Comparison: Outlander Sport vs Rogue Sport (used)

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs Nissan Rogue
(Note: The Nissan Rogue Sport we were able to get our hands on had a starting price of $23,999* and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport we could find to evenly price match with was $23,249*. Later in the review we will explain why we had to enclose this note.)

We decided to do a new vs old review. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has been on sale for some time now and has been given moderate updates here and there but the engines are both tested tried and true. Nissan has been in this segment for a while as well with their European Qashqai which wasn’t sold here until now. They’ve renamed it Rogue Sport in hopes to lure in buyers who want a crossover but in a smaller more urban friendly size. We definitely had to do a comparison test, old vs new.

Performance: The Nissan Rogue Sport comes with a 2-liter four-cylinder which pumps out 141hp. When we first reviewed the Rogue Sport it was front-wheel-drive and we thought it was perfectly fine in that configuration. However, the version we have now is all-wheel-drive and the traction is there. It does provide plenty of confidence on slippery surfaces but the problem is the engine feels anemic and with the extra weight of the all-wheel-drive it really doesn’t help. The Rogue Sport is fine around town and can keep up with faster paced traffic, our only gripe is that we wish that the turbo engine from the Juke was offered here. It would make the Rogue Sport more enticing and also help the Rogue Sport live up to the ‘sport’ in its name.

The Outlander Sport does come with two engine choices. The standard 2-liter four-cylinder pumping out 148hp was the version we were looking for but the examples (the dealers) had would’ve pushed the Outlander Sport price way below that of the Rogue Sport and made the comparison a little unfair. We opted for the 2.4 instead and well it still feels like an unfair comparison considering the 27hp difference between the two of them. The engine however is more flexible than the Rogue Sport and while the running costs are too much higher, we still appreciate the added power to match with the weight of the all-wheel-drive system.

Winner: The Outlander Sport won this not because it had the most horsepower but the engine doesn’t feel as anemic as the in the Rogue Sport. We tested the Outlander Sport with the 2-liter engine and all-wheel-drive and even in that configuration it didn’t feel as sluggish as the Rogue Sport.

On the road: The Rogue Sport does feel lighter than the Outlander Sport, this helps make the Rogue Sport easier to drive around tight urban streets. We love how the steering isn’t overly but does enough to provide feedback where it matters. You can chug the Rogue Sport around and it handles pretty good considering the higher center of gravity and the fact that despite the lack of horsepower it is much more fun to drive the Rogue Sport fast than the Outlander Sport. We managed to do the same run with the Outlander Sport and while it is the more powerful vehicle here, the steering isn’t where it should be and the handling is not as composed. We know that most people won’t be chugging these crossovers into bends and corners like hatchbacks but it is nice to have a decent handling crossover and the Rogue Sport definitely trumps in that aspect. Both have low wind and road noise and both are easy to live with in general. It was a little hard to come to decision and just called a tie here.

Behind the wheel: Where the Outlander Sport fails is the driving position. It feels like you have to have long arms because the seat doesn’t offer upright seating comfort that the Rogue Sport does. The dashboard layout is simple and easy to navigate through thanks to the large touch screen infotainment system. It isn’t as crisp as the one in the Rogue Sport but we do appreciate the fact that it is a lot easier to navigate through. Space in the rear seat is tied between both. We appreciate the visibility being good in both but the Rogue Sport easily takes the win for this one.

Equipment: The Rogue Sport came fitted with all-wheel-drive, automatic headlights, keyless entry with push button start and multi-zone climate control. 17-inch alloy wheels, rear-view parking camera and integrated roof rails also came standard.

The Outlander Sport came fitted with Xenon-headlamps, premium sound system by Rockford-Fosgate, auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror and leather seats. All-wheel-drive was fitted as well as dual-zone climate control and a rear-view parking camera.

Winner: The Rogue Sport and Outlander Sport both lack the active safety features that should be standard but the Outlander Sport wins hands down on the value for the money factor.

These are two different approaches to crossovers. The Rogue Sport is the more modern option compared to the Outlander Sport which feels like its age. We loved how the Outlander Sport had the more flexible engine and was the more comfortable to drive around town, but the Rogue Sport was way more enjoyable to drive in the city but felt out of its depth on faster paced roads. Picking between the two of them merely comes down to what you desire the most, the newest and more modernized or the value for the money. We love the Rogue Sport but you can get so many of the Outlander Sports at dirt cheap prices.

Winner: The decision to pick a winner really did fall on deaf ears as both loved the Rogue Sport the most and most arguments were in favor of the on-road dynamics of the Rogue Sport and the fact that it is a better overall package. The only argument that could be presented with the Outlander Sport is better reliability, lower prices and higher standard kit. We eventually came to the conclusion that the Rogue Sport will fit everyone. It has a lot going for it in terms of low-running costs and the easiest to live with. We just wish that Nissan made the Rogue Sport live up to the ‘sport’ in its name.

