Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Nissan Rogue, pitting the base S trim against the more luxurious SL trim. If you're in the market for a compact SUV, the Rogue should definitely be on your radar, and understanding the differences between these trims is crucial to making the right choice for your needs and budget. We'll break down everything from exterior features and interior comforts to technology and safety, so you can see exactly where your money goes. Let's get started!

Exterior Differences

When it comes to the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the exterior differences between the S and SL trims are subtle but significant. The Rogue S serves as the entry-level model, offering a more utilitarian appearance. It typically comes with standard features like LED headlights, which provide better visibility and a modern look. The wheels are usually steel wheels with covers or basic alloy wheels, designed for durability and cost-effectiveness. The body-colored door handles and side mirrors give it a cohesive look, but overall, the S trim focuses on functionality.

On the other hand, the Rogue SL kicks things up a notch with a more premium aesthetic. You’ll often find larger, more stylish alloy wheels that enhance its stance and overall appeal. Chrome accents around the windows, door handles, and lower body panels add a touch of elegance. The SL trim also includes features like a power liftgate, making cargo access more convenient. Additionally, you might see roof rails for added utility and the option for a panoramic sunroof, giving the SL a more upscale vibe. These exterior enhancements not only make the SL more visually appealing but also add practical value, catering to buyers looking for a blend of style and convenience.

In essence, while the Rogue S is designed to be practical and functional, the Rogue SL aims to provide a more refined and sophisticated appearance with added features that enhance both style and usability. Choosing between the two depends on your personal preferences and how much you value these exterior upgrades.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the differences between the S and SL trims become even more apparent, especially when it comes to interior comfort and features. The Rogue S trim is designed with practicality and essential comfort in mind. You'll typically find cloth upholstery, which is durable and easy to maintain. The seats are comfortable enough for daily commutes, but they lack the premium feel of higher trims. Standard features include a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, offering essential connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Manual climate control is standard, and you'll find basic amenities like power windows and locks. The focus here is on providing a functional and comfortable driving experience without unnecessary frills.

Stepping up to the Rogue SL trim transforms the interior into a more luxurious and comfortable space. Leather upholstery immediately elevates the cabin's feel, providing a softer and more upscale seating experience. The front seats often include power adjustments, lumbar support, and sometimes even memory settings, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures that both the driver and passenger can set their preferred temperatures. The infotainment system is typically upgraded with a larger touchscreen, integrated navigation, and a premium sound system. Additional features like a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and heated seats further enhance the comfort and ambiance of the SL trim. These upgrades cater to buyers who prioritize a more refined and comfortable driving experience with added conveniences.

To summarize, the Rogue S offers a functional and straightforward interior with essential features, while the Rogue SL provides a more luxurious and comfortable environment with premium materials, advanced technology, and enhanced convenience features. The choice between the two depends on your priorities: practicality and value in the S trim, or luxury and comfort in the SL trim.

Technology and Features

When it comes to technology and features in the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the gap between the S and SL trims widens significantly, catering to different tech preferences and needs. The Rogue S trim includes a standard infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display, offering essential connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, providing a basic but comprehensive safety net. The instrument cluster typically features a combination of analog gauges and a small digital display for essential vehicle information. While the Rogue S covers the basics, it lacks the advanced technological enhancements found in higher trims.

In contrast, the Rogue SL trim is loaded with advanced technology and convenience features that enhance the overall driving experience. The infotainment system is upgraded with a larger touchscreen display, often 9 inches, and includes integrated navigation, providing turn-by-turn directions without relying on your smartphone. A premium sound system, such as Bose, delivers enhanced audio quality. The SL trim also features a digital instrument cluster, offering a customizable display of vehicle information. Advanced safety features like ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, provide a semi-autonomous driving experience. Additional features like a surround-view camera system, wireless charging pad, and head-up display further enhance the technology offerings of the SL trim. These advanced features cater to buyers who prioritize cutting-edge technology and a more connected driving experience.

In short, the Rogue S provides essential technology features for connectivity and safety, while the Rogue SL offers a more comprehensive suite of advanced technology and convenience features that enhance the driving experience. Your choice will depend on how much you value these technological enhancements and whether they align with your driving needs.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount in any vehicle, and the 2021 Nissan Rogue doesn't disappoint. However, there are key differences in the safety features offered between the S and SL trims. The Rogue S trim comes standard with a suite of essential safety technologies. These include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, which can help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alerts you if you unintentionally drift out of your lane, while Blind Spot Warning (BSW) helps you monitor vehicles in your blind spots. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces. These standard features provide a solid foundation of safety, ensuring that you're protected in various driving scenarios. While the S trim offers comprehensive basic safety, it lacks some of the advanced driver-assistance systems available on higher trims.

The Rogue SL trim builds upon the safety features of the S trim, adding several advanced technologies that enhance driver awareness and assistance. One of the most notable additions is ProPILOT Assist, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience. ACC maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, while LKA helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. The SL trim also includes Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), which displays speed limits and other traffic signs on the instrument panel. Additionally, the SL often features an Intelligent Around View Monitor, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier and safer. These advanced safety features offer an extra layer of protection and convenience, making the SL trim a compelling choice for safety-conscious buyers.

In summary, both the Rogue S and SL trims offer a strong set of safety features, but the SL trim provides additional advanced technologies that enhance driver assistance and awareness. The choice between the two depends on your comfort level with technology and your desire for advanced safety systems.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

When evaluating the 2021 Nissan Rogue, performance and fuel efficiency are crucial factors to consider. Fortunately, both the S and SL trims share the same engine and drivetrain, meaning you won't see significant differences in these areas. The 2021 Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps maximize fuel efficiency. Both trims offer the choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), allowing you to select the configuration that best suits your driving needs and climate.

In terms of performance, the Rogue provides adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising. While it's not the sportiest SUV in its class, it offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The CVT provides seamless acceleration, and the engine delivers sufficient power for most situations. Fuel efficiency is a strong point for the Rogue, with both the S and SL trims achieving similar EPA ratings. The FWD models typically get around 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the AWD models see a slight decrease in fuel economy. These numbers make the Rogue a competitive choice in the compact SUV segment.

Since both the Rogue S and SL trims share the same engine and drivetrain, your decision won't be heavily influenced by performance or fuel efficiency. Instead, you can focus on the other differences between the trims, such as features, comfort, and technology, to make the best choice for your needs.

Price and Value

Finally, let's talk about price and value when comparing the 2021 Nissan Rogue S and SL trims. The Rogue S is the entry-level model, making it the most affordable option in the lineup. It provides essential features and a comfortable driving experience at a lower price point. The Rogue S offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable and fuel-efficient SUV without breaking the bank. It includes standard safety features and basic connectivity options, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and errands.

The Rogue SL, on the other hand, comes with a higher price tag due to its added features and premium amenities. While it costs more upfront, the SL trim offers a significant upgrade in terms of comfort, technology, and convenience. Leather upholstery, advanced safety systems, and a premium sound system contribute to a more luxurious and enjoyable driving experience. The SL trim is a good value for buyers who prioritize these extra features and are willing to pay more for them. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for an affordable and practical SUV, the Rogue S is a great choice. If you want a more luxurious and feature-rich vehicle, the Rogue SL is worth the investment.

Choosing between the 2021 Nissan Rogue S and SL trims depends on your priorities. The S trim offers great value with essential features, while the SL trim provides a more luxurious and tech-filled experience. Consider your budget, desired features, and driving needs to make the best decision for you. Happy driving, guys!