2020 Nissan Rogue Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue once again comes in three trim levels. There are few changes from last year's model, and the price remains stable. This crossover is a popular choice among families because it is spacious for people and cargo. Singles and couples will put it on the list because it has good fuel economy for regular commuting.

You could call it a technophile's dream SUV. As you will see, the S has most of today's most sought-after dash technology and safety features. The SV adds more important safety tech and important gadgets. The SL provides semi-autonomous driving features, making it one of the first affordable SUVs with such a system.

Nissan loads this crossover with many features that were originated by the brand. This includes the type of seats, the cargo system, aspects of the safety systems, and more. Rogue shoppers will want to discover how different these features are from rivals.

The build is as sleek as it is muscular. Offering some fun colors, it is available in nine shades. A rear spoiler adds a bit of visual interest.

Buyers should know that 2019 was the last year for a hybrid edition. There are no more three-row editions either. That experiment ended with the 2018 models. Finally, the Rogue Sport is not a trim. It is a separate, smaller model that shares many of the Rogue's qualities.

Compare the 2020 Nissan Rogue S vs SV Trims. What is the difference?

Drivers will find Rogue handling is quite carlike. Regardless of trim level, a 170-horsepower engine is standard. The unit generates 175 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard. The S weighs about 12 pounds less than the SV, which won't make much difference in the horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission is a polished, refined unit which helps this crossover earn 33 mpg highway. Most drivers won't notice any negative difference between the CVT and a regular automatic. It can be altered with an Eco or Sport mode. City fuel economy is 26 mpg with regular unleaded.

Nissan's intelligent all-wheel drive is offered on all trim levels. It reduces highway fuel economy to 32 mpg. Regardless of drivetrain, ride quality is controlled and bumps are smoothed.

With either trim, the tow rating is 1,102 pounds. This makes it unlikely the Rogue will be used for pulling a trailer. However, the interior is a different story. Behind the second-row, the SUV measures 39.3 cubic feet. That's almost best in class. If you fold the second row, that number increases to 70 cubic feet.

The Rogue became known for its smart storage features. A unique Divide-n-Hide system give you storage areas beneath the cargo floor. You can slide the EZ-Flex seats for more space, too. Four cargo tie-downs add to the versatility. SV editions add a power-operated liftgate with a motion sensor. This gadget is considered an essential to many SUV owners.

Simple black door handles are replaced by chrome on the SV models. Roof rails are added, which makes it possible to carry cargo on top of the crossover. The side mirrors are equipped with power-defrost capability. The S 17-inch steel wheels are upgraded to lightweight aluminum. This reduces unsprung body weight. Shoppers also have the option of 18-inch aluminum wheels.

The Rogue S has more headroom than the SV because it doesn't include a power sunroof. This alters the passenger volume, reducing it from 105 cubic feet to 100.8 cubic feet. Legroom, which is generous on the second row, is the same regardless of trim level.
Both have reclining rear seats and rear AC vents. However, only the SV has dual-zone automatic controls for HVAC.

There's a pleasant mix of shapes and textures in the Rogue cabin. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel has a unique D-shape. All Rogues have whimsical dog-bone shaped cup holders. Soft touches make riders feel more at home. Mood lighting takes the edge off the night. In addition, the S charcoal cloth seats can be exchanged for almond cloth seats, adding contrast for a fancier interior look.

Drivers will appreciate an Advanced Assist display which they can customize. They have a 6-way adjustable chair to help them find the best perch for driving. The two front positions have Zero Gravity chairs. This Nissan exclusive was developed using NASA weightlessness studies. The cushioning reduces fatigue during long trips.

Keeping the four-way manual front passenger seat, SV models add an eight-way power chair for the driver. It has two-way power lumbar support. Furthermore, this trim has QuickComfort heated seats. These warm up to the correct temperature within a minute of pushing the button.

The NissanConnect system includes a 7-inch touch screen. Users can keep their hands on the wheel by utilizing Bluetooth phone and an automated text messaging system. For Android phones, Android Auto provides additional connectivity. For iPhones, Apple CarPlay extends what the system can do. In either case, you can use the voice-activated features more easily.

This also allows you to use either Apple Maps or Google Maps. It can appear on your screen, and you can control it with voice commands. Furthermore, you can access many phone-specific apps for more music and entertainment.

You can charge phones with two USB ports. A three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM expands your music choices. The S has four speakers, and the SV adds two more.

