Nissan Rogue SL AWD Review: Price, Specs and More

Disclosure: The 2021 Nissan Rogue SL AWD compact SUV was provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*

The Nissan’s top-selling nameplate has been freshly redesigned for 2021 and the upgrades are impressive. The extra dose of technology, enhanced safety, sleeker styling and nicer interior are key improvements and a breath of fresh air.

Additionally, there is plenty of space for friends/family and cargo. I am 5’7 and I had a nice amount of legroom left when I climbed in the back seat. To be completely honest, when road tripping with 2 or more people I love sitting in the back. Once settled in I love getting lost in the scenery, watching Netflix or just dozing off. Either way, I am the backseat queen and I feel that I would be able to do all of those things comfortably in the 2021 Nissan Rogue SL AWD.

Keep reading to check out more about the compact SUV…

Nissan Rogue SL AWD Review

Who is this compact SUV for?

Anyone looking for great fuel economy.
Buyers interested in versatility? Mild off-roading, city fun with the girls or a relaxed road trip are definitely options when it comes to this SUV.
It is great for singles, couples and small families.
Consumers who need storage space and travel with passengers.
Drivers looking for style, comfort and innovative tech.

Things to know

The Nissan Rogue has been completely redesigned for 2021. The body, chassis, and interior are new, but the powertrain carries over with some modifications.
Every Rouge is powered by the same 181-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission.
SV
- Premium package available: $2,660.00 (adds panoramic roof, faux leather seating, power liftgate, roof rails)
SL
- Premium package available: $1,320.00 (adds Bose audio, 9.0-inch central display, ProPilot Assist with Navigation Link)
SL and Platinum Trims available in:
- Two-tone paint – $350.00
- Two-tone premium paint – $695.00
FWD is standard on all trim levels. There is an additional price of $1,400.00 for AWD.

Price/Specs/Key Features

The compact SUV comes in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, Platinum

S

Drivetrain Options:
- FWD
  - Starting MSRP: $25,850.00
  - MPG: 27/35/30 (City, Hwy, Combined)
- AWD
  - Starting MSRP: $27,250.00
  - MPG: 26/33/29 (City, Hwy, Combined)
A Few Key Specs/Features (Standard):
- Nissan Safety Shield 360
  - Driver-assist technologies that assist when driving and parking
    - Emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- 17 Aluminum-alloy wheels
- NissanConnect
  - Technology combining navigation, security and entertainment
- 8″ touch-screen display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- LED headlights and taillights

SV

Drivetrain Options:
- FWD
  - Starting MSRP: $27,540.00
  - MPG: 26/34/29 (City, Hwy, Combined)
- AWD
  - Starting MSRP: $28,940.00
  - MPG: 25/32/28 (City, Hwy, Combined)
A Few Key Features (SV trim adds:):
- ProPILOT Assist
  - A hands-on driver assist system that can bring the vehicle to a full stop, hold in place and can bring you back up to speed when traffic starts moving again.
- Intelligent Around View Monitor
  - Displays the vehicle’s surroundings as seen from above and around the vehicle to improve parking safety and convenience
- 18″ Aluminum-alloy wheels
- 8-way power driver’s seat, with 2-way power lumbar support
- Remote Engine Start System with Climate Control

SL – (Vehicle Tested)

Drivetrain Options:
- FWD
  - Starting MSRP: $32,200.00
  - MPG: 26/34/29 (City, Hwy, Combined)
- AWD
  - Starting MSRP: $33,600.00
  - MPG: 25/32/28 (City, Hwy, Combined)
A Few Key Features (SL trim adds):
- 19″ Aluminum-alloy wheels
- Motion Activated Liftgate
- Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof
- Power liftgate
- Memory function for driver’s seat and steering column
- Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
  - allows the driver, front passenger and rear passengers to adjust their own temperature and airflow settings.
- Leather-appointed seats
- Power passenger seat

Platinum

Drivetrain Options:
- FWD
  - Starting MSRP: $35,630.00
  - MPG: 26/34/29 (City, Hwy, Combined)
- AWD
  - Starting MSRP: $37,030.00
  - MPG: 25/32/28 (City, Hwy, Combined)
A Few Key Features (Platinum trim adds):
- ProPilot Assist with Navigation Link
  - A hands-on driver assist system that can bring the vehicle to a full stop, hold in place and can bring you back up to speed when traffic starts moving again.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless charging
- Bose audio
- Digital gauge cluster
- 10.8-inch color head-up display
- 9.0-inch center display
- Quilted leather seats
- Front-seat center airbag
- Heated rear seats

What I love about the 2021 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

Fun to drive
Comfortable and roomy cabin
Ample cargo space
Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof
Stylish and versatile
Fuel efficient
Great safety features
Multi-view camera
Power liftgate
Allows the driver, front passenger and rear passengers to adjust their own temperature and airflow settings.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and after driving it I see why. This was my first time driving a Nissan Rogue and I definitely enjoyed the experience. The compact SUV is fun, stylish, innovative and very comfortable. Definitely great for road tripping.