Why the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport S Interior Stands Out: A Comprehensive Review

The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport S might not be the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think of compact SUVs but the attention Nissan has put into the interior makes it worthy of consideration. This review covers everything from the material quality to the infotainment system to give you a detailed look at what it’s like sitting behind the wheel of the Rogue Sport S. If you’re looking for a small crossover that combines comfort and practicality this might just be the vehicle for you.

Interior Comfort and Design

One of the first things you'll notice about the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport S is the layout and design of its interior. Nissan has focused on making the cabin feel more modern and comfortable for everyday driving.

Seating Comfort

The seats in the Rogue Sport S are upholstered in cloth. While they’re not the luxurious leather you’d get in higher trims Nissan has done a good job of making them feel durable yet soft to the touch. The driver’s seat comes with 6-way manual adjustments which allows a decent level of customization to find a comfortable driving position. Passengers in the front also benefit from 4-way manual adjustments though taller folks might feel a bit constrained on longer journeys.

The rear seats are comfortable enough for short trips but they don’t offer as much legroom as some of the Rogue Sport’s competitors like the Honda HR-V or Subaru Crosstrek. At 33.4 inches of rear legroom it’s a bit tight for adults though fine for kids or shorter passengers.

Potential Drawback: Rear Seat Space

While the front seats are fine for most drivers the rear seats can feel cramped especially if you have taller adults sitting up front. If you’re planning to regularly drive with a full load of passengers this could be a dealbreaker.

Cabin Materials and Build Quality

The interior materials of the Rogue Sport S might not wow you if you’re used to luxury vehicles but for a crossover in this price range Nissan has done a good job. There are some soft-touch materials on the dash and doors which helps give the interior a more refined feel. You’ll find plastic trim in places but it’s not the cheap brittle plastic that feels like it’ll scratch easily.

However, there are some areas like the center console and lower door panels where the plastics feel a bit more budget. Still these are common areas where even premium vehicles sometimes use harder plastics. Alex Collantes a Nissan owner noted “It’s not the softest material but I’ve found it holds up well over time without showing wear.”

Potential Drawback: Material Choices

If you’re someone who places a high value on premium materials in your car’s cabin you might find the hard plastics in certain areas of the Rogue Sport S to be a bit disappointing.

Technology and Infotainment

For a base model like the 2021 Rogue Sport S Nissan has packed in a good amount of tech features that will satisfy most daily commuters. You won’t find the cutting-edge tech that some higher-end vehicles offer but what you do get is functional intuitive and reliable.

Infotainment System

The 7-inch touchscreen is standard and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility which makes it easy to connect your smartphone for navigation music and other apps. The display itself is responsive and relatively easy to use though it could be a bit larger especially when you compare it to rivals like the Kia Seltos which offers an 8-inch screen even on lower trims.

The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. However, the sound quality from the standard 4-speaker audio system is a bit underwhelming. It’s perfectly fine for listening to podcasts or talk radio but if you’re an audiophile you’ll probably want to upgrade to a higher trim for a better sound system.

Potential Drawback: Audio Quality

The basic audio system in the Rogue Sport S is not going to blow you away. It’s fine for casual listening but if you care about sound quality you may find it lacking.

Driver Assistance and Safety Features

Nissan is known for loading its vehicles with safety features and the 2021 Rogue Sport S is no exception. Even at the base level, you’ll get automatic emergency braking blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features are incredibly helpful and really add value especially considering that you typically have to pay extra for them in other brands' entry-level trims.

While the ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving feature isn’t available on the S trim you still get cruise control and a rearview camera standard.

Potential Drawback: Limited Driver Assistance

Though you get some great safety features the lack of Nissan’s ProPilot Assist is something to consider especially if you’re a fan of semi-autonomous driving features. It’s available on the SV and SL trims but if you’re buying the S model you’ll have to settle for more basic driver assistance tech.

Storage and Practicality

One of the key aspects that makes the 2021 Rogue Sport S appealing is its balance between compact size and practicality. Despite its smaller footprint compared to full-size SUVs it offers a decent amount of storage space for a vehicle in this class.

Cargo Space

You get 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats which expands to 61.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This is quite competitive in the subcompact SUV segment giving you enough room to carry groceries suitcases or outdoor gear. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split making it easier to accommodate longer items like skis or a bike while still having space for a passenger.

While this is decent some competitors like the Honda HR-V offer more versatile cargo solutions such as the Magic Seat which allows you to fold the seat bottoms for taller items.

Potential Drawback: Cargo Flexibility

Though the Rogue Sport S offers a decent amount of cargo space it doesn’t have the clever storage solutions found in some rivals. If versatility is a key selling point for you there are better options in this segment.

Comfort and Noise Levels

Another area where the 2021 Rogue Sport S shines is its overall comfort especially for city driving. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road which is crucial for daily commuting. However, on the highway, you might notice a bit more road and wind noise compared to some rivals.

Noise Levels

In city driving, the Rogue Sport S feels well-insulated from external noise. However, as speeds increase you may notice more wind and road noise than in competitors like the Mazda CX-30 which is known for its quiet cabin. While it’s not unbearable it’s worth noting if you do a lot of highway driving.

Potential Drawback: Road Noise

The Rogue Sport S could be a bit louder at highway speeds than some competitors. If you’re someone who values a quiet cabin you might be better off test-driving other options to see if they meet your needs.

Interior Features Breakdown

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most important interior features you’ll find in the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport S.

• Cloth seats with manual adjustments
• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added cargo versatility
• Rearview camera for parking assistance
• Automatic emergency braking blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for safety

Additional Features To Consider

While the base trim Rogue Sport S has a lot to offer upgrading to the SV trim gets you some extra comfort features like dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. And if you go for the SL trim you’ll get leather upholstery a premium Bose audio system and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport S Interior Worth It?

Overall the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport S offers a lot of value for drivers looking for a compact crossover with a comfortable interior solid technology features and practical cargo space. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher trims or luxury competitors it more than delivers in terms of everyday functionality. The seats are comfortable enough for most drivers though rear legroom could be better for taller passengers. The cabin materials while not premium are well-suited for durability and daily use.

For those looking for a well-rounded vehicle that can handle both city streets and weekend trips the 2021 Rogue Sport S deserves a look. However, if you need more premium materials or more advanced driver assistance features you might want to consider upgrading to the SV or SL trims.

As Alex Collantes put it: “It’s not the fanciest interior out there but for what you’re paying it’s hard to beat. I’ve had mine for a year now and it’s holding up great. It’s perfect for my daily commute and weekend trips.”

So is the Rogue Sport S right for you? If you’re after a practical compact crossover with modern tech and safety features it very well might be. It’s not without its flaws but for the price it’s an impressive offering.

Pros:

• Comfortable seats for daily driving
• User-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Good amount of cargo space for a compact SUV
• Loaded with safety features even at the base trim

Cons:

• Rear seat space can feel cramped for adults
• Hard plastics in certain areas of the cabin
• Basic audio system could be better
• Road noise at higher speeds can be noticeable

In summary if you’re willing to overlook a few minor drawbacks the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport S delivers a solid overall package that should appeal to a wide range of drivers.