Nissan Rogue trim comparison
2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek vs SL
The Rogue Rock Creek starts at $33,490 while the SL is $35,090. That $1,600 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
The SL adds FWD instead of AWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $1,600 by itself. If not, the Rock Creek saves you the money.
Stay with the Rock Creek if AWD already works for your weather and routine. Move to the SL only when FWD changes the way you will actually use the vehicle.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The SL adds about $28/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $1,680 more overall with interest. So the call is less about the raw price gap and more about whether FWD matters for where and how you drive versus AWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Both the Rock Creek and SL share the same continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $1,600 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $533 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 4 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Rock Creek | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $33,490 | $35,090 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I3 Turbo | 1.5L I3 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 225 lb-ft | 225 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 29 |
| Highway MPG | 32 | 36 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 32 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.5 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,350/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,713 lbs | 3,565 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 106.5" |
| Length | 183.0" | 183.0" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.4" |
| Height | 66.5" | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek vs SL Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Nissan Rogue lineup, the Nissan brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Rogue SL cost than the Rock Creek?
The SL starts at $35,090 compared to $33,490 for the Rock Creek. That is a $1,600 difference, or approximately $28/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek and SL have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 1.5L I3 Turbo producing 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2025 Rogue Rock Creek come with FWD?
No. The Rock Creek comes standard with AWD while the SL has FWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2025 Rogue Rock Creek or SL safer?
Both share the same Nissan Rogue platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Nissan Rogue come with?
All 2025 Nissan Rogue trims, including both the Rock Creek and SL, come with Nissan's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Nissan Rogue SL worth $1,600 more than the Rock Creek?
The $1,600 adds FWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2025 Nissan Rogue trim gets better fuel economy, the Rock Creek or the SL?
The SL is the more efficient of the two at 32 combined MPG, versus 29 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $1,600 Gap
The SL earns its premium. For $1,600 more, you get FWD, making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Rogue lineup.
How the Rock Creek and SL Feel Different
The SL drops to FWD from the Rock Creek's AWD. Less traction capability, but potentially better fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Rogue SL gets 3 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $136 per year or $680 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the Rock Creek and SL share engine and transmission, keeping the core Rogue experience consistent across trims.
The Short Version
$1,600 more for the Rogue SL gets you 3 real differences. At $28/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Nissan Rogue Rock Creek
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Rock Creek best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Nissan Rogue SL
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SL when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Nissan or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.