Nissan brings Qashqai to US as Rogue Sport at 2017 NAIAS
The Nissan Rogue Sport, essentially a rebadged Qashqai, made its US debut at the Detroit show, targeting urban buyers with compact dimensions and a single 2.0-litre engine option.
Nissan introduced the Rogue Sport at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, confirming the compact crossover as a new addition to its US line-up. The model is a rebadged version of the Qashqai already sold in Europe and other markets, but will use the Rogue Sport name exclusively in the US. Canadian buyers will continue to receive the Qashqai badge.
The Rogue Sport fills a gap between the smaller Juke and the larger Rogue in Nissan’s American SUV range. Its dimensions and five-door layout are unchanged from the Qashqai, making it notably smaller than the US-market Rogue. Nissan is pitching the Rogue Sport at urban drivers looking for a compact, manoeuvrable crossover with practical features.
Powertrain and equipment
All Rogue Sports use a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 141hp and 147lb ft of torque. Power is sent through Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission, with buyers able to choose between front- and all-wheel drive. There is no manual gearbox or alternative engine option for the US market at launch.
| Engine | 2.0-litre naturally aspirated inline-four |
|---|---|
| Power | 141hp |
| Torque | 147lb ft |
| Transmission | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drive | FWD or AWD |
| Wheels | 16-, 17- or 19-inch (trim dependent) |
Trim levels mirror the Qashqai, with the base S offering LED running and tail lights, 16-inch wheels, a backup camera, Bluetooth and satellite radio. The SL adds 17-inch alloys, roof rails, push-button start, power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control and a six-speaker audio system. The range-topping SLE brings 19-inch wheels, fog lights, heated mirrors, remote start, leather seats, a heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera system and navigation.
Positioning and market context
Nissan’s decision to introduce the Qashqai as the Rogue Sport reflects the growing demand for compact crossovers in the US. The model’s smaller footprint compared to the standard Rogue is expected to appeal to city-based buyers prioritising manoeuvrability and efficiency over outright space. The US launch follows strong sales of the Qashqai in Europe, where it has established itself as a segment leader.
The Rogue Sport will compete with other compact crossovers in the US market, including the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3. Nissan has not announced any powertrain updates or hybrid variants for the Rogue Sport at this stage.
