The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport FWD 2.0L gets 28 MPG combined, which puts it in the sensible, budget-conscious category, aligning with its core mission. It’s built for urban dwellers and empty-nesters who prioritize maneuverability, affordability, and reasonable fuel efficiency. These buyers are more concerned about parallel parking with ease than winning stop light races.

City and highway performance

The Rogue Sport’s 26 MPG city and 31 MPG highway figures illustrate its strengths and weaknesses. The 2.0L four-cylinder engine, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), is tuned more for efficiency than outright power. In urban environments, the CVT shines in stop-and-go traffic, keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. On the highway, 31 MPG is respectable, but the lack of passing power means planning overtakes is a must. This reveals this specific car’s target demographic even further, someone that isn’t doing frequent road trips. The highway MPG is not enough to be considered an ideal road trip vehicle.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,550 for the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport FWD 2.0L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices. This expense allows this car to be a true contender, because it is so low compared to other cars on the market. Buyers should consider that actual fuel costs can vary, depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a good baseline, real-world MPG often differs. The Rogue Sport’s real-world fuel economy tends to hover around the EPA estimates, sometimes exceeding them slightly on long highway stretches. However, aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and excessive idling can noticeably reduce fuel economy. Drivers in hilly areas may also see a dip in MPG, as the engine works harder to climb inclines. Across the board, users are reporting fuel economy in the range of that promised in the EPA data.

How it compares

The Rogue Sport competes in a crowded segment. The Mazda CX-3 achieves a similar 29 MPG combined with its more spirited engine and traditional automatic transmission. The Honda HR-V, another popular choice, delivers around 28 MPG combined depending on configuration. The Subaru Crosstrek, with standard all-wheel drive and a slightly less refined engine, lags a bit behind at 25 MPG combined. All Nissan fuel economy data is available, as well as ROGUE MPG across all years. Choosing the Rogue Sport over the other competitors often comes down to styling preferences, interior space needs, and the value Nissan offers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to optimizing the Rogue Sport’s fuel economy. Smooth, gradual acceleration allows the CVT to optimize engine speed for maximum efficiency. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and maintain a steady pace whenever possible.

Regular maintenance can have a surprisingly large impact on fuel economy. Ensure the tires are properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes and other services. Fouled spark plugs or a dirty air filter can negatively affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling. The engine is at its least efficient when idling. If you anticipate a wait of more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly and efficiently, and the fuel saved by avoiding prolonged idling can add up over time. A lot of city driving entails quite a bit of idling, so it is important to minimize that aspect of urban driving.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo adds weight to the vehicle, forcing the engine to work harder. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or cargo area to improve fuel economy. Even small weight reductions can make a difference over the long run.

Use cruise control on the highway. Using cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. However, be mindful of hilly terrain, as cruise control may cause the transmission to shift frequently, negating some of the efficiency benefits. The goal is to ensure that the vehicle does not have to do more work than it needs to.