The 2020 Nissan Rogue makes an interesting used car choice. It’s not the most potent compact crossover you can buy, and its technology and interior design are far from thrilling. However, the Rogue has an excellent reputation for reliability, and its sales numbers were strong enough in 2020 to assure a plentiful supply from which to choose.
Compared to a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, the Rogue struggles to win categories, but it comes close in the areas of interior space, cargo room, a comfortable ride, and stylish good looks. It’s also a bit less expensive than the Toyota and Honda, on par with a comparable Ford Escape, but more costly than a used Chevrolet Equinox.
For 2020, there is only one engine choice (the hybrid model got the ax after 2019). It’s Nissan’s proven 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine good for a modest 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Towing is limited to a meager 1,102 pounds.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the standard layout, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all three trims.
2020 Nissan Rogue S
Simple yet still nicely equipped, the S trim appeals to budget-minded buyers who still want essential safety and comfort features.
In the case of the 2020 Rogue S, safety systems include standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-keeping assist. Surprisingly, a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard, two features optional on most of the Rogue’s competitors. Rear-door alert reminds the driver to check the back seat before exiting the vehicle.
There are front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags covering both rows. A tire pressure monitor is included and features Nissan’s Tire Fill Alert that produces an audible and visual signal when reaching the desired tire pressure. The Rogue includes a temporary spare tire hidden beneath the rear cargo floor.
On the outside, the Rogue S touts automatic on/off headlights, 17-inch steel wheels with full covers, body-colored power mirrors, variable intermittent front wipers, and a rear wiper/washer.
Crawling into the Rogue S’ roomy cabin reveals cloth covering a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat that both slides and reclines. The dash is clean and straightforward, with the instrument cluster gauges and A/C controls backlit in white.
Standard creature comforts include power windows with one-touch up/down driver’s side, power door locks with an anti-lockout feature, three 12-volt outlets located in the dash, center console, and rear cargo area, plus sliding sun visors with vanity mirrors. The Rogue S includes retained power for the windows and accessories, meaning so long as you don’t open the driver’s door, the power windows will still operate for a short period after shutting off the engine.
Manual air conditioning is standard and includes second-row vents, another feature some competitors reserve for their most expensive trims. The Rogue S comes standard with cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, remote keyless entry, cabin mood lighting, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and a digital information screen. The Rogue’s roomy cargo bay includes Nissan’s Divide-N-Hide cargo management system, making it easy to create partitions to keep items from rolling around.
Standard audio for the Rogue S features a 7-inch color touchscreen with a built-in rearview monitor. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as is SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming, USB/auxiliary input jacks, a CD player, and four speakers. Old-school iPod owners will be happy to know the system is compatible with their devices.
The only option package for the Rogue S is the Special Edition Package. When so equipped, the Rogue S gains rear privacy glass, heated outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and chrome door handles.
In a normal market, a 2020 Nissan Rogue S in good condition with less than 25,000 miles should be selling for between $22,500 and $25,000, depending on whether sold through a private party or dealer. Considerable discounts offered by Nissan on the last of the 2020 Rogue models may also affect prices, especially private party sales from buyers who paid full price.
However, due to the short supply of new cars, prices for used Rogues have gone up, although not as high as for a similar 2020 Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. A look through the Autotrader classified shows a wide range of prices, from a low of around $23,000 to as high as $26,500 for models equipped with optional equipment.
All-wheel drive adds about $1,500 to the bottom line.
Prices mainly vary by region, so consider looking at cars outside your area. It might be worth driving a few hundred miles to save a few thousand dollars. You may want to look at going with a Certified Pre-Owned model. CPO vehicles come backed by Nissan with a comprehensive inspection and extended time and mileage to their factory warranty. Find a 2020 Nissan Rogue S for sale
2020 Nissan Rogue S includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking – Can detect and warn the driver of a possible collision. If the driver fails to take action, the system can slow or stop the vehicle before an accident occurs.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allows integration of an Apple or Android smartphone with the car’s infotainment system. When hooked up, the phone’s screen is mirrored on the car’s touch screen, giving access to maps, apps, music, voice activation, and messages.