In addition to six airbags, Nissan offers the driver extra protection with a knee bolster, slide-away brake pedals, and an energy-absorbing steering column. Keeping you out of trouble is the main goal, however.

The standards include an automatic emergency brake that will respond if you don't slow when signaled by the intelligent crash warning. It also slows if it detects a pedestrian. Intelligent Lane Control warns if the wheels are heading out of the line lanes. It also helps correct the SUV's trajectory. A blind spot system signals you when it isn't safe to change lanes.

A rearview monitor and a rear cross traffic alert make parking maneuvers safer. To this, the SV adds the convenience of rear sonar. Unlike some rivals, the Rogue SV can even stop the vehicle if it senses another car. This rear automatic braking isn't even an option on the S.

The standard remote keyless entry system is upgraded on the SV. The Intelligent Key can stay in your pocket because you have push button ignition. Also, this trim provides a remote starter. The Intelligent Climate System can be set to warm or cool the cabin before departure.

High Beam Assist raises and lowers the lights while drivers keep their hands on the wheel. All Rogues also have a rear door alert. This sounds to remind you to check the backseat or cargo area for packages, pets or kids. The tire pressure monitor is especially helpful because it identifies which tire is low.

A step above the S, the S Special Edition has some of the SV essentials. This includes 17-inch aluminum alloys, power mirrors, roof rails, chrome door handles, rear privacy glass, and heated front seats like the SV. It also has a leather-clad steering wheel and shift knob. It does not have a power liftgate, almond cloth seats, rear sensors, the rear automatic braking system, or a moonroof.

Compare the 2020 Nissan Rogue SV vs SL Trims.  What is the difference?

The SL shares the same powertain as the S and SV. However, it weighs about 63 pounds more than the SV. This may be noticeable when driving, although it doesn't affect the published fuel economy or tow ratings.

SL exteriors are dressier and better equipped. These models have bigger 19-inch wheels which are lightweight aluminum alloys like the SV wheels. The top trim also gets fog lights and the option of LED headlights, while the SV versions are limited to LED taillights and LED running lights. Both trims have rear privacy glass.

Leather covers the seats in this handsome edition. Shoppers can choose between charcoal or almond leather. Other changes include chrome door handles and geometric metallic door finishers. The nine-speaker Bose system has dual woofers for premium sound.

Drivers will appreciate the auto-dimming rearview mirror and Homelink garage-door opening system. Even better, the QuickComfort seats are matched to a heated steering wheel. This is definitely a good pick for cold winters. The front passenger can be more comfortable with the SL four-way power chair. Plus, a memory system lets the driver program the mirrors and the power chair.

Available on the second tier trim and standard on the top tier, Nissan makes the touch screen bigger and adds integrated navigation. This door-to-door system includes 3D building graphics and traffic information. You can also get Sirius XM travel. A Rogue SL purchase also includes a three-year complimentary trial to the Nissan Connect Select package. In addition, there's a six-month premium plus package.

Nissan offers a panoramic sunroof as an extra on either the SV or SL. This large overhead window really opens up the cabin. Otherwise, these editions have a regular moonroof.

SV buyers can add the Intelligent SurroundView camera. This SL standard lets you check the vehicle's perimeter for obstacles. It also has motion sensors to detect large moving objects such as pedestrians with rolling carts. This system is exclusive to Nissan.

ProPilot Assist is standard on the SL, but it is offered on the SV. This system includes adaptive cruise control. It regulates the vehicle's travel in busy traffic. If the traffic is slowing or stopping, the Rogue ProPilot slows or stops. When traffic moves again, it moves again. This is extremely useful in traffic jams.

On the highway, ProPilot Assist adds lane control. This allows the Rogue to essentially drive itself. Speed is maintained and regulated for conditions. The vehicle maintains the safest trajectory between the lane lines. This leaves the driver as an overseer. While hands stay on the wheel and eyes on the road, the Rogue is doing the hard work.

Which Trim to Choose?

Many people may stop with the entry-level S due to the inclusion of critical safety tech. You could get the S Special Edition, but it seems a waste not to get the most for your money.

That's why the second-tier is called SV. That V is for value, and the Rogue SV really does earn its pricetag. Compared to the S, it's around $1,200 more, a manageable amount for most buyers. This helps make the case for buying a level up.

The SL has many fun extras, and it is dressier. However, the price difference is so great that many people will economize by sticking with the SV. If you really want the latest tech, Nissan AutoPilot may persuade you to choose the SL. This is especially true when you realize you can't get adaptive cruise control without the complete upgrade.