Nissan prices new Rogue Hybrid from $35,490 as it takes on Toyota RAV4

• The Rogue Hybrid uses two electric motors to drive the wheels, while its 1.5-liter gasoline engine acts solely as a generator.
• Nissan estimates fuel economy of up to 41 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg combined for the SR model.
• Prices start at $35,490 for the SV trim, with the range-topping Platinum priced at $43,490.

Nissan is bringing a different kind of hybrid technology to the US with its 2027 Rogue Hybrid, an SUV designed to deliver the driving experience of an electric vehicle without requiring owners to plug it in.

The new model uses the Japanese automaker's e-POWER system, a series-hybrid setup in which electric motors drive the wheels while a gasoline engine generates electricity to charge the battery.

Unlike conventional hybrids, where the combustion engine and electric motor can both provide power to the wheels, the Rogue Hybrid has no mechanical connection between its engine and the wheels. The arrangement allows the vehicle to operate much like an electric car, with the gasoline engine working in the background.

The launch marks the first time Nissan has offered e-POWER in the US, although the technology has been available in Japan for around a decade. More than 1.4 million vehicles equipped with the system have been sold there.

Under the hood, the Rogue Hybrid has a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 148 horsepower. It charges a 1.67 kWh lithium-ion battery, which supplies electricity to two motors.

The front motor produces 202 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, while the rear motor delivers 134 horsepower and 144 lb-ft. Combined system output is rated at 225 horsepower, with the battery limiting the maximum power available from the two motors.

Nissan has also developed the engine to operate at a reported thermal efficiency of 42 per cent, allowing it to generate electricity efficiently rather than directly powering the vehicle.

How does the Rogue Hybrid drive?

The electric motors provide immediate acceleration, giving the SUV a driving feel closer to an electric vehicle than a conventional gasoline-powered crossover.

Nissan quotes a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds. The vehicle also features one-pedal driving, allowing drivers to accelerate and slow down using the accelerator, with regenerative braking recovering energy during deceleration.

In a road test, Ars Technica found the powertrain smooth and quiet, with the gasoline engine rarely becoming noticeable during normal driving. The publication also reported that the SUV handled highway cruising comfortably, although its ride was less effective over sharper bumps.

The Rogue Hybrid SR is rated at 41 mpg in city driving, 36 mpg on the highway and 38 mpg combined. These figures put it within reach of conventional hybrid rivals, although the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers slightly better fuel economy.

The interior includes physical controls alongside a 12.3-inch standard infotainment display. Buyers opting for the Tech Package get a larger 14.3-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive OS with Google services. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available.

Nissan has continued its focus on seat comfort with its Zero Gravity seating design, while the SUV offers practical storage space for families.

How much does the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid cost?

Nissan is initially launching the Rogue Hybrid in the SR trim with the Tech Package, priced at $41,490.

The company plans to add the SV trim at $35,490 and the Platinum version at $43,490 in January. All three versions come with all-wheel drive.

The pricing places the Rogue Hybrid in competition with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, one of the most established models in the segment.

For Nissan, the new SUV offers a way to attract buyers interested in electric-style driving but reluctant to depend on public charging networks or install home charging equipment.

The technology also gives the company a distinctive position in a market where conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles continue to compete for buyers. Whether customers embrace a series-hybrid system over more familiar alternatives will depend on its real-world efficiency, reliability and long-term ownership costs.