In early 2026, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will launch an innovative model in the US market: the 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid (Nissan Rogue PHEV) . This model will be Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid SUV for the US market, and is expected to be a noteworthy vehicle that combines environmental performance with practicality.
Nissan’s first PHEV for the US market is born
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In this article, we will thoroughly explain the new Rogue PHEV, which was unveiled for the first time in the world at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, including its specs, design, price, and relationship with Mitsubishi.
The biggest feature of the new Rogue PHEV: Relationship with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Truth About Badge Engineering
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The most interesting aspect of the 2026 Rogue PHEV is the fact that it’s a badge-engineered model based on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV , leveraging the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance’s collaboration to share existing platforms and technologies, shortening development time and reducing costs.
Exterior design: Embracing Nissan’s identity
Front mask: A fusion of the V-motion grille and Dynamic Shield
The most notable design element of the new Rogue PHEV is Nissan’s unique V-motion grille . While based on Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design, Nissan’s signature V-motion grille is cleverly incorporated into the center of the front grille.
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Front design features:
- “NISSAN” emblem placed at the front center
- V-motion grille creates a Nissan look
- Gloss black front skid plate adds a sporty touch
- 20-inch wheels as standard
- Blacked-out trim and exclusive wheel options
Rear design: Understated yet sophisticated
The rear end features only a “NISSAN” lettering badge, with no emblem attached. This understated approach gives the car a modern impression in line with recent trends.
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The “ROGUE” and “PLUG IN HYBRID” badges are located on the bottom left of the tailgate, and the “PLATINUM” badge indicating the grade is located on the bottom right.
Powertrain specs: balancing environmental performance and practicality
Hybrid system configuration
The new Rogue PHEV is equipped with a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine and twin motors .
Key specifications:
- Total system output: 248 horsepower (185 kW)
- Total system torque: 332 lb-ft (450 Nm)
- Battery capacity: 20kWh
- EV mode range: up to 38 miles (approximately 61 km)
- Total range: up to 420 miles (approximately 676 km)
- Fuel economy: up to 64 MPGe (highway)
Three driving modes
The Rogue PHEV features three driving modes that automatically switch based on driving conditions :
- EV mode: Quiet, zero-emission, fully electric driving
- Series mode: Generates electricity with the engine and drives with the motor
- Parallel mode: Runs with both engine and motor for maximum efficiency
EV mode selector function
The driver can manually select the driving mode using the EV button on the center console:
- EV mode: Ideal for short-distance commuting and quiet driving in residential areas
- Save mode: Saves battery power when driving on the highway
- Charge mode: Charge the battery while riding
Charging performance: Easy charging at home
Charging specifications:
- When using a Level 2 charger: Approximately 7.5 hours to fully charge
- Charging port: Located on the driver’s side front fender
- Regenerative braking: Equipped with a system that recovers energy during deceleration
Designed for home charging, it offers the convenience of virtually eliminating the need to stop at a gas station during your daily commute.
Interior: 7-seater, 3-row seating layout
Interior space and seat configuration
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A major feature of the new Rogue PHEV is that it is available exclusively as a seven-passenger, three-row configuration . This inherits the practicality of the Outlander PHEV, making it ideal for family use.
Seat Features:
- The third row seats can be folded down to create a flat cargo space.
- Dual-layer front seats provide both durability and a luxurious feel
- Quilted leather appointed seats (higher grade)
Technology included: three display systems
A triple display system is designed to meet the needs of today’s drivers :
- 12.3-inch widescreen meter: customizable digital instrument panel
- 9-inch touchscreen display: Integrated navigation, media and vehicle settings
- 10-inch head-up display: turn-by-turn guidance, speed display (Platinum grade)
Connectivity features:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay compatible
- Wired Android Auto compatible
- Wireless Charging Pad
- USB charging ports (4 ports standard)
- 1500W outlet x 2 (in-car power supply possible)
Premium Audio Experience
The Platinum grade comes standard with a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system , allowing you to enjoy high-quality sound no matter where you sit in the car.
Other comfort features
- Panoramic moonroof
- Acoustic glass (improved sound insulation)
- Heated front seats (standard on all grades)
- Heated rear seats and steering wheel (Platinum grade)
- Rear sunshade (Platinum grade)
- Diamond-shaped dial with aluminum accents
Advanced driver assistance system: ProPILOT Assist standard equipment
ProPILOT Assist features
Nissan’s renowned driving assistance technology, ProPILOT Assist , is standard equipment on all grades:
- Adaptive cruise control: Automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front
- Lane Keep Assist: Keeps you in the center of your lane
- Traffic jam assistance: Reducing the burden of stop-and-go traffic
Comprehensive safety equipment
Standard safety features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- 360-degree around-view camera system
- LED headlights and taillights
AWD Performance: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System
Advantages of Twin-Motor AWD
Every Rogue PHEV comes standard with an intelligent all-wheel drive system . Twin motors drive the rear wheels, delivering superior performance over conventional mechanical all-wheel drive:
- Instant Traction Control
- Improved stability
- Optimal driving force distribution according to road conditions
7 drive modes
Seven drive modes selectable via a dial :
- Standard Mode
- Sport Mode
- Eco Mode
- Snow Mode
- Off-road mode
- Other custom modes
This allows it to handle any situation, from sunny city streets to snowy roads and light off-road driving.
