The two thieves

First, let’s clear up some confusion. Nissan makes two compact SUVs. They are both called Snape. And they have very different reputations.

The Nissan Rogue has been completely redesigned for the 2021 model year. With its sharp styling, quiet cabin and responsive optional all-wheel-drive system, it has won praise from critics. For 2022, Nissan has given it a more efficient engine – a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder model that’s both more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the one it replaced.

The Nissan Rogue Sport, on the other hand, has remained virtually unchanged for five years. If you’re shopping for a compact SUV, it’s a reliable new means of transportation under warranty. But our reviewer summed up the Rogue Sport by saying, “it’s one of those vehicles that isn’t the best in class, but it sure isn’t the worst either.” It does the job. But no one praises it.

However, Nissan makes a much more distinctive SUV of similar size in other markets. It’s called the Qashqai (have fun pronouncing that one). It’s bigger than the Rogue Sport. He has a more interesting style. And, it comes in a hybrid model that we think would do quite well in the US. Thus, most observers expected Nissan to retire the Rogue Sport and replace it with the Qashqai for 2022.

They did not do it.

Same Rogue Sport, almost the same price

Instead, the US is getting a 2022 Rogue Sport exactly the same as the 2021 Rogue Sport. Which was almost the same as the 2020 Rogue Sport.

That means it’s a nice midsize compact SUV that won’t set your heart or wallet on fire. In keeping with the idea of ​​changing very little, Nissan kept prices almost the same.

And what about the Qashqai? We still expect it to eventually replace the Rogue Sport. Nissan may have held back because it’s difficult to make manufacturing changes amid a global shortage of microchips this year. But the unpronounceable is loved wherever it’s sold and has the personality that Rogue Sport lacks. So we’re confident that Nissan will make the switch when it can.

In the meantime, the Rogue Sport remains a reliable compact SUV, perhaps not as attractive as the class-leading Toyota RAV4 or even the Rogue on the same sales lot. But often easier to find and still affordable.

Rogue Sports 2022 Pricing:

Nissan charges a mandatory destination fee of $1,225 on all Rogue Sports.