: Compact SUV Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV, a really popular choice for folks looking for a versatile and affordable compact SUV. Nissan has been making some serious waves in the crossover market, and the Rogue Sport is definitely a contender that deserves a closer look. If you're in the market for a vehicle that can handle your daily commute, weekend adventures, and everything in between without breaking the bank, then stick around! We're going to break down what makes this particular trim level tick, its pros, its cons, and who it's best suited for. So, buckle up, and let's get started on this comprehensive review of the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S.

Performance and Powertrain: What's Under the Hood?

Let's talk about what powers the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerplant puts out a respectable 141 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. Now, when you hear those numbers, you might think it's not exactly a powerhouse, and you wouldn't be entirely wrong. This isn't a vehicle designed for blistering acceleration or drag strip dominance. Instead, it's tuned for efficiency and smooth, predictable power delivery. It's perfectly adequate for city driving, merging onto the highway, and generally getting you where you need to go without fuss. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Nissan has refined over the years to provide a more natural driving feel than some earlier versions. The CVT helps keep the engine in its sweet spot for optimal fuel economy, which is a big win for budget-conscious drivers. The standard setup for the Rogue Sport S is front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an available option if you need that extra bit of traction for slippery conditions or light off-road excursions. While it won't win any races, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV offers a comfortable and composed ride. The steering is light and easy, making it a breeze to maneuver in tight parking lots or crowded city streets. The suspension does a good job of soaking up road imperfections, providing a smooth experience for both the driver and passengers. For those who prioritize a quiet cabin, you'll be pleased to know that Nissan has put effort into sound deadening, making highway cruising relatively peaceful. It’s important to manage expectations with this trim; it’s about sensible performance, not sporty thrills. The focus here is on a reliable, fuel-efficient powertrain that gets the job done day in and day out. If you're looking for a spirited driving experience, you might need to look at higher trims or other vehicles in the class, but for everyday usability and economy, the Rogue Sport S delivers.

Interior and Comfort: A Practical Space

Stepping inside the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV, you'll find an interior that prioritizes practicality and ease of use. Nissan has a reputation for comfortable seats, and the Rogue Sport S is no exception, especially with its standard 'Zero Gravity' front seats. These are designed to reduce fatigue on long drives, which is a fantastic feature for commuters or anyone who spends a lot of time behind the wheel. The cabin design is straightforward and functional. You won't find overly flashy materials or complex infotainment systems in the base S trim, but everything is laid out logically and within easy reach. The materials used are durable and should hold up well to daily wear and tear. The dashboard features a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While it might not be the largest screen on the market, it’s intuitive and user-friendly, offering features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This means you can easily connect your smartphone to access navigation, music, and calls. Bluetooth connectivity is also standard, along with multiple USB ports to keep all your devices charged up. For a compact SUV, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV offers a decent amount of passenger space. Front-seat occupants have plenty of head- and legroom. In the rear, space is adequate for two adults or three children, though three adults might find it a bit snug on longer journeys. The rear seats can also be split-folding (60/40), which is a lifesaver when you need to haul larger items. Cargo space is another area where the Rogue Sport shines for its class. With the rear seats up, you get a respectable amount of room for groceries or luggage. Fold the rear seats down, and the cargo area expands significantly, making it capable of handling bigger loads like furniture or camping gear. Nissan also includes clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, like a spacious center console and door pockets, adding to its overall practicality. The overall impression of the interior is one of solid build quality and thoughtful design, focusing on what matters most for everyday use: comfort, connectivity, and versatility. It’s a no-nonsense cabin that’s easy to live with.

Safety Features: Keeping You Protected

When it comes to safety, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV comes equipped with a solid foundation of features designed to protect you and your passengers. While the base S trim might not have every single advanced driver-assistance system as standard, it does come with the essentials that provide a good level of confidence on the road. Standard safety equipment includes a comprehensive suite of airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. These are the fundamental building blocks of any safe vehicle. For visibility, you get a rearview monitor, which is extremely helpful when backing up in tight spaces. The S trim also includes basic driver aids like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. This system is designed to help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions by automatically applying the brakes if it detects an imminent impact with a vehicle or a pedestrian. This is a really valuable feature, especially in busy urban environments where unexpected situations can arise quickly. Other standard safety highlights include rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. These systems act as an extra set of eyes, alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots or when you're backing out of a parking space. While some manufacturers reserve these advanced features for higher trims, Nissan has made them accessible on the Rogue Sport S, which is a big plus. The body structure of the Rogue Sport is designed to absorb and redirect impact energy in the event of a collision, further enhancing occupant protection. While it's always recommended to explore optional safety packages or higher trim levels if you desire the absolute cutting edge in driver-assistance technology, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV provides a robust set of standard safety features that offer good peace of mind for everyday driving. It strikes a good balance between affordability and essential safety, ensuring that drivers have access to key technologies that can help prevent accidents and protect occupants.

Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected

Let's talk tech, guys! The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV might be the entry-level trim, but Nissan didn't skimp entirely on the technology front. At the heart of the infotainment system is a 7-inch color touchscreen display. Now, it might not be the biggest or flashiest screen you'll find in a car these days, but it's incredibly user-friendly and gets the job done admirably. The interface is clean, responsive, and easy to navigate, which is crucial when you're driving. The real star of the show here, especially for a base model, is the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is a game-changer, folks! It seamlessly integrates your smartphone with the car's system, giving you access to your favorite apps, navigation (like Google Maps or Waze), music streaming services, and hands-free calling and texting. Say goodbye to clunky built-in navigation systems that are often outdated or expensive to update. With CarPlay and Android Auto, you're always using the most up-to-date maps and your preferred interface right on the car's screen. Beyond smartphone integration, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV comes standard with Bluetooth hands-free phone system and streaming audio. This means you can wirelessly connect your phone for calls and music without needing to plug in. There are also multiple USB ports conveniently located to keep your devices charged, which is always a plus on longer trips or for passengers. For your listening pleasure, there's an AM/FM/SiriusXM radio capability. SiriusXM requires a subscription, of course, but it offers a vast array of channels for entertainment. The audio system itself is adequate for casual listening, though audiophiles might find it a bit basic. Nissan has also included steering wheel-mounted audio controls, allowing you to adjust volume, change stations, or skip tracks without taking your hands off the wheel – a smart safety feature. While the S trim doesn't offer advanced features like a premium sound system, a head-up display, or built-in Wi-Fi, it provides all the essential connectivity and infotainment features that most drivers need and appreciate in their daily lives. It's a practical and well-executed tech package for its price point, ensuring you stay connected and entertained on the go without unnecessary complexity.

Pros and Cons: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Alright, let's break down the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV into its good points and not-so-good points. This helps you decide if it’s the right fit for you, guys.

Pros:

• Affordability: As the base model, the Rogue Sport S offers a very attractive entry price into the compact SUV segment. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t feel cheap.
• Comfortable Ride: Nissan's 'Zero Gravity' seats are a standout feature, providing excellent comfort for daily commutes and longer journeys. The suspension is also well-tuned for a smooth ride.
• User-Friendly Tech: The standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is a huge plus. It’s intuitive and makes connecting your smartphone seamless.
• Practical Cargo Space: For its size, the Rogue Sport offers a surprisingly versatile cargo area, especially with the split-folding rear seats, making it practical for hauling gear.
• Good Fuel Economy: The 2.0-liter engine and CVT combination delivers commendable fuel efficiency, saving you money at the pump.
• Standard Safety Features: The inclusion of features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard is excellent for a base trim.

Cons:

• Underwhelming Engine Power: The 141 horsepower engine is adequate but lacks punch for spirited driving or quick passing maneuvers on the highway.
• Basic Interior Materials: While functional, the interior materials in the S trim can feel a bit plasticky and basic compared to some rivals.
• Noisy Engine Under Hard Acceleration: When you really push the engine, it can get quite loud and unrefined inside the cabin.
• Rear Seat Space: While decent, the rear seat can feel a bit tight for three adults on extended trips.
• Limited Standard Features (Compared to Higher Trims): While safety tech is good, some creature comforts like alloy wheels, heated seats, or a more advanced climate control system are missing on the S trim.

Overall, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV hits a sweet spot for value and practicality. It excels in comfort and essential tech but might leave driving enthusiasts wanting more power. It's a solid choice for those who prioritize a smooth ride, good fuel economy, and essential modern features without overspending.

Who is the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S For?

So, who exactly is the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV best suited for? If you're a budget-conscious buyer looking for a reliable and practical compact SUV, this could be your jam. It's perfect for young professionals, small families, or even empty nesters who need a versatile vehicle for everyday life. Commuters will absolutely love the comfortable ride, the excellent fuel economy, and the user-friendly tech features that make traffic jams a little more bearable. If you live in an area with challenging weather, opting for the available all-wheel drive will give you that extra confidence in snow or rain. For those who appreciate a no-frills approach and want a vehicle that simply gets the job done without a lot of fuss, the Rogue Sport S fits the bill. It’s not about luxury or high-octane performance; it's about sensible transportation that’s comfortable, safe, and easy to manage. Drivers who are upgrading from a sedan and want a bit more space and a higher driving position, but don't need a large SUV, will find the Rogue Sport S to be a great step up. It offers the practicality of an SUV with the maneuverability and efficiency closer to that of a car. Essentially, if you value comfort, practicality, good fuel efficiency, and essential modern technology over raw power or premium materials, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV is a compelling option in the compact SUV market. It represents great value and delivers a solid, dependable driving experience for its segment.

Conclusion: A Sensible Choice

To wrap things up, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV proves itself to be a very sensible and well-rounded option in the competitive compact SUV segment. It strikes a fantastic balance between affordability, comfort, and practicality. While it may not be the most exciting vehicle on the road in terms of performance, its strengths lie in its comfortable ride, the excellent standard safety features, and the user-friendly technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The 'Zero Gravity' seats are a real boon for long drives, and the cargo space is surprisingly generous for its class. The fuel efficiency is another major plus, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and general use. Nissan has managed to pack a lot of value into this base trim, making it an attractive proposition for buyers who prioritize smart choices over flashy extras. The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S SUV is a testament to the idea that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a competent, comfortable, and safe vehicle. It’s a practical workhorse that’s ready for whatever your daily life throws at it. If you're looking for a compact SUV that offers great value, a comfortable interior, and all the essential modern tech and safety features without breaking the bank, the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s a smart, reliable, and comfortable companion for the road ahead.