2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD: Review, Specs, & More

by Alex Braham 53 views

Hey guys! Are you looking for a reliable and versatile SUV? Let's dive deep into the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD, a vehicle that combines practicality with a touch of style. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling light off-road adventures, this compact SUV offers a blend of comfort, technology, and all-weather capability. In this comprehensive review, we'll cover everything from its performance and fuel efficiency to its interior features and safety ratings, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your needs. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the ins and outs of the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD!

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD is designed to offer a balanced and efficient driving experience. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 141 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. While it might not be the most powerful engine in its class, it provides adequate acceleration for daily commutes and highway cruising. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps to maximize fuel efficiency by seamlessly adjusting gear ratios to keep the engine in its optimal power range.

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system enhances the Rogue Sport's capability, especially in challenging weather conditions. It automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels, providing improved traction on slippery surfaces like snow, ice, or rain. This feature gives you added confidence and control, making it a great choice for drivers who live in areas with unpredictable weather. The suspension system is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections to deliver a smooth and composed ride. Steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and parking lots. Overall, the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD offers a comfortable and confident driving experience that's well-suited for everyday use.

For those who prioritize fuel efficiency, the Rogue Sport S AWD delivers respectable numbers. It achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of around 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These figures make it a competitive choice in the compact SUV segment, offering a good balance between performance and efficiency. The Rogue Sport's compact size also contributes to its agility and ease of handling, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD, you'll find a well-designed and functional interior with a focus on comfort and convenience. The cabin is spacious enough to accommodate five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives more enjoyable. The interior materials are of decent quality, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics.

The Rogue Sport S AWD comes standard with a range of features designed to enhance your driving experience. These include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. The infotainment system is user-friendly and easy to navigate, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone for hands-free calling and music streaming. The rearview camera provides added convenience and safety when backing up, helping you to avoid obstacles and navigate tight spaces.

In terms of cargo space, the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD offers a generous amount of room for your belongings. With the rear seats up, you get around 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough for groceries, luggage, or other everyday items. When you fold down the rear seats, the cargo space expands to 61.1 cubic feet, providing ample room for larger items like sports equipment or furniture. The Rogue Sport also features a number of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a glovebox, and a center console, allowing you to keep your belongings organized and within easy reach.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD incorporates several technology features to keep you connected and entertained on the road. The standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system serves as the central hub for controlling various vehicle functions, including audio, navigation, and smartphone integration. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly access your favorite apps, music, and contacts from your smartphone.

Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and audio streaming, keeping you connected while you focus on driving. The Rogue Sport also features USB ports for charging your devices and playing music from external storage devices. A rearview camera is standard, providing a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up. This feature enhances safety and helps you avoid collisions when maneuvering in tight spaces.

For those who desire more advanced technology features, higher trim levels of the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport offer options such as a larger touchscreen display, a premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These features can enhance your driving experience and provide added safety and convenience.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD, and it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and minimize the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

The Rogue Sport also features a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up. This feature enhances safety and helps you avoid collisions when maneuvering in tight spaces. Higher trim levels of the Rogue Sport offer additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. These advanced driver-assistance systems can help you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid potential hazards.

The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport has received good safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the Rogue Sport an overall safety rating of four out of five stars, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick. These ratings reflect the Rogue Sport's strong performance in crash tests and its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Trim Levels and Options

The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport is available in three trim levels: S, SV, and SL. The S trim is the base model and comes standard with a range of features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. The SV trim adds features such as alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, and a six-speaker audio system. The SL trim is the top-of-the-line model and comes with features such as leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a Bose audio system, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

In addition to the trim levels, there are also several optional packages available that allow you to customize your 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport to your specific needs and preferences. These packages include the All-Weather Package, which adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, and the Technology Package, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

When choosing a trim level and options, it's important to consider your budget and the features that are most important to you. The S trim offers a good value for the money, with a range of standard features at an affordable price. The SV trim adds some nice upgrades, while the SL trim offers the most luxurious and feature-rich experience.

Pros and Cons

Like any vehicle, the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick overview of the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • All-Wheel Drive: The AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability in challenging weather conditions.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Rogue Sport delivers respectable fuel economy for a compact SUV.
  • Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and composed ride.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use and compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Spacious Cargo Area: The Rogue Sport offers a generous amount of cargo space for its size.

Cons:

  • Engine Performance: The engine can feel underpowered at times, especially when fully loaded or going uphill.
  • Interior Materials: Some of the interior materials feel cheap compared to competitors.
  • Limited Standard Features: The base S trim lacks some features that are standard on other vehicles in its class.

Final Verdict

The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and all-weather capability. It's a great choice for drivers who are looking for a versatile vehicle that's easy to maneuver in city streets and capable of handling light off-road adventures. While it may not be the most exciting vehicle to drive, it offers a comfortable ride, respectable fuel economy, and a range of features that make it a practical choice for everyday use. If you're in the market for a compact SUV, the 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons and compare it to other vehicles in its class to make sure it's the right fit for your needs.