The 2016 Nissan Rogue features three trim levels and the availability of either FWD or AWD. The Rogue was also the only vehicle in its segment offered with an optional third row of seating, making it quite a compelling package.
Key Points
- The 2016 Nissan Rogue is available with only one engine and transmission choice across its three trim levels.
- Front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, but all-wheel drive is optional on all models as well.
- The S trim serves as the base model. With cloth seats, a four-speaker stereo, and power windows and door locks, the S is about as basic as modern passenger cars get.
- The SV trim was the volume seller and adds luxuries like automatic climate control, smart key passive entry, and a long list of optional features.
- Top trim SL model Rogues up the ante for amenities with heated leather seats, Bose audio with eight speakers, and a standard power liftgate.
Rogue S is a Cheap but Competent SUV that Can Accommodate Up to Seven Passengers
With only one engine and transmission offered in all 2016 model year Rogues and all-wheel drive being made available across the lineup, the main differentiator between Rogue trim levels are the creature comforts afforded to the occupants. The base S trim is not barren by any account with features like cruise control, rearview camera, remote keyless entry, and power windows and locks.
However, those features are becoming more common throughout the segment. For unexpected luxury, front passengers are coddled by Nissan’s Zero Gravity designed seats, specially designed to optimize comfort and reduce fatigue.
Other amenities standard on the S trim include:
- 17-inch steel wheels
- Front, side, and curtain airbags
- Tire-pressure monitoring system with Nissan’s Easy Fill Alert
- Four speaker stereo with five-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity
- Steering wheel mounted radio controls and hands-free text messaging assistant
The Rogue S also had the distinction of being one of the cheapest three-row SUVs on the market with its available third row, allowing up to seven total passengers, a segment-exclusive. To find another three-row SUV, shoppers would need to look to the larger mid-size class.
Rogue SV Adds More Standard Features and Offers a Long List of Optional Luxuries Like a Panoramic Sunroof
Rogue SV models were positioned to be the high-volume sellers of the Rogue lineup. With a longer list of standard amenities over the S trim and an even longer list of optional features, the SV could be customized to fit almost any taste.
At an average price increase of only $1,000 over the base S in the used market, the SV looks to be quite the bargain.
Additional standard items on the SV trim include:
- Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Nissan’s Intelligent Key passive entry system
- Dual-zone automatic climate controls
- One-touch power driver’s window
SV models are the first trim level to offer the option of a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and additional safety technology such as blind-spot warnings, all of which could be had with the optional Premium Package for SV models.
The SV is also the last trim offering the optional third-row seat, making it the most feature-laden version of the Rogue for hauling around seven people.
Rogue SL Makes Luxury the Priority with Heated Leather Seats, a Bose Sound System, and a Power Liftgate
The top trim of the Rogue lineup, the SL, was only offered in a two-row configuration, limiting total seating to five. However, what the SL lost in the way of passenger seating was compensated by additional quality for those onboard.
The SL is the only Rogue model to feature leather on the seats or steering wheel. Exterior cues separating the SL from lower trims include heated outside mirrors, fog lights, and optional LED headlights.
Other luxuries included on the SL are:
- Leather-trimmed heated seats with six-way power front buckets
- Bose Premium sound system with eight speakers and seven-inch color touchscreen
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
- 360-degree bird’s eye view monitor
- Moving object detection
- Power liftgate
At just under a $500 average price premium over the SV, the SL makes a compelling option for those looking for a little extra luxury at the expense of total seating capacity.
2016 Nissan Rogue’s SV Trim is the Best Option, Especially with Optional Premium Package
The optional extras and available third row on the SV trim are what make it the one to get. When equipped with the Premium Package, the SV came equipped with a seven-inch infotainment screen, a power liftgate, heated seats, and additional safety tech.
With average pricing for an SV at just over $1,000 more than the base S trim and still available with an optional third row of seating for seven, the 2016 Rogue SV is an easy choice. Don’t forget to opt for the Premium Package for the best experience.
Photos: Nissan
