2023 Nissan Rogue SV vs SL: A Comparison That Matters

When you’re looking at buying a new SUV, the 2023 Nissan Rogue is probably one of the models that pops up in your search. Nissan’s Rogue has been one of the company’s best-selling vehicles in the US and for good reason. It’s got a mix of comfort, tech, and style that makes it a great option for those who want a capable family SUV or a daily commuter with plenty of space. But when it comes to deciding between the Nissan Rogue SV and Nissan Rogue SL trims, how do you know which one is the right fit for you?

In this guide, we'll dive deep into a comprehensive comparison of these two Rogue trims. Whether you’re focused on budget, tech features, or even a bit of luxury, we’ve got the info you need to make an informed decision. Let’s break it down so you can see which Rogue trim fits your lifestyle best.

What Are the Key Differences Between Nissan Rogue SV and SL?

Before diving into all the details let’s get an overview of the main differences between the 2023 Nissan Rogue SV and SL. The SV trim is positioned right above the base model S and offers a solid mix of features at a reasonable price. On the other hand the SL trim is a bit more upscale offering more premium features for those looking to elevate their driving experience.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Price: SL is more expensive than SV
• Interior: SL offers leather seating and more luxurious touches
• Technology: SL includes a bigger infotainment screen and more advanced tech features
• Exterior: SL has more stylish finishes with 19-inch alloy wheels (vs. SV’s 18-inch) and a hands-free power liftgate
• Safety: Both offer great safety features but SL adds extra perks like Intelligent Around View® Monitor

Both trims share Nissan’s 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While the powertrain remains consistent the difference largely lies in the comfort and tech that each trim brings to the table.

Exterior Design and Style: Subtle But Significant

When you look at the 2023 Nissan Rogue SV and SL side by side you’ll notice that Nissan keeps the core design language similar between the two trims. Both feature Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille LED headlights and a bold athletic stance that gives the Rogue a presence on the road.

SV Exterior

The SV trim features 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels which are perfectly adequate for daily driving and give the Rogue a strong confident look without being flashy. It comes with heated outside mirrors and roof rails which are handy for those who may be thinking about hitting the road for camping or road trips. The SV’s body-colored door handles and mirrors also keep the design clean and cohesive.

SL Exterior

Stepping up to the SL trim gets you a few more premium touches. The SL rides on 19-inch wheels which not only fill out the wheel wells more but also give it a slightly more luxurious and aggressive look. The SL also comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate which is a small convenience that you’ll quickly come to love especially when your hands are full with groceries or luggage. Chrome exterior accents around the windows and door handles add to that upscale vibe.

What You’ll Notice:

• Drawback: While both trims are stylish the SL’s larger wheels may make the ride feel slightly firmer especially on rougher roads.
• Positive: If you appreciate small luxuries like a hands-free liftgate the SL’s extras will feel like a big win for convenience.

Interior Features: Comfort and Convenience

The interior is where you’ll find some of the biggest differences between the Nissan Rogue SV and SL. Both trims are spacious and well-designed but Nissan clearly aimed the SL at those who want a bit more luxury and convenience.

Rogue SV Interior

The SV comes with cloth upholstery which is comfortable and easy to clean but might not feel as luxurious as the SL’s leather seats. The driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable with lumbar support and both front seats are heated which is a nice touch for the colder months. The rear seats are 60/40 split-folding giving you flexibility with cargo space.

Tech-wise the SV trim offers an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. You also get Nissan’s Safety Shield® 360, which includes driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Rogue SL Interior

The SL bumps up the interior game with leather-appointed seats a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat and a memory system for the driver’s seat mirrors and steering wheel. The seats also come with quilted stitching giving the SL a more upscale feel. One noticeable feature is the tri-zone automatic climate control which adds a third zone to the rear so everyone in the car can have their preferred temperature.

The SL trim also upgrades the infotainment system to a 9-inch touchscreen. This may not seem like a huge jump but the larger screen does make interacting with maps apps and vehicle settings easier. You’ll also appreciate the Bose® premium audio system which delivers a richer more immersive sound experience.

Pros and Cons:

• Drawback (SV): Some buyers may find the cloth seats less durable or stylish in comparison to leather options.
• Drawback (SL): The quilted leather is great but adds to the cost which might not be worth it for everyone especially if you’re not too picky about interior luxury.

Technology and Infotainment: All About Connectivity

Both the SV and SL trims come well-equipped with tech features but the SL steps it up a notch for those who want more connectivity and convenience.

Rogue SV Tech

With the SV you’ll get keyless entry with push-button start dual-zone climate control and NissanConnect® featuring an 8-inch display. The system supports Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ so you can connect your phone easily to manage your music podcasts and calls through the car’s infotainment system.

