Tech Update: The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport

The 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport.

About a year ago, our now-former Phoenix Bureau tested the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport, pronouncing it a worthy competitor to small crossovers like the Toyota CH-R and the Honda HR-V.  That hasn't changed, but for 2018, some other things did, and for the better:

2018 Nissan Rogue Sport.

Nissan's being very aggressive about making its Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield suite available in cars at size classes and price points where such accident-preventing, life-saving tech isn't common yet.  And now, the Rogue Sport gets those technologies, including Forward Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention.

All this, in a vehicle with a starting price of $22,110.  That's impressive.

2018 Nissan Rogue Sport interior.

Our tester was the mid-line SV with all-wheel drive.  MSRP is $25,090.  Stepping up to the SV adds 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, intelligent key with pushbutton ignition, power outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators and an eight-way power driver's seat with two-way lumbar support.

Apart from $275 for a package of carpeted floor mats, a cargo area protector and a first aid kit, there was only one option---the SV Technology Package.  For 2018, it blends the 2017's SV all-weather package with last year's SV Premium Package, delivering heated front seats, remote engine start, intelligent climate control, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, a leather-wrapped shift knob, heated outside mirrors, Nissan Connect with navigation, mobile apps and services, an intelligent around-view monitor and intelligent cruise control for $2,420.   Not long ago, navigation alone cost that much.

With $975 destination charges, the bottom line was $28,760.  For a smooth-riding, feature-laden small crossover with an EPA estimated fuel economy average of 24 city/30 highway.  That is very solid value, indeed.  In fact,  that may leave room in your budget to go all the way and get the Rogue Sport SL AWD.   Base price there is $28,540 (with destination, it'd be $29,565) and you get 19-inch wheels and leather seating surfaces.  All nice vehicles, all made better by Nissan's push to get its Intelligent Safety Shield in as many garages as possible.