At 27 MPG combined, the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport AWD with its 2.0L four-cylinder won’t win any hypermiling competitions. But that number is perfectly acceptable, even appealing, for its target demographic: young urban and suburban dwellers needing practicality, all-weather capability, and a dash of style on a budget. These buyers value reliability, ease of parking, and available technology more than chasing maximum efficiency. They understand the tradeoff between AWD confidence and burning a few extra gallons of gas, and the Rogue Sport delivers that tradeoff in a neatly packaged form.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 26 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the Rogue Sport’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) with simulated gear steps (AV-S7) works to keep the engine in its most efficient range. On the highway, the engine settles into a more relaxed state, leading to slightly improved fuel economy. Remember that these are test results and can vary significantly based on driving style, traffic conditions, and even terrain.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates an annual fuel cost of $1,600 for the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport AWD. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a blend of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Of course, your actual fuel expenses will depend on how many miles you drive, where you drive, and local fuel prices. Those who drive significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, or where gas is more expensive, should expect to exceed this estimate. Those who drive less or live in areas with lower gas prices may spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers offer a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. People report slightly lower figures in areas with frequent hills or with aggressive driving. Factors like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even cargo weight can impact your MPG. Don’t be surprised if your average is around the low- to mid-20s in mixed driving, especially with the AWD system engaged regularly. Consistent highway cruising should bring you closer to the EPA’s 30 MPG estimate.

How it compares

The 2017 Rogue Sport’s fuel economy is competitive within its class, though not class-leading. The Honda HR-V with AWD, for instance, achieves a slightly better 29 MPG combined in real-world testing. The Mazda CX-3 also offered better fuel economy. The Toyota C-HR (FWD only) achieves an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined. Buyers often compare all Nissan fuel economy data like this against these other options.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are key. The Rogue Sport’s CVT is designed to optimize fuel efficiency, but can be sensitive to abrupt changes in throttle input. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary hard stops and starts to keep the engine operating efficiently.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, every few weeks, and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. This simple task can make a noticeable difference.

Consider your driving mode. The Rogue Sport may offer different driving modes that prioritize fuel efficiency. Experiment with these modes to see if they improve your MPG without significantly impacting performance. The AWD system inherently reduces fuel economy, so use it judiciously when not actually necessary to maximize ROGUE MPG across all years.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The more weight the vehicle carries, the more fuel it consumes. Remove unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger compartment to reduce the load on the engine and improve overall efficiency.

Plan trips strategically. Combine errands into a single trip to minimize cold starts, which use more fuel. Choose routes that avoid heavy traffic congestion, which can lead to excessive idling and reduced MPG. By making small adjustments to driving habits and route planning, you can improve your Rogue Sport’s fuel economy.