2017 Nissan Rogue Sport release date, specs news: Rogue's smaller sibling designed for younger customers and urban driving

At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Nissan introduced the 2017 Rogue Sport, which is designed as a smaller sibling to the Japanese automobile manufacturer's top-selling Rogue crossover.

While the Rogue is more apt for families, Nissan has designed the all-new Rogue Sport to attract younger, urban customers. It provides more space than a sedan and has a driving experience akin to a powerful crossover. In terms of dimensions, the Rogue Sport's wheelbase is 2.3 inches shorter and it is 12.1 inches shorter in overall length. This allows the compact crossover to easily make its way through city traffic and tight parking spaces.

The 2017 Rogue Sport features an "emotional geometry" design language that combines powerful design elements with an aggressive stance. The compact crossover comes with Nissan's signature V-motion grille, LED daytime running lights, halogen headlights with auto off function, boomerang LED taillights and integrated roof spoiler. It is also available with body-color outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and heating, a power sliding moonroof, fog lights, High Beam Assist and LED low-beam headlights.

Meanwhile, inside the cabin, the all-new Rogue Sport features Nissan's "Gliding Wing" design that translates to comfortable and roomy interiors for up to five passengers. The compact crossover also features the NissanConnect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, navigation, mobile apps and voice recognition.

The Rogue Sport is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder powertrain with a Direct Injection Gasoline system, Twin Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control and the Xtronic transmission with Eco Mode. It delivers 141 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. Customers can opt for either a front-wheel or an all-wheel drive configuration.

Nissan is also offering the compact crossover with a wide array of safety features including Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport goes on sale in dealers nationwide in the spring. It will be offered in three trim levels: S, SV, SL.