Grade structure and equipment contents
The new Rogue PHEV will be available in two grades .
SL grade (base grade)
Main equipment:
- LED headlights and taillights
- 12.3-inch digital meter
- 9-inch touchscreen display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay / Wired Android Auto
- Heated front seats
- 4 x USB charging ports
- ProPILOT Assist
- Omnidirectional safe driving support system
- 20-inch aluminum wheels
- Intelligent AWD
Platinum grade (top grade)
In addition to the SL grade equipment:
- 10-inch head-up display
- Leather appointed seats (quilted)
- 9-speaker Bose premium audio
- Panoramic power moonroof
- Heated rear seats and steering wheel
- rear sunshade
- 1500W outlet x 2
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Gloss black roof rails
The cosmetic changes are subtle, but the improvements in comfort and convenience are significant.
Price estimate and release date
Expected price range
Nissan hasn’t released official pricing, but considering the base Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $40,445 (excluding taxes and fees), we expect the Rogue PHEV to be priced in the same or slightly higher range of $40,000 to $48,000.
Release Schedule
- World premiere: November 21, 2025 at the Los Angeles Auto Show
- Arrival at US dealerships: Early 2026
- Japanese market: Currently undecided
Comparison with competing models
Positioning compared to PHEV SUVs in the same class
Main competing models:
- Toyota RAV4 Prime: 302 horsepower, 42 miles of EV range
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Latest model has 302 horsepower and a 22.7 kWh battery
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: 375 horsepower, 25 miles of EV range
- Ford Escape PHEV: 221 horsepower, 37 miles of EV range
Although the Rogue PHEV is modest in terms of power output, it differentiates itself with its impressive total range of 420 miles and practicality with three rows of seats for seven people .
Analysis of advantages and disadvantages
merit
- Excellent total range: 420 miles (approximately 676 km) for long-distance driving
- EV range is sufficient for everyday use: 38 miles (approximately 61 km), so no gasoline is needed for commuting
- 7-seater, 3-row seating: Practical for families
- Standard AWD: All-weather driving performance
- Fully equipped: ProPILOT Assist, triple display, etc.
- Nissan Reliability: Dealer Network and After-Sales Service
- Eligible for low taxes and subsidies: Possibility of tax benefits as a PHEV vehicle
Disadvantages and concerns
- Older-generation platform: Performance is inferior to the latest Outlander PHEV
- Modest power output: 248 horsepower is lower than the competition
- Small 9-inch screen: The standard Rogue has a 12.3-inch screen
- Badge engineering: a lack of originality
- Price is unclear: Cost performance is yet to be announced
Possibility of introduction into the Japanese market
The current Nissan X-Trail (known in Japan) is available with an e-POWER hybrid, but there is no plug-in hybrid model.
There is a possibility that the Rogue PHEV will be introduced in the Japanese market as the X-Trail PHEV, but this is currently unclear due to the following factors:
- Japan’s charging infrastructure
- Development costs for right-hand drive models
- Identifying domestic PHEV needs
- Cannibalization concerns with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Rogue PHEV a fully electric vehicle?
A: No, it is a plug-in hybrid. It has up to 38 miles of electric range, but also has a gasoline engine.
Q2: How long does it take to charge?
A: It takes about 7.5 hours to fully charge using a Level 2 charger.
Q3: Are there any models with two rows of seats and a five-seater?
A: No, all models are only available with three rows of seats and a seven-seater.
Q4: What is the difference between the Rogue and the regular Rogue?
A: The Rogue PHEV is based on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, but on a different platform. It is a different vehicle model from the regular Rogue.
Q5: Is there a hybrid-specific warranty?
A: The battery and hybrid system will likely have a longer warranty than normal, but details are pending.
Summary: A practical, family-oriented PHEV
The 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid is an important first step in Nissan’s PHEV strategy for the U.S. market . While the badge-engineered approach based on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been controversial, it represents a realistic approach to meeting market needs while keeping development costs down.
With a maximum total range of 420 miles , practicality for seating seven , and standard AWD , it is well suited to the continental American driving environment and large family culture. The greatest appeal of the PHEV is the flexibility it offers: electric power for daily commutes and the peace of mind of a gasoline engine for weekend getaways.
On the other hand, the fact that it is not based on the latest generation Outlander PHEV raises questions about its long-term competitiveness. It will be interesting to see how the next model evolves depending on the market reaction.
Official pricing and detailed specifications will be announced ahead of the car’s release in early 2026. The Rogue PHEV will be a strong choice for those looking for a family SUV that combines environmental performance and practicality.
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