Automakers rarely install half- year-model updates. If they do choose to do these updates, they are usually minor and not worth mentioning. The 2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport is looking to change this perception.
The 2018.5 Rogue Sport now includes standard safety equipment which was the basis of the update. The new additions were necessary but also come with a price increase. The safety additions include automatic emergency brakes, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alerts. The top of the line SL trim has standard adaptive cruise control while it is optional on the mid-level SV trim. The safety updates are aimed at improving the Rogue’s safety ratings and competing with its rivals.
The 2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport has three available trim levels: S, SV, and SL. All trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 141 hp and 147 lb-feet of torque. it is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission(CVT). Front wheel drive is standard with an optional all-wheel-drive system.

Trims

Besides the new safety updates, the 2018.5 Nissan Rogue Sport comes nicely equipped with standard features that buyers desire. The base S model includes 16-inch steel rims, cruise control, a backup camera, air conditioning, Bluetooth, USB, Siri iPhone control, a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, a four-speaker CD player system and split rear seats that fold, slide, and recline.
The SV trim steps up to 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, keyless ignition, automatic headlights, a cargo management system, a six-speaker radio system, power driver’s seat, roof rails, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The top SL trim boats 19-inch wheels, leather steering wheel, fog lights, leather interior, heated mirrors, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, remote start, a 360-degree view camera system, GPS navigation, and NissanConnect telematics.
The optional SV Technology package adds the standard features from the SL trim to the SV trim. The optional S appearance package adds 17-inch wheels among other features to the base S trim. The optional SL premium package upgrades to a sunroof, lane assist, LED headlights, and the newly added safety equipment.

Driving and Comfort

The Rogue sport is not the fastest car in its class but it has adequate power for average driving needs. It is also stable at all speeds. The brakes are solid and predictable. The brake pedal has a firm confident feel. When traveling at 60mph, the Rogue can stop within 115 feet. The Rogue has good overall handling, especially in traffic and tight spaces. The CVT provides for smooth acceleration and has improvements over the previous type CVT’s.
The cabin is quiet in town and on the highway. The ride is comfortable and the climate control system does an effective job in all conditions. The cabin is roomy and functional with good forward visibility. This vehicle can easily seat four adults. The controls in the cabin are conveniently located to make executing commands from the dashboard very simple. You also have the option of controlling many functions of the infotainment system with the steering wheel controls. For a subcompact crossover, the Rogue has tall doors which makes it easy to enter and exit the vehicle. This is an excellent benefit for taller than average adults.
The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows the driver to put the steering wheel in a variety of positions for comfort. The six-way power driver’s seat can be adjusted to a wide range of positions for maximum comfort. The interior is made of quality hard plastics that have an attractive look.
The Rogue Sport has excellent cargo space. This space can be really increased if the rear seats are folded down. Cabin storage is also good with a variety of strategically placed bins and cubbies. The Rogue has more cargo space than its competitors. With the rear seats down, it has 61.1 cubic feet of cargo space and 19.9 cubic feet of space behind the back seats. The rear seats have LATCH points and tether points standard to fit two car seats. If necessary, it is possible to install a third car seat.

Safety

The 2018.5 Rogue Sport has not been tested by the United States government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) or the private Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS). It does include a full range of standard front, side, and standard airbags which are complemented by the addition of new safety aids. All trim levels also include standard traction control and stability systems. The regular 2018 Nissan Rogue received a four out of five-star rating from the NHTSA and was a top pick by the IIHS. It is expected that the 2018.5 Rogue will perform just as well if not better. So if you are in the market for a Rogue Sport and value safety, opt for the 2018.5 model.