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A red Nissan Rogue parked in front of a glass-front administrative building

Edmunds Claims the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport Isn’t ‘Sporty’, But Still Worth It

The Nissan Rogue has become more versatile over the years, and as one of the brand’s more popular SUV options, it is easy to see why they would diversify it rather than create newer models to compete with it. The Nissan Rogue comes in several variations and trim levels, and if you like the idea …

The Nissan Rogue has become more versatile over the years, and as one of the brand’s more popular SUV options, it is easy to see why they would diversify it rather than create newer models to compete with it. The Nissan Rogue comes in several variations and trim levels, and if you like the idea of owning one but want something that offers a bit more fun of a driving experience, you may have been tempted to check out the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. But, if you’ve taken it for a test drive, you might find out what some review sites have already said.

Not the best or the worst

The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport received pretty neutral ratings from Edmunds, so it doesn’t stand out for being the best, but it also doesn’t stand out for being the worst. It receives a score of just 6.2 out of a possible 10, not quite high enough to make any list of recommended cars, but not abysmally low. The scorecard shows average ratings across the board, with decent comfort, storage, and driving experience, but nothing particularly notable to give the car a leg-up.

A Nissan logo seen on the back of a Rogue SUV
A Nissan Rogue at a car dealership | Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

It isn’t really that ‘sporty’

Edmunds does note that even though it is called a Nissan Rogue Sport, it isn’t particularly sporty to drive, with underwhelming throttle response and acceleration time. The website states that the car’s acceleration time is some of the worst among the 2021 compact SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of a sloth-like 10.2-seconds — and they weren’t shy in comparing this to the polarizing Toyota Prius that everyone just loves to hate on.

“The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport isn’t the “sporty” edition of its namesake, at least not by any performance measure”

Edmunds
A red Nissan Rogue parked in front of a glass-front administrative building
2021 Nissan Rogue | Nissan

Rogue Sport SV

According to the website, there are only three trim levels available for the Nissan Rogue Sport, and one stands out as being the best. For Edmunds, that was the SV trim level, which is the optimal choice for several reasons. Overall, it is modestly priced will providing all of the safety and luxury options many owners may be looking for, like heated seats and dual-zone climate control. While it doesn’t change the car’s lackluster performance, it does give it an extra edge without costing an arm and a leg.

A silver 2021 Nissan Rogue against a neutral background
2021 Nissan Rogue | Nissan

The Nissan Rogue Sport might not live up to the performance-oriented nature that the name hints towards, but it is still a decent and popular car for the price range and has quite a bit to offer if you select certain trim levels.

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