The Nissan Rogue is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market today. With its car-like driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and family-friendly interior, it’s easy to see why the Rogue is a top choice for many buyers.
One question that often comes up with crossover SUVs like the Rogue is “What is the towing capacity?” For the 2023 model year, Nissan has made some changes to the Rogue’s towing abilities, so let’s take a detailed look at what you need to know about the Nissan Rogue’s towing capacity for 2023.
Highlights of the 2023 Nissan Rogue Towing Capacity
Here are the key facts about the 2023 Nissan Rogue’s towing capacities:
- Max towing capacity is 1,500 lbs for FWD models and 1,350 lbs for AWD models
- Standard trailer hitch receiver now included on all trims
- Optional towing package available that boosts capacity to 2,000 lbs for FWD and 1,800 lbs for AWD
- Front-wheel drive models can tow more than AWD versions
- Cross bars now come standard for easy roof-mounted accessory loading
The Rogue has never been the most capable in terms of towing compared to other compact SUVs. But for 2023, Nissan has made improvements to help increase the Rogue’s versatility and practicality as a light-duty hauler.
Towing Capacity by Trim Level
The 2023 Nissan Rogue will be available in four trim levels – S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Here is a breakdown of the maximum towing capacity for each Rogue trim configuration:
Nissan Rogue S Towing Capacity
- FWD – 1,500 lbs standard, 2,000 lbs with optional towing package
- AWD – 1,350 lbs standard, 1,800 lbs with optional towing package
The base S trim receives the standard hitched receiver and wiring harness as new for 2023. Opting for the towing package brings enhanced transmission cooling and a more robust trailer hitch designed for heavier loads.
Nissan Rogue SV Towing Capacity
- FWD – 1,500 lbs standard, 2,000 lbs with optional towing package
- AWD – 1,350 lbs standard, 1,800 lbs with optional towing package
The mid-level SV has the same towing capacities as the S trim. The optional towing package remains available to boost towing abilities further.
Nissan Rogue SL Towing Capacity
- FWD – 1,500 lbs standard, 2,000 lbs with optional towing package
- AWD – 1,350 lbs standard, 1,800 lbs with optional towing package
Again, the SL mirrors the S and SV trims for max towing capacities. The SL does gain some additional driver assistance and convenience features as standard over lower trims.
Nissan Rogue Platinum Towing Capacity
- FWD – 1,500 lbs standard, 2,000 lbs with optional towing package
- AWD – 1,350 lbs standard, 1,800 lbs with optional towing package
The top-of-the-line Platinum sees no difference versus other trims for max towing limits. This range-topping model comes loaded with premium features and technology as standard.
Towing Packages and Equipment
To get the most out of the Rogue’s towing abilities, Nissan offers several equipment packages and upgrades.
Standard Towing Equipment
For 2023, all Rogue models now come standard equipped with:
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Class I trailer hitch receiver – Provides a place to insert a ball mount and hitch ball to tow a trailer or mount a cargo carrier. Rated up to 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight.
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7-pin wiring harness – Located at the rear bumper, this provides the electrical connection for trailer lights and brakes.
These newly standard features allow Rogue owners to have built-in towing readiness right from the factory floor.
Optional Towing Package
To upgrade from the standard 1,500 lb FWD/1,350 lb AWD towing limits to 2,000/1,800 lbs respectively, Nissan offers an optional towing package. This package includes:
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Transmission oil cooler – Provides additional transmission cooling when towing to prevent overheating.
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Radiator fan coupling – Helps improve engine cooling when towing.
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Upgraded trailer hitch – A class III hitch receiver rated for up to 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight. Provides added strength and stability for heavier trailers.
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Wiring harness – Upgraded to 4-pin connector that offers auxiliary 12V power supply for trailers.
This affordable optional package gives a nice bump in towing performance for not much money.
Other Towing Accessories
Beyond the standard and optional towing features, there are few other accessories that can come in handy:
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Hitch ball mount – Select the proper drop or rise to level your trailer. Sold separately.
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Hitch balls – Available in different sizes based on trailer coupler size. The right ball mounts securely to the hitch receiver.
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Safety chains – Chains that connect the trailer to the Rogue as a secondary attachment. Provides control if the main hitch connection comes loose.
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Trailer brake controller – If your trailer has brakes, an aftermarket brake controller can be installed to activate the trailer brakes in tandem with the Rogue brakes.
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Extended mirrors – Can improve rear visibility when towing a wide trailer.
Towing Capacity Comparison vs Rivals
How does the 2023 Rogue’s towing abilities stack up against chief compact SUV competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V? Here’s a quick comparison:
2023 Nissan Rogue
- 1,500 lbs FWD/1,350 lbs AWD standard
- 2,000 lbs FWD/1,800 lbs AWD max with tow package
2023 Toyota RAV4
- 1,500 lbs FWD/1,750 lbs AWD standard
- 2,500 lbs FWD/2,000 lbs AWD max with tow package
2023 Honda CR-V
- 1,500 lbs FWD/1,350 lbs AWD standard
- 2,000 lbs FWD/1,800 lbs AWD max with tow package
The Rogue is now roughly in line with competitors in terms of max tow ratings. The RAV4 maintains a slight edge when properly equipped. But the Rogue holds its own enough to handle most light trailer needs.
What Can You Tow with a Nissan Rogue?
Given its max towing capacities for 2023, here are some examples of items that can be towed safely with a properly equipped Rogue:
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Small utility trailer – Perfect for hauling lawn equipment, furniture, tools, etc. Max capacity around 2,000 lbs.
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Motorcycle trailer – Great for transporting bikes to the track. Trailers weigh 1,000 – 1,500 lbs.
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Pop-up camper – Lightweight pop-up campers can work if under 2,000 lbs fully loaded.
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Light fishing boat – Compact 14 to 16 foot boats on a trailer may work depending on total weight.
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Jet Skis – A tandem jet ski trailer can be towed if total weight remains low.
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Small cargo trailer – For moving small loads of household goods. Keep cargo weight reasonable.
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ATV/UTV – Lightweight single ATV or side-by-side trailers can be managed.
The Rogue should be able to handle any trailers or towables that remain below the maximum towing capacity for your drivetrain and equipment. Carefully weigh trailers and gear first and follow guidelines.
Is the Nissan Rogue Good for Towing?
The Rogue will never be a heavyweight towing champ compared to full-size pickups and SUVs. But for light recreational towing duties, the Rogue can get the job done when properly equipped.
Here are some pros and cons for towing with a Nissan Rogue:
Pros:
- Standard trailer hitch and wiring from factory
- Optional tow packages available for increased capacity
- Front-wheel drive models can tow up to 2,000 lbs
- Low cost package to upgrade towing abilities
- Roof rails now standard for loading cargo
- Solid unibody construction and chassis bracing
Cons:
- Still compact and lightweight versus larger vehicles
- Towing limits remain modest for the segment
- No option for more robust V6 engine
- Precise cargo loading and weight balance required
The Rogue requires care and common sense to tow effectively. But overall it has become more viable as an affordable SUV for lightweight towing needs.
Towing Tips and Reminders
Tow safely and
