Nissan has finally decided to enter the hybrid market in the United States, albeit after a period of lagging sales for its top-selling SUV, the Rogue. Following a significant mid-cycle update, the automaker is set to launch a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant of the 2026 Rogue, which is expected to hit the market in the upcoming year, according to Ponz Pandikuthira, Chief Planning Officer for Nissan Americas.
A PHEV typically operates primarily on electric power until the battery charge diminishes, at which point it seamlessly transitions to a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. Drivers have the option to recharge the battery via a standard electrical outlet or through regenerative braking systems.
Although Nissan has been successful with all-electric models like the Leaf and Ariya, its lack of hybrid options, particularly for the Rogue, has been a curious oversight. Competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, which offer hybrid alternatives, have experienced a boost in sales, while the Rogue’s popularity has dwindled this year.
To address this, Nissan is partnering with Mitsubishi to introduce its first hybrid model in the U.S. According to reports, the Rogue will utilize a powertrain similar to that of the Mitsubishi Outlander. In that vehicle, a 2.4-liter gasoline engine powers the front wheels, complemented by two electric motors to create an all-wheel-drive capability that can operate independently or in unison with the gasoline engine. With the Outlander offering 248 horsepower, the Rogue PHEV is poised to exceed its current 201 horsepower output. Additionally, the Outlander is estimated by the EPA to deliver 38 miles of all-electric driving range.
Moreover, Nissan intends to introduce its e-Power series hybrid technology to the U.S. market in 2026. This system, already in use in international markets, employs electric motors for wheel propulsion while utilizing the gasoline engine solely for battery recharging.
