Small SUVs, including compact and subcompact SUVs, are a large and popular segment. They are a practical vehicle to use, so it pays to make an informed decision when buying a new one. Consumer Reports took a look at the options currently available, and the top two are the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2020 Hyundai Kona. Coming in a very close third, though, is the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport

Consumer Reports selected the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport as one of its 10 best SUVs under $30,000. It looked at Consumer Reports-recommended vehicles from 2020 and compared their overall scores. Consumer Reports rated the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport third out of 14 among subcompact SUVs, giving it an overall score of 78 out of 100.

In its review, Consumer Reports felt that the Rogue Sport isn’t any sportier than the standard Rogue. It’s smaller but also slower. It is described as “more mature and substantial” than competitors, although it has a more youthful vibe than the standard Rogue. The Nissan Rogue Sport has a smaller size and price than the Nissan Rogue. It is about a foot shorter and more compact.

Consumer Reports gives a positive, but not overly enthusiastic, review of the Rogue Sport, saying the “powertrain is pleasant though not overly powerful” and the cabin noise level is “reasonable.”

It did like the handling as well as the controls and infotainment system. It wasn’t as positive about the rear seat or the acceleration. Consumer Reports found the Rogue Sport to be “secure but uninspiring.” The Rogue Sport currently has a starting price of $23,430.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport’s powertrain

The Rogue Sport has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 141 hp. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission. The engine’s power is adequate, but it does take 10.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 MPH. That’s similar to competitors, but still not that speedy.

Consumer Reports’ tests of the Rogue Sport got 26 MPG overall, which is a bit lower than the EPA ratings. Those ratings had found 28 MPG for the front-wheel drive version and 27 MPG for the all-wheel drive version. Either way, the Rogue Sport’s fuel efficiency doesn’t set it apart from its competitors.

Inside the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport

The Rogue Sport’s cabin is pleasing, featuring piano black trim and nice cloth seats with textured inserts. A power-adjustable driver’s seat is available on even mid-trim levels, but Consumer Reports found the front seats to be squishy and not that supportive. The rear seat is low and lacking in thigh support.

The cargo area is a bit small, even for a subcompact SUV. The S trim has 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 61.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, according to U.S. News. The SV and SL trims have a little less cargo room, with 20 cubic feet or 53.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Safety and technology in the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport

In a new update for 2020, all trim levels come standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360. Along with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, that also includes lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. A 360-degree-view camera is also available.

The infotainment system has a little five-inch screen, which can be upgraded to a seven-inch touchscreen. The system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Consumer Reports found that the Rogue Sport is a practical everyday SUV that’s both quiet and “substantial,” although it isn’t spacious or super fuel efficient. While Consumer Reports may not have been gushing about the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport, the compact SUV doesn’t have any dealbreakers. Instead, it offers a solid choice for everyday driving.