Update: The story has been revised to include official confirmation, along with new details on the design and styling.
The Rogue, Nissan’s best-selling model in the U.S., will gain two electrified variants here within two years, the company has confirmed.
Confirmation
Nissan confirmed the variants while announcing its FY2024 third-quarter financial results on February 13, 2025. While exact timelines have not been announced, the Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid is expected to arrive in the U.S. during the second half of this year, followed by a regular hybrid (e-Power) model in early 2027. The latter will be launched alongside a full redesign of the gas-engined model.
As part of these efforts, we will launch a plug-in hybrid version of the Rogue, and an e-Power version.
Makoto Uchida, President & CEO of Nissan, discussing upcoming models during the Nissan FY2024 Q3 presentation on Feb 13, 2025
Having spent a fair amount of time with every generation of the Nissan Rogue (sold as the X-Trail overseas), here are our expectations from the two electrified versions for the U.S.:
Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid (2025)
The Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid will be the brand’s first semi-electrified model in the U.S. following the discontinuation of Rogue Hybrid in 2020. Going by the teaser, the model is expected to be a restyled/rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, given Nissan’s partnership with Mitsubishi under the existing Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
The plug-in hybrid system is expected to feature the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric traction motors. The setup will power all four wheels via an electric all-wheel-drive system.
As for the battery, Mitsubishi has upgraded the 2025 Outlander to a 22.4 kWh unit in Europe. If the new electrical system is brought to the U.S., it would help the Rogue PHEV reach around 45 miles of pure-electric range (EPA-est.), with a 10-80% charge (DC fast charging) achieved in around 40 minutes. The current system provides 248 hp of total power and 332 lb.-ft. of combined torque, with 38 miles of EV mode range.
Nissan Rogue Hybrid e-Power (2027)
A second electrified Rogue, featuring Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system, will follow in early 2027. Unlike conventional hybrids, the e-Power system is unique in that the gas engine does not directly drive the wheels. Instead, the engine acts as a generator, producing electricity to power electric motors on each axle.
For reference, the current e-Power system (sold in global markets) features a 1.5-liter turbo engine, a 2.1 kWh battery and twin motors producing 201 hp in total. The Rogue Hybrid heading to the U.S. will employ the next-generation e-Power system that’s in development.
The third generation of the e-Power system will be available on the Qashqai this year followed by Rogue and a large minivan.
Makoto Uchida, President & CEO of Nissan, discussing upcoming models during the Nissan FY2024 Q3 presentation on Feb 13, 2025
While the Rogue Hybrid’s system will take on a similar configuration, we’re expecting improved fuel efficiency and instant torque for better city driving performance. Nissan has stated that the third-generation system will have 15% better fuel efficiency than the current system, and offer more performance.
Design & Interior
The Rogue Hybrid’s arrival will coincide with a complete redesign of the gasoline-powered Rogue. The full upgrade positions Nissan to better compete with rivals such as the next-gen Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and next-gen Honda CR-V Hybrid, with prices expected to start at well under USD 35,000.
Based on the teaser from the Q3 FY24 presentation and ‘The Arc’ business plan announcement from March 2024, the next-gen Rogue adopts a new design language that’s not available in today’s Nissans. The front features four LED modules in a layout reminiscent of Kia’s “Ice Cube” style LED foglamps, which would be a first. A muscular bonnet, flared wheel arches, and full-width LED taillights are expected to transform the Rogue’s design.
Inside, it could adopt a minimalist, tech-focused design with dual 12.3-inch displays, providing access to Google built-in services, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Premium features such as ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and an advanced ProPILOT Assist system are also expected.
Other highlights are expected to include remote-folding rear seats and a possible increase in floor height due to the battery pack, which could slightly impact cargo and seating space.
TopElectricSUV says
Nissan is addressing its hybrid gap in its U.S. lineup with the upcoming Rogue Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants. The local operations had prioritized EVs, expecting full electrification to dominate. As it turned out, American buyers have leaned toward hybrids in the last 4 years, with Honda and Toyota posting record electrified sales.
Feature image: Nissan
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
