Safe, smart, practical, efficient. The 2020 Nissan Rogue S is a solid choice. It’s a purchase that you’re probably not going to regret, as long as you go in with the right expectations — and as long as you’re buying the right trim level for the right reasons.
How does the 2020 Nissan Rogue S compare to other trim levels?
The S is actually considered the base trim level, alongside the S Sport. The main mechanical specs are identical across the board. Whatever trim level you go with, you’re getting a 2.0L DOHC 16 engine with a one-speed CVT transmission with overdrive. The differences are mostly down to features.
So, let’s get into it below. We’ll cover what you can expect from the 2020 Rogue and everything you need to know to find out if the Rogue S is the right trim level for you. While this may be the “base” trim level, it’s not exactly stripped down to the bone. There’s some good stuff here.
A Look at the 2020 Nissan Rogue
To let you know exactly what you’re getting, the Nissan Rogue is perfect for the commuter, perfect for the family driver, perfect for the budget-conscious owner — but not so great for the gearhead.
The 2.0L DOHC 16 engine delivers 141 horsepower and 147 ft. lbs. of torque. It’ll handle highways and cities with ease. But if you’re dealing with cracked roads or bad weather on a regular basis, or if you’re looking for a car with some kick, it’s another story.
In these instances, the Rogue’s ten-second zero-to-sixty time and relatively light muscle-power may leave you wanting. Not to say the car isn’t fun to drive: 141 horsepower gets the job done, and the Continuously Variable Transmission is smooth and responsive.
Just don’t think it’s a rally car disguised as a compact SUV. It’s a safe, easy, comfortable ride with a solid four-star rating from the NHTSA.
You have a six-way adjustable seat up front, storage pockets and cargo slots everywhere you look, and a nice mix of leather, cloth and metal-look materials in the trim.
Smart device integration comes standard, as does NissanConnect with AM/FM/CD/Auxiliary, navigation, a seven-inch touchscreen, and a USB port. You can expect 25/32 city/highway mpg on a 14.5-gallon tank.
If you’re looking for an off-road-capable, high-performance outdoor exploration vehicle, the 2020 Nissan Rogue is probably going to disappoint. If you’re looking for something roomy, comfortable, efficient, low-maintenance, and perfectly suited for commutes and road trips, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Will the S-Trim Do it for Ya?
The S-Trim is the base level, but this isn’t one of those instances where they yank all the standard features out of the base trim and put them in the premium trim. It’s a good, solid starting point for a compact SUV.
The question is whether any of the features in the SL or SV are enticing enough for you to spend the extra money on them.
The key things you might notice: S is lacking a push-button start and there’s no proximity key for the doors. There’s a little more leather and chrome trim in an SL, and the SL’s front seats are heated and feature eight-way power adjust.
The truth is that the differences between the trim levels are modest, and so are the price points. The S starts at $23,704, the SL starts at $25,565, and the SV at $24,766.
On the one hand, the S is good enough. There’s nothing critical missing from this trim level. On the other hand, depending on how you finance the car, you might not even notice the difference in your monthly payments from one trim to the next.
Know What You’re Getting
Dealers will always try to upsell you. The SL is nice, but sometimes the base trim level is all you need. Whatever you’re shopping for, read the Vehicle History, and don’t step onto the lot until you know the car better than the person trying to sell it to you.