Nissan Rogue Sport

Likes: The easiest crossover to live with and has very low running costs. Exterior styling and interior styling are attractive with a boot that’s generous in space.

Dislikes: The engine feels anemic and not everyone will be convinced to pay near $35,000 for a compact crossover with barely any active safety features and a sluggish engine.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Likes: It has the strongest engine between the two of them. It also came with the most standard features for a dirt cheap price.
Dislikes: It doesn’t feel as refined as the Rogue Sport. Residual values will be weak.

Engines:

Nissan Rogue
2-liter four-cylinder 141hp (AWD)

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
2.4-liter four-cylinder 168hp (AWD)

We test drive the Rogue Sport (used)

If you heard the name Rogue Sport you’d immediately think it were a turbo version of the Rogue. However, it’s more of a little brother to the Rogue. Competing with crossovers like the Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Does the Rogue Sport offering a compelling reason to sway buyers away from some of the class best?

The sport tagline seems to be just added to spice the name up because the Rogue Sport really isn’t ‘sporty’ in the nearest form. The 2-liter four-cylinder is the sole engine for this vehicle and it only pumps out 141hp. The running costs are very low on this vehicle which should appeal to those who want a crossover but don’t want to break the bank. We just wish that Nissan offered the turbo engine from the Juke in the top of the range trim for those who may want the extra flexibility and well to be honest give the Rogue Sport a reason to call it a Rogue Sport. The engine isn’t bad at all, when you are driving at relaxed speeds and around town there’s plenty of pep in acceleration. It does feel a little sluggish on faster paced roads but it’s class average in horsepower figures and well if you want more power you’ll either have to get the Juke or step up to the more expensive Rogue.

Driving the Rogue Sport is sort of like every other compact crossover. It doesn’t feel as sharp to drive as the Mazda CX-3 and it certainly isn’t as agile either. It is very comfortable as a daily commuter car and we really love the crossover seating position. Visibility outward and around is good and the overall driving experience is more on the blah side, it does feel livelier than the Rogue but that’s mainly because of the size difference. It’s dinky dimensions makes squeezing around tight urban streets a breeze, however nothing beats the conventional hatchback. The driver’ seat and front passenger seats are very comfortable and offer decent support, while those in the second row will find both legroom and headroom is decent as well. The boot is about class average as well, it’s not the best but it does the job good enough.

Standard S trim gets rearview monitor, advanced drive-assist display and Bluetooth for your mobile device. You’ll have to step up to the SV trim to get 17-inch alloy wheels, push button ignition switch, power outside mirrors with LED turn signals and electrically operated driver’s seat with lumbar support. Top of the range SV trim gets 19-inch alloy wheels, navigation system, leather seats and Around View camera with moving object detection. All-wheel-drive is optional on all trims.

The Nissan Rogue Sport isn’t sporty but it does offer a very compelling package. It offers decent kit for the money and is very stylish, we just wish that Nissan induced more fun into the driving experience and also added the turbo engine from the Juke to standout more from the herd. It’s a great crossover with low running costs and should satisfy those who want a crossover but don’t want to break the bank.

Likes: A crossover that’s easy to park and live with in tight urban areas. Plus it has low running costs and decent standard kit; stylish inside out with a decent sized boot.

Dislikes: It’s not sporty and the engine feels anemic.

Devon’s Pick: The SV trim offers the best value for the money here. You can skip the all-wheel-drive as it’s not needed here, unless you just have to have the extra traction.

 If we could change anything: The Rogue Sport is already a decent crossover worthy of being shortlisted, however we wish that we could replace the engine in the SL with the 1.6 turbo from the Juke. Nissan would dominate the small crossover segment as it would be the only option for a turbo engine at a low price point. We know that the Juke exists but why not add an option for those who don’t like the way the Juke looks but still wants a fun to drive crossover that’s flexible and lives up to the ‘Rogue Sport’ name.

What we'd like to see (part one)

Cadillac XT5

We like the Cadillac XT5 as it is comfortable to drive with a very luxurious interior. However, what we'd like to see Cadillac do is offer the twin-turbo 3.6 from the CTS and offer it as an optional engine on the XT5. While the standard 3.6 (non-turbo) engine is decent in flexibility and running costs, however you can option for a 2.7 twin-turbo six-cylinder in the Lincoln MKX.



Nissan Rogue Sport

The Rogue Sport is a solid option in the compact crossover segment. It's stylish, roomy and has very attractive running costs. However, the most expensive trims makes the Rogue Sport look overpriced compared to some keen rivals. What we'd like to see Nissan do with the Rogue Sport is take the 1.6 turbo from the Juke and place it in the most expensive trim level. The 2-liter four-cylinder is decent but it isn't very flexible where it matters the most.