Rogue SL Tech

The SL takes it further by adding Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist. This driver-assist technology uses adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping features to take some of the stress out of highway driving. Plus the SL’s 9-inch touchscreen makes it easier to use navigation and control other apps. The Bose® 10-speaker sound system is another nice bonus for audiophiles who want a crisp clear sound experience.

Tech Takeaways:

• Benefit: The SL’s ProPILOT Assist is a game changer if you do a lot of highway driving. It takes a bit of the mental load off making long trips feel easier and safer.
• Negative (SV): If you rely heavily on navigation you might find the SV’s 8-inch screen a bit small when compared to the 9-inch upgrade in the SL.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

One area where both the Rogue SV and SL shine is safety. Nissan has loaded both trims with advanced safety features designed to keep you and your family safe on the road.

Shared Safety Features

Both trims include Nissan Safety Shield® 360 a suite of features that includes:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• High-beam assist

These features are a solid baseline that helps reduce the risk of accidents and improve driver awareness. You’ll also find Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention across both models.

SL Exclusive Safety Features

The SL trim adds the Intelligent Around View® Monitor which gives you a 360-degree camera view to help with parking and tight spaces. It’s a small but incredibly useful addition especially if you find yourself often in city driving situations or tight parking spots.

Safety Verdict:

• Positive: Both the SV and SL have outstanding safety features making them great choices for families or anyone prioritizing safety.
• Negative (SL): The 360-degree camera is great but it’s something that may not be essential for every buyer—if you’re confident in parking the added cost for this feature may not feel worth it.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth and Responsive

When it comes to performance the 2023 Rogue SV and SL trims are essentially identical. Both come with Nissan’s 1.5-liter VC-Turbo® engine which produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The powertrain provides good acceleration for city and highway driving and the VC-Turbo® engine is one of the more advanced in its class offering a balance between power and fuel efficiency.

How Does It Feel to Drive?

Whether you choose the SV or SL trim the driving experience is smooth and responsive. The Rogue’s independent rear suspension absorbs most bumps and imperfections on the road though you might notice a firmer ride with the SL’s 19-inch wheels compared to the SV’s 18-inch ones. Handling is sharp and the SUV feels planted even around curves or when making quick lane changes.

Drawback:

• Negative (SL): The larger wheels on the SL look great but can slightly compromise ride comfort on bumpy or uneven roads.

Fuel Efficiency: Rogue Does It Right

Both the SV and SL trims have impressive fuel efficiency numbers for an SUV of their size. According to EPA estimates, both trims get 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models. These numbers drop slightly if you opt for all-wheel drive but they still remain competitive in the compact SUV segment.

Fuel Efficiency At A Glance:

• Front-wheel drive: 30 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
• All-wheel drive: 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway

Positive:

• Benefit: You’ll save money at the pump compared to larger SUVs or trucks with lower mpg ratings.

Price: What’s the Cost Difference?

The biggest deciding factor for many buyers between the Rogue SV and SL is going to be the price.

• Nissan Rogue SV: Starts around $30,000
• Nissan Rogue SL: Starts around $35,000

For some buyers the extra $5,000 for the SL trim might be hard to justify unless you’re really into those extra luxury features and tech upgrades. But for others especially those who spend a lot of time in their car and value a more premium feel the SL might be worth the extra investment.

Price Takeaway:

• SV: Best for buyers looking for value and practicality.
• SL: Best for buyers looking for luxury touches and tech upgrades.

What Does Alex Collantes Have to Say?

We spoke to Alex Collantes an experienced Nissan owner who shared his thoughts on the Rogue trims. He says “I test drove both the SV and SL and honestly it came down to how much comfort I wanted. The SL felt a bit more polished inside especially with the leather seats and the Bose® sound system but the SV gave me everything I needed at a lower price.”

Final Verdict: Nissan Rogue SV vs SL?

When it comes to choosing between the 2023 Nissan Rogue SV and SL it ultimately depends on your priorities and budget.

• Choose the SV if you want a well-rounded SUV with solid features and don’t mind skipping some of the more luxurious touches.
• Choose the SL if you’re willing to spend a bit more for extra comfort tech and convenience features like ProPILOT Assist and leather seats.

Both trims offer a great driving experience good fuel efficiency and top-notch safety features. Whether you go for the SV or SL you’re getting a reliable SUV that’s perfect for families and commuters alike.

Pros and Cons Overview:

• Rogue SV: Budget-friendly practical tech-forward with all the essential features.
• Rogue SL: More premium comfort advanced tech and upscale feel—but at a higher price point.

In the end, the best Rogue for you depends on what you value most in a compact SUV.