Nissan’s new Rogue Plug-In Hybrid isn’t a fresh design; it’s a straightforward case of badge engineering – essentially a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with Nissan branding. This unusual move highlights a strategic partnership rather than independent innovation. The late introduction of a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the third-generation Rogue, five years into its lifecycle, underscores this reliance on existing technology.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2026 Rogue carries over the Outlander PHEV’s powertrain: a 2.4-liter gasoline engine paired with dual electric motors (one per axle). Combined output matches the Mitsubishi at 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 20-kWh lithium-ion battery delivers a 38-mile electric range, with a full charge taking 7.5 hours on a Level 2 charger. Total driving range, including gasoline, is 420 miles – identical to the Outlander PHEV.
Features and Trims
The Rogue Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive and seven seats. It offers seven drive modes: Normal, Power, Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. Trim levels are limited to SL and Platinum. Both trims include a nine-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and four USB ports. The Platinum adds a 10-inch head-up display, nine-speaker Bose sound system, leather upholstery, second-row sunshades, and a panoramic sunroof.
Market Position and Pricing
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $42,675 (including destination fees). Nissan will showcase the 2026 Rogue Plug-In Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show before its release early next year. This rebadging strategy allows Nissan to enter the plug-in hybrid market quickly without significant development costs.
Future Plans
Nissan confirmed that production of the fourth-generation Rogue will begin in Japan’s fiscal year 2026 (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027). The next Rogue will feature Nissan’s e-Power technology, where the combustion engine acts solely as a generator, not driving the wheels. The future PHEV model’s development—whether in-house or another collaboration with Mitsubishi—remains unclear.
The Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid is a pragmatic solution for immediate market entry, but its reliance on Mitsubishi technology raises questions about long-term innovation. The upcoming fourth-generation Rogue with e-Power suggests a shift toward more independent development, though the possibility of continued collaboration with Mitsubishi remains open