BMW Xdrive40i or X1 M

The X1 is a great little crossover from BMW. It may not be as sharp to drive as the previous generation but it still is fun to drive and affordable (if you pick wisely from the options list). What we would like to see with the X1 is a more powerful engine option. BMW can easily take the 2-liter turbo from the 3-series and add it to the X1 or even increase the output of the current 2-liter turbo engine to at least 300hp as a competitor to the GLA 45 AMG.



Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

What would be really cool is if VW replaced the SEL trim 1.8 turbo with the 2-liter turbo engine from the GTI and made it a poor mans Audi. We know this will never happen, but it would be pretty cool to see some kind of GTI Wagon sold here in the US, plus VW has nothing to lose considering they need all the sales they can get and the Alltrack is selling pretty good. It would certainly shake things up in this segment considering that most options all have similar horsepower for similar money and VW would have again the best of the segment in terms of interior and even performance.

Shortlist for compact crossovers

We pick our favorite five compact crossovers that should be shortlisted.

****This list is in no particular order. 

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

We know that the Outlander Sport is dated in terms of looks and interior, but we love the Outlander Sport for its comfortable ride and high standard kit list. We also love that you can get an Outlander Sport at discounted price. The standard 2-liter four-cylinder is best had with front-wheel-drive, while the 2.4 is the best way to go if you have to have all-wheel-drive. Our only complaint with the Outlander Sport is that Mitsubishi Dealer Network is very small and also it doesn’t really feel competitive with the rest of the offerings here. We are strictly picking this one because people do care for value and this one does have that on its side.

 Like: Roomy interior with styling that’s aging well. High standard kit list and you can pick up many with nice discounts.

Dislikes: Resale value is iffy, 2-liter engine while a workhorse of an engine; it feels very anemic at times especially with all-wheel-drive.

Mazda CX-3

The Mazda CX-3 maybe the smallest of the compact crossovers but it is certainly not small on refinement and fun to drive factors. It really is fun to toss this little crossover in bends and there’s practically no body-roll to complain of. The ride comfort is superb and the interior build quality is also what you’d expect from a Mazda. The same 2-liter engine from the Mazda3 can be had here and is the only engine available. It’s not really bad but we just wish it had a little more flexibility where it matters most, also the interior is a little on the cramped side with a boot that’s not very generous in space. Overall, this is a crossover that should be shortlisted because what it lacks in space it makes up for it in driving experience, low running costs and refinement.

Likes: Zoom-zoom lives on despite the low horsepower figures. It’s the most fun to drive in the segment. Quality is what you’d expect.

Dislikes: The rear seat is small and the boot isn’t very room either.

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul will always have a special place in my heart. It really is a funky crossover that’s really hard to ignore. We strongly suggest ignoring the standard 1.6 and going right for the 2-liter engine. It feels more flexible and the running costs are respectable. You can also get a 1.6 turbo at the top end which is actually quite fun to drive, the only thing missing is the optional all-wheel-drive which would appeal to those who may need all-wheel-drive in a smaller package. Interior quality has been vastly improved over the previous generation and has a sort of hipster feel that we like and the boot space is generous. It’s easy to park and easy to live with. The Kia Soul really is worthy of the shortlist.

Likes: The 1.6 turbo is exactly the spice the Soul needed. It’s roomy for five and has tons of standard kit for the money.

Dislikes: Steering feedback could be better. Resale value is not great. No all-wheel-drive option.

Honda HR-V

We like the practicality side of the HR-V. It features the magic seats of the Fit and the overall packaging is well worth consideration. The tiny 1.5-liter four-cylinder won’t win you any races but it will save you money at the pump. We however wish that Honda upgraded their infotainment system because it really is fiddly to operate. The best part of the HR-V is that it has high resale value, it’s the most sensible choice among small crossovers and it’s build quality is on par with what Honda is known for. The HR-V’s dinky dimensions make parking in tight urban streets a breeze.

Likes: Low running costs. The interior features tons of functionality for a small package.

Dislikes: The infotainment system is too fiddly to operate.

Nissan Rogue Sport

The Rogue Sport just went on sale and we do consider this one a worthy contender of the shortlist. The 2-liter four-cylinder is the only downside of the Rogue Sport. It could use more flexibility or the Juke’s turbo engine option could be optional here to help give buyers who may want more power a very interesting option. The Rogue Sport is easy to live with and has tons of features for a very low asking price. Some options can send the Rogue Sport price higher than the larger and roomier Rogue. All-wheel-drive is optional across the range is only needed if you have to have the extra traction.

Likes: The exterior and interior styling is very attractive. Very easy to live with and the running costs are low.

Dislikes: Steel capped wheels on the base trim. Can get expensive with options and the engine isn’t all that flexible.