The 2024 Nissan Rogue is an underrated value

The compact crossover segment is bustling with options, much like fruit snacks at a church service — they're everywhere! Nissan understands the importance of standing out in this crowded field, especially with its bestselling model, the Rogue. With nearly 900,000 units sold in 2023, it's clear that the Rogue has a significant presence on the road.

So, when we were given the chance to test drive the 2024 Nissan Rogue SL for an extended weekend, we were naturally intrigued. Positioned just behind the top-tier Platinum trim, the SL offers a nice array of standard features including all-wheel drive, a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and LED headlights. Our tester was about $41,000, including options and destination charges.

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Photo by Jason Bell

Comfortable and stylish interior

Nissan has truly mastered the art of crafting comfortable seats, and every moment spent sitting on them is a delight. Developed with insights from Keio University and NASA, these seats are reminiscent of zero gravity space travel, offering exceptional comfort. Additionally, the Rogue surprises with ample legroom in the back and plenty of cargo space, ensuring all passengers are at ease on both short jaunts and long journeys.

The interior feels like premium quality, with above-average materials adorning every surface, from the steering wheel to the surfaces and buttons. Opting for the SL or Platinum trims treats you to leather — semi-aniline in the Platinum. And with features such as a heated steering wheel, heated seats and tri-zone climate control, every ride is pleasant. 

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Punchy and efficient engine

Nissan's decision to switch to a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine in 2022 was a smart move. It's not only more efficient and engaging than its predecessor, but also remarkably responsive around town. Despite its compact size, the engine packs a punch, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The low-end torque ensures brisk acceleration, whether pulling away from a stop or merging onto the freeway.

The 2024 Rogue boasts impressive fuel efficiency ratings: 28/34 mpg for city/highway driving. During our weekend of testing, we averaged about 28 mpg, proving its efficiency in real-world conditions.

Excellent ratings and safety features

Safety takes center stage in the Rogue, earning it top marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Its comprehensive suite of safety features never feels overbearing, with many of them proving genuinely helpful in daily driving. 

Even the base model Rogue comes equipped with an array of safety technologies, including blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, an intelligent around view monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. For added peace of mind, some models feature Nissan's ProPILOT 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance capabilities.

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Photo by Jason Bell

User-friendly infotainment

Navigating the infotainment system in the Rogue is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive design. The SL and Platinum trims have built-in Google Assistant, Google Play and Google Maps on a 12.3-inch touch display; you don’t need to pair or plug in your phone. The wireless Apple CarPlay provided seamless connectivity throughout our weekend.

Final thoughts

The 2024 Nissan Rogue SL represents the pinnacle of its multi-generational evolution. Practical, safe, comfortable and easy to use, it offers a great value for money. While it may not be the most thrilling option out there, it excels in providing good transportation, especially for those seeking understated elegance. The Rogue's allure lies in its ability to transport occupants in style and comfort, particularly with its remarkable zero gravity front seats.

In terms of trims, the SL strikes the perfect balance of features and affordability. While the Platinum trim offers enticing extras such as a premium audio system and quilted leather, they're not essential for an enjoyable driving experience. The SL trim provides ample value as is, but it can be customized with select Platinum trim features for those seeking additional luxuries.

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*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.