Nissan Rogue SL vs Platinum 2023: A Complete Comparison for Buyers

The 2023 Nissan Rogue is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market offering a solid balance of performance comfort and tech features. But if you're looking to buy the Rogue you’ll likely face a decision between two of its top trims — the SL and the Platinum. While both trims are well-equipped each offers distinct features that may appeal to different types of drivers. In this detailed comparison we'll break down everything you need to know about the 2023 Nissan Rogue SL vs Platinum helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle. Along the way we'll highlight some potential drawbacks too so you can make an informed choice.

Overview of the Nissan Rogue SL and Platinum 2023

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details let’s first take a quick look at these two trim levels to understand what sets them apart. The SL trim is one of the mid-tier options in the 2023 Rogue lineup while the Platinum trim is the top-of-the-line version offering the most premium features Nissan has to offer for this model.

• Nissan Rogue SL: Positioned just below the Platinum the SL trim is packed with luxury features at a more affordable price point. You’ll get a great mix of technology and comfort features making it an appealing choice for buyers looking for value.

• Nissan Rogue Platinum: As the highest trim in the Rogue lineup the Platinum version includes all the top-end features available in the Rogue series. It takes comfort convenience and technology to the next level but that extra luxury comes at a higher cost.

Engine and Performance

Both the Nissan Rogue SL and Platinum are powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth acceleration and decent fuel economy. Both trims come with front-wheel drive as standard but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an option.

While the powertrain is identical between the SL and Platinum trim it’s worth noting that neither offers a particularly sporty or thrilling driving experience. The Rogue is more tuned for comfort and efficiency rather than speed and handling. If you're someone who enjoys a more engaging driving experience you may find the Rogue’s powertrain a bit underwhelming.

• Pros: Great fuel economy smooth driving experience decent power for daily commutes
• Cons: Lacks the punch of some rivals in the compact SUV segment

Exterior Differences: Design and Features

When you compare the SL and Platinum from the outside both look quite similar at first glance but there are subtle differences in terms of features and styling that set them apart.

Nissan Rogue SL Exterior

The Rogue SL features a more elegant exterior design with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that give it a sophisticated look. You’ll also get LED headlights and LED daytime running lights standard on this trim. The power panoramic moonroof is also included on the SL which is a nice touch for those who enjoy an open-air experience.

Nissan Rogue Platinum Exterior

On the other hand the Rogue Platinum adds a few premium exterior touches that elevate its look even further. In addition to the SL’s features the Platinum trim comes with heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down functionality which makes parking easier. The Platinum also gets unique 20-inch wheels that enhance its presence on the road giving it a slightly more imposing stance compared to the SL.

Pros: Sleek modern design with premium touches on both trims Cons: Exterior differences are minor and may not justify the price increase for some buyers

Interior: Comfort and Technology

One of the biggest factors that separate the Nissan Rogue SL and Platinum is the interior features. While both trims offer a premium experience the Platinum takes things up a notch in terms of luxury.

Nissan Rogue SL Interior

The Rogue SL comes with leather-appointed seats which offer a nice upgrade over the cloth upholstery found in lower trims. You also get a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and heated front seats as standard. The SL includes a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a 9-inch touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The cargo space in the Rogue SL is ample with 74.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down making it a practical option for families or anyone who needs extra room for gear or groceries.

Nissan Rogue Platinum Interior

The Platinum trim takes luxury to the next level with features like semi-aniline leather seats and a fully digital 12.3-inch driver display. You’ll also enjoy a Bose premium sound system for enhanced audio quality. The Platinum trim adds heated rear seats making it a great option for those who often travel with passengers. Another standout feature in the Platinum is the heads-up display which projects important driving information onto the windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road.

• Pros: Both trims offer comfortable well-equipped cabins with the Platinum providing a more luxurious experience
• Cons: The SL may feel a bit basic for those seeking a truly premium experience while the Platinum's price may seem steep for some buyers

Technology and Infotainment

In terms of technology both the SL and Platinum trims are well-equipped but there are a few key differences to note.

Nissan Rogue SL Technology

The SL comes with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist a driver-assistance feature that helps with highway driving by combining adaptive cruise control with steering assist. The 9-inch touchscreen display is intuitive and responsive offering navigation as an option. You also get a 360-degree camera system which makes parking in tight spaces a breeze.

Nissan Rogue Platinum Technology

The Platinum trim takes tech to the next level with the addition of the heads-up display and the fully digital driver display. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging — features that are becoming increasingly important for tech-savvy drivers. The Bose sound system is a nice upgrade for audiophiles providing clear crisp sound quality.

• Pros: Both trims come with advanced tech features and ProPILOT Assist is a game-changer for long drives
• Cons: The SL’s tech is great but the Platinum’s extra features may feel excessive for those who don’t prioritize high-end gadgets

Safety Features: What’s Included?

Nissan has equipped both the Rogue SL and Platinum with a solid suite of safety features making either trim a safe choice for families.

Nissan Rogue SL Safety

The SL comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360 which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection blind-spot warning rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning. You also get high beam assist which automatically adjusts the headlights for oncoming traffic.

Nissan Rogue Platinum Safety

In addition to all the features found in the SL the Platinum trim includes Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle making it easier to navigate tight spaces. The Platinum also has Traffic Sign Recognition which can display speed limits and other road signs on the digital display.

Pros: Comprehensive safety features on both trims making them great options for safety-conscious buyers Cons: The additional safety features on the Platinum may not be necessary for all drivers especially considering the higher price tag

Pricing: Which Offers Better Value?

Pricing is where the biggest difference between the SL and Platinum becomes apparent. The Rogue SL starts around $34,000 while the Rogue Platinum can push closer to $38,000 depending on options and whether you add all-wheel drive.

While the Platinum offers more features it’s worth considering whether those additional luxuries are worth the extra cost. For some buyers the SL trim will provide plenty of comfort and tech without breaking the bank. On the other hand if you value the extra luxury and tech the Platinum could be worth the investment.

• Pros: SL offers great value while Platinum provides a truly premium experience
• Cons: The price difference may be hard to justify for some buyers depending on their priorities

Real-World Feedback: A Customer’s Perspective

To give you a more well-rounded view we spoke with Alex Collantes who recently purchased the 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum. According to Alex “I was initially leaning towards the SL because of the price difference but once I saw the Platinum’s interior features like the semi-aniline leather and digital display I knew it was worth it. The extra luxury really makes it feel like a higher-end vehicle.”

While Alex was thrilled with their Platinum purchase they also noted “The fuel economy isn’t as good as I expected. I mainly drive in the city and it seems to use more gas than advertised.”

Conclusion: Nissan Rogue SL vs Platinum 2023 – Which Should You Choose?

Both the Nissan Rogue SL and Platinum are excellent compact SUVs with a lot to offer. If you’re looking for a solid balance of comfort and technology without stretching your budget too far the SL trim is a great option. However if you’re someone who values luxury and cutting-edge tech the Platinum may be worth the splurge.

While both trims have their drawbacks — with the SL feeling a bit basic in some areas and the Platinum being more expensive — they both deliver on the Rogue’s promise of being a practical comfortable and stylish SUV. Ultimately the decision comes down to your priorities and budget.