2017 Nissan Rogue Sport vs. 2017 Honda HR-V

 

Nissan and Honda are two of the top names in quality yet affordable vehicles, whether you're talking about their professional-looking sedans or their performance vehicles. With either of these brands, you can get an attractive, reliable, and budget-friendly vehicle.

Two of the brands' most popular models, the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport and the 2017 Honda HR-V, are now available. If you are in the market for a new crossover, you should test drive both. Before you go, here's a look at how they compare in terms of performance, features, and cost.

Small crossovers aren't necessarily powerhouses - you need to buy an all-wheel drive work truck for more demanding terrain or payloads. But crossovers do pack more of a punch than your typical sedan, and they'll give you more power and better handling if you're driving through less-than-ideal conditions, such as heavy rains, mud, or snow.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport, the trim level that's designed for performance, comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 141 horsepower. It has a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive, but you can upgrade to all-wheel drive for a little more control. The 2017 Honda HR-V has the same horsepower, but it comes with a slightly smaller 1.8-liter Inline4 engine. Though it has the same horsepower as the Rogue Sport, it has less torque, which means that you won't enjoy the same get-up-and-go on the HR-V.

The 2017 Rogue gets great fuel economy at 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. In contrast, the 2017 Honda HR-V gets 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. With the slight edge that the Rogue offers in terms of power, you give up a small amount in fuel economy, but most drivers who want enhanced performance consider the trade off to be worth it.

Neither the Rogue Sport nor the HR-V are luxury vehicles, but both offers beautiful interiors and high-tech convenience features that will make you forget that you're driving a "budget" model. 

Both offer plenty of head and leg room, but the Rogue Sport has more in the front seat while the HR-V has more in the back. The HR-V has a bit more cargo space in the back.

The 2017 Honda HR-V has standard features like a multi-view rear camera, an infotainment system with a five-inch color display, and keyless ignition. The dash has a streamlined appearance without knobs, but drivers can find that frustrating in practical use since the touchscreen can be difficult to operate. Using the controls mounted on the steering wheel often proves to be easier.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport offers standard features like satellite radio, folding rear seats, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary and USB ports, and a multi-tiered storage system. Numerous safety features are included, such as 10 air bags, a backup camera, vehicle dynamic control with traction control, a hands-free messaging assistant, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. You can get multiple extras with an upgraded trim level or package add-ons, including the Nissan Connect system for navigation and app access, a 360-degree monitor, remote engine start, and automatic dual-zone climate control.

You'll get plenty of bells and whistles with either crossover, but the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport certainly has to more to offer overall.

Both the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport and the 2017 Honda HR-V are within the affordable range for most buyers. They are mid-range models that offer the quality and features expected for the price.

The 2017 Honda HR-V starts at $19,465. There are three trim levels: The base LX, EX, and EX-L. Each trim level can also be purchased in the standard two-wheel drive or upgraded to four-wheel drive, and each can come with a manual or a continuously variable transmission.

The EX trim level starts at $21,515, and it includes extras like a larger touchscreen for the infotainment system, an upgraded sound system, a one-touch power moonroof, heated front seats, push-button start, and a multi-view backup camera.

The EX-L trim is the premium trim, and it starts at $24,940. It includes all the features of the lower trim levels plus a leather-lined interior, satellite radio, and auto-dimming mirror, and roof rails. It is also the only trim level to offer a full navigation system as an option. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission; manual is not an option.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport starts at $21,420. Some buyers might balk at the price difference for the base model, but they will understand once they take a closer look at all the Rogue Sport has to offer. The price is well worth the enhanced style, superior quality, and wider array of technology and safety features. 

The Rogue Sport also has three trim levels: The base S, SV, and SL. The SV trim level starts at $23,020, and it includes extras like 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, power outer mirrors with integrated turn signals, push-button start, and a six-way adjustable driver seat. The seat also includes two lumbar support positions.

The SL trim level starts at $26,070 and includes extras like 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the Nissan Connect system for navigation and mobile apps, leather seats, and an around-view monitor. 

It is also worth noting that the price increase on the trim levels for the Nissan Rogue Sport is not as much as those on the Honda HR-V. The price increase is lower, and you get more features.

If the lowest price is most important to you because you do not have options for coming up with the additional resources needed, then the 2017 Honda HR-V may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for the right balance of affordability and value, then the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport is likely the right choice for you.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport offers a beautiful design, a comfortable interior, advanced technology features, great performance, and strength balanced with reasonable fuel economy. Visit your local Nissan dealership to take a test drive and experience all that it has to offer for yourself.