5 things you must know about the next-gen 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport

The next-generation 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport has debuted as the 2021 Nissan Qashqai in Europe. The US-spec all-new compact SUV should be quite close to the European car. Here are five things you need to know about the third-gen Rogue Sport/Qashqai that could arrive in U.S. showrooms sometime next year.

Bolder & more elegant

The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport has a bolder and sharper exterior that evolves from the second-gen model. Slim, full-LED matrix headlamps with boomerang-shaped LED DRL flank an enlarged V-Motion grille. The more prominent grille and the sportier bumper make the SUV reminiscent of the Nissan Ariya.

The profile is athletic and dynamic, with a signature ‘kick’ in the beltline and bigger, 20-inch alloy wheels. The rear fascia isn’t all that different from the old model. The design of the tailgate, windscreen, bumper, and tail lamps leave a very familiar impression. The new LED taillights look edgier and contribute to making the exterior look sharper.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport draws heavily from the design of the new Rogue for a sleek and upscale cabin. There’s nothing out of the ordinary, and the design can be deemed fit for an everyday budget compact SUV.

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With the full-model change, the third-gen Nissan SUV is adopting many new in-car technologies. Customizable 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, 10.8-inch head-up display, 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, 15-watt wireless charger for smartphones, and USB-C ports are among the notable mentions.

Bigger in every direction

The bolder design is complemented by bigger dimensions for an even better road presence. The next-gen Nissan Rogue Sport is 35 mm (1.4 in.) longer, 32 mm (1.3 in.) wider, and 25 mm (1.0 in.) taller. 20 mm (0.8 in.) of the extra 35 mm (1.4 in.) length is accounted for by the wheelbase. The cargo space behind the seats is 50 liters (1.8 cu. ft.) more than in the previous generation model, and that’s partly because of a 20 mm (0.8 in.) lower floor.

First model based on revised CMF-C platform

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Nissan has developed the 2022 Rogue Sport on the new CMF-C platform, and the next-gen model’s body-in-white weighs 60 kg (132 lbs) lesser. The all-new model has an updated Macpherson strut set-up at the front and the rear. Configurations with 2WD drivetrain layout and up to 19-inch wheels have a torsion beam rear suspension, while configurations with AWD drivetrain layout and 20-inch wheels have a multi-link set-up. Nissan says that it has improved the steering response and the feeling around the central part of the steering range compared to the old car.

Electrified as standard

In Europe, Nissan plans the new generation SUV with only hybrid powertrains. It offers a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine featuring 12-volt mild-hybrid technology in 138 hp FWD/MT, 158 hp FWD/MT, and 157 hp AWD/CVT configurations. A 188 hp E-Power series-hybrid system is also available, but only in front-wheel drive, which will come available next year. The powertrain options for the USA and Canada are to be ascertained.

The e-Power system uses a Lithium-ion battery and powertrain integrated with a 155 hp MR15 1.5-liter gasoline engine, power generator, inverter, and 188 hp electric motor. The driver can choose from three drive modes: Standard, Sport, and Eco.

Nissan says that the Qashqai e-Power accelerates quicker than hybrid (parallel hybrid) rivals and with a lower engine rpm, which means quieter and more comfortable driving. The company has equipped the e-Power variant with the e-Pedal technology that allows the driver to start, accelerate, and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster displays the energy flow of e-Power.

Nissan Rogue Sport NISMO expected

Marco Fioravanti, VP – Product Planning, Nissan (Europe), has suggested that a Nissan Rogue Sport NISMO (Nissan Qashqai NISMO) is possible in the third generation. Asked if there is a potential for a performance variant with NISMO branding, he told Autocar.co.uk:

I cannot communicate anything about that today, but I am smiling.

Marco Fioravanti, VP – Product Planning, Nissan (Europe) commenting on the possibility of a Nissan Rogue Sport NISMO (Nissan Qashqai NISMO)

Fioravanti made it interesting, stating that the next-gen model’s life cycle will be longer and that “there will be some surprises.”

A speculative rendering from KDesign AG on Behance is one way the Nissan Rogue Sport NISMO (Nissan Qashqai NISMO) could look like. The souped-up compact crossover sports shiny radiator grille inserts, closed-off lower grille, lower and sharper front bumper, horizontal LED front fog light strips and red highlights. Exclusive to the NISMO SUV is black alloy wheels in a unique design and red brake calipers. Interior changes may include sports seats and pedals, distinctive upholstery and trim, and special graphics on the screens.

Featured Image Source: Nissan