- 40/20/40 rear seat – The Rogue’s 40/20/40 rear seat includes a narrow center pass-through, permitting long items to be loaded while two people occupy the back seat. The Rogue’s rear seat also slides fore and aft to increase legroom or cargo space, whichever is needed most.
- Blind-spot monitor – When signaling a lane change, the system detects vehicles driving in the Rogue’s blind spots and alerts the driver with a flashing icon and audible beep.
2020 Nissan Rogue SV
When new, the SV was only about $1,700 more than the S. In terms of bang for your buck, we think the SV is the best choice of the three trims.
Building off the Rogue S, the SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, rear privacy glass, roof rails, and a motion-activated liftgate. Intelligent Automatic Headlights know to switch on when it’s raining or just as twilight begins.
The SV’s front seats are heated, and the driver gets an 8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support. The audio system is identical to that in the Rogue S, only with two more speakers for a total of six. The SV’s sun visors gain illuminated vanity mirrors, and climate control gets upgraded to a dual-zone automatic system.
Rear automatic braking completes the 2020 Rogue SV’s standard equipment.
If equipped with the SV Premium Package, the Rogue SV includes navigation, SiriusXM Traffic with the Travel Link system for parking information and more, a 360-degree Around View monitor, a heated steering wheel, memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Also included in the package is Nissan’s ProPilot Assist that brings full-speed adaptive cruise control with steering assist and an electronic parking brake.
The Sun and Sound Package includes the Premium Package contents plus a power panoramic moonroof and a 9-speaker Bose audio system.
Before used car prices began to skyrocket, a typical price range for a low-mileage 2020 Nissan Rogue SV in good condition ranged from around $25,000 to $27,000 for a private party sale and about $26,500 to $29,000 if purchased from a dealer.
We’re currently seeing this model for as low as $24,000 to as much as $31,000 with the Premium Package, depending on region.
If you’re considering paying these kinds of prices, it might be wise to go with a Certified Pre-Owned Rogue SV. A CPO Rogue will come with a complete inspection, several bonus perks, and additional time and mileage added to its factory warranty. Find a 2020 Nissan Rogue SV for sale
2020 Nissan Rogue SV includes:
- Heated fronts seats – Provide an excellent way to keep warm without having to adjust the cabin temperature.
- Heated side mirrors – Keeps frost and ice from building up on the outside mirrors.
- Rear automatic braking – Can detect traffic or objects behind the Rogue when backing up and warn the driver. If the driver fails to act, the vehicle can stop before a collision might occur.
- Motion-activated liftgate – A simple kick of your foot under the Rogue’s rear bumper is all that’s needed to activate the power liftgate.
2020 Nissan Rogue SL
As the best of the Rogue line, the SL adds luxury and technology features that justify its extra cost.
Included in the SL are the features from the SV plus leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, fog lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors.
Also along for the ride are satellite navigation, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink universal garage remote, a 360-degree Around View Monitor, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and ProPilot Assist.
A panoramic glass moonroof and LED headlights are the only two factory options, part of the SL Premium Package.
In a market unaffected by a massive new car shortage, a used 2020 Nissan Rogue SL in good condition and with low miles would sell for between $28,000 and $31,000 private party, and between $29,000 and $31,000 retail.
A nationwide look at the 2020 Nissan Rogue SL’s pricing reveals it to be only slightly higher than usual, with all-wheel-drive SL’s ranging from $30,000 to $34,000, depending on the region.
To get a good idea of the price spread, try using the Autotrader classifieds. Once on the page, you can search nationwide for the color, mileage, and features you want. Even if you have to travel for a day to buy your Rogue SL, it may be worth it to save a few thousand dollars. Find a 2020 Nissan Rogue SL for sale
2020 Nissan Rogue SL includes:
- ProPilot Assist – Working in conjunction with the adaptive cruise and navigation, this system can move with traffic flow, slowing to a stop and then resuming speed. It can also intuitively “see” upcoming curves or off-ramps and slow the vehicle accordingly.
- Bose audio – With nine speakers and a powerful amp, the Bose system is a must for people who like their music loud and clear.
- Around View Monitor – Gives a 360-degree view outside the vehicle — a real help when backing up.
- Heated steering wheel – Allows the wheel to quickly warm, making it more comfortable to grip when temperatures drop below freezing.
