2021 Nissan Rogue S vs SV

When it comes to choosing a compact SUV the 2021 Nissan Rogue S and SV offer solid options for those seeking versatility comfort and advanced features. The Rogue has long been one of Nissan's top-selling vehicles thanks to its reliable reputation and well-rounded package. However if you're in the market for a new crossover you might be wondering which trim is best for you: the base-level S or the more feature-packed SV.

Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through a detailed comparison of these two trims so you can make an informed decision. We’ll go beyond just the specs and add a little humor to break down potential drawbacks because hey buying a car should be fun right?

What's the Difference Between the Nissan Rogue S and SV?

The Nissan Rogue S is the entry-level trim while the Rogue SV adds more convenience and tech features without venturing into the premium price range. Let’s break down the key differences so you can figure out which one fits your needs.

Performance and Engine Options

Both the S and SV come with the same engine: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Nissan keeps it simple here with no power difference between the two trims. While the engine won’t win any races it’s more than capable for everyday driving and commutes.

Fun fact: If you ever wanted to feel like a race car driver the Rogue might not be your first choice. But hey it’ll get you to Costco on time!

The 2021 Rogue S and SV both come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for those who need a little extra grip in poor weather conditions. If you live in snowy climates or just like the idea of better traction it’s worth considering the AWD option.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel efficiency there’s little to no difference between the Rogue S and SV. Both trims boast an impressive 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway (FWD). The AWD versions only slightly decrease fuel efficiency by a couple of miles per gallon.

Pros:

• Both trims have excellent fuel economy for a compact SUV
• The option for AWD in both trims gives you more versatility depending on your climate

Potential Drawback:
Neither of these SUVs will make you feel like you’re driving a sports car but let’s be real—nobody buys a Rogue expecting to smoke the guy in the Mustang at the light.

Exterior Features

On the outside the Rogue S comes with 17-inch steel wheels while the Rogue SV steps it up with 18-inch alloy wheels. It may not sound like a big deal but the alloy wheels give the SV a more polished and premium look that might sway you if aesthetics are important.

Both trims come with LED headlights and daytime running lights but the SV throws in heated side mirrors and roof rails which can be handy if you’re strapping a kayak or some other adventure gear on top.

• Rogue S Exterior: Basic yet functional
• Rogue SV Exterior: Sleeker with more practical features

Interior Comfort and Technology

This is where things start to really diverge between the Rogue S and Rogue SV. While both offer spacious cabins and Nissan's updated infotainment system the SV adds some extra tech and creature comforts.

Rogue S Interior Features:

• Cloth upholstery
• 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 6-speaker audio system
• Rearview camera

Rogue SV Interior Features:

• Upgraded Cloth Upholstery (Trust us it feels better)
• Power-adjustable driver's seat (Get that perfect lumbar support!)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control (Because your passenger is always too hot or too cold)
• Keyless entry with remote start (No more fumbling for your keys in the rain)
• 360-degree camera system (Perfect for tight parking spots)

Potential Drawback:
The Rogue S can feel a little too “basic” for some especially in terms of interior comfort. On the other hand the SV adds more convenience but still lacks some of the luxury touches you might get from competitors like the Mazda CX-5.

As automotive enthusiast Alex Collantes notes:
"I like the Rogue S for its simplicity but once you get into the SV it feels like you're driving a totally different car. The tech upgrades alone make the SV worth the extra money."

Safety Features: Nissan's Strength

Both the Rogue S and SV come packed with Nissan Safety Shield 360 a suite of safety technologies that include:

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

However the Rogue SV adds a couple of extra goodies including ProPILOT Assist which is Nissan’s semi-autonomous driving system. It’s not full autopilot but it’ll help keep you centered in your lane and maintain a safe distance from other cars on the highway.

Fun yet slightly terrifying potential drawback:
The Rogue SV's ProPILOT Assist is great but if you’re the type of driver who tends to argue with their GPS you might find yourself trying to outsmart the semi-autonomous tech. Spoiler alert: the car usually wins.

Pricing: Is the SV Worth the Extra Cash?

The base model 2021 Nissan Rogue S starts at around $25,750 while the SV comes in at $27,440. For roughly $1700 more you get a host of additional features that make the SV feel much more premium without breaking the bank.

If you’re on a tight budget the Rogue S is a perfectly fine option but if you can stretch your dollars a bit further the SV offers better value for money thanks to its additional tech and comfort features.

Pros:

• The Rogue SV offers a lot of bang for your buck
• Both trims are competitively priced within the compact SUV segment

Potential Drawback:
As much as we’d like to say the SV is completely worth the extra cash not everyone will find value in the tech-heavy features. If you’re someone who just wants a reliable SUV to get from point A to point B the S might suit you just fine.

Warranty and Reliability

Both trims come with Nissan’s standard warranty:

• 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty

Nissan has a solid reputation for building reliable vehicles and the Rogue is no exception. It’s not the most thrilling car on the road but it’s unlikely to leave you stranded on the side of it either.

Cargo Space: A Big Win for Both Trims

Both the S and SV trims offer the same amount of cargo space:

• 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up
• 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down

This makes the 2021 Rogue one of the most spacious compact SUVs in its class giving it a leg up over some of its rivals.

Pros:

• Tons of space for all your groceries gear or pets
• The 60/40-split rear seats make it easy to load larger items

Potential Drawback:
If you're the type who likes to test the limits of your SUV's cargo space you might end up playing a game of Tetris every time you pack for a road trip.

Conclusion: Rogue S or Rogue SV?

To sum it up both the 2021 Nissan Rogue S and SV offer excellent value in the compact SUV segment. If you’re looking for a no-frills practical vehicle that’s affordable and reliable the Rogue S should be on your radar. However if you’re willing to spend a bit more for extra comfort and tech features the Rogue SV is the way to go.

• Choose the Rogue S if you want a simple budget-friendly SUV with all the essential features.
• Opt for the Rogue SV if you like extra tech and convenience without venturing into luxury SUV territory.

At the end of the day it comes down to how much you value features like a power driver’s seat or keyless entry. As Alex Collantes says "For me the SV’s upgrades are a no-brainer especially if you spend a lot of time in your car like I do. But hey some people are just fine with the S—and that’s cool too!"

Happy car shopping!

FAQs

How much does the 2021 Nissan Rogue S cost?

The 2021 Nissan Rogue S starts at around $25,750.

What features come with the Rogue SV that the S doesn't have?

The Rogue SV adds features like dual-zone climate control remote start power driver’s seat and ProPILOT Assist.

Is the SV worth the extra cost?

For most buyers the additional comfort and tech features make the SV worth the extra cost but the S is still a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Does the 2021 Rogue have good cargo space?

Yes both trims offer 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded down. That's more than most compact SUVs.

Final Thought: Whichever trim you choose you really can't go wrong with the 2021 Nissan Rogue. Just be sure to pick the one that fits your lifestyle!