2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid First Look: The RAV4 Has a Sharp New Challenger

• What's new: The Nissan Rogue gets a full redesign that finally adds the hybrid model that it needed.
• Why it matters: To truly compete with the best compact SUVs around, the Rogue needed numerous improvements; on first blush, it seems to have gotten them.
• Edmunds says: After seeing the new cabin and getting a quick stint behind the wheel, it's safe to say this Rogue is a big step forward.

So what is the E-Power hybrid?

The hybrid system in the new Rogue isn’t at all like what’s in the current RAV4. The turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder under the hood isn’t mechanically connected to the wheels in any way. It only serves as a generator, sending power to an inverter, which then passes it on to a small battery pack or directly to the electric motors. The e-motors are the only part of the system that is connected to the wheels, and thus they drive the car.

This will be the third generation of the system, and when we tested it in Japan back-to-back with the old system, it proved to be more refined and quicker to get up to highway speeds than its predecessor, making it much more ideal for the American market. We then drove an early prototype version of the Rogue Hybrid in Japan, and my drive in Utah confirmed many of those impressions.

We don’t have EPA estimates yet, but Nissan’s internal estimates put it at 38 mpg combined (40 city/36 highway), a bit behind the RAV4 but still excellent for a small SUV.

Cabin improvements

Though this wasn’t our first time behind the wheel, it was our first chance to get a really good look at the updated interior. It has been significantly improved in several ways, with a deeper dashboard that makes the front of the Rogue Hybrid feel a lot more spacious than before. The materials in both the SR and Platinum models we sampled have also improved, with a deep green soft-touch material covering the lower part of the dash that adds nice tone and some real dimension to the texture.

Real leather isn’t available, but the imitation stuff feels quite nice, and the SR and Platinum models also add a quilted pattern that looks great and helps keep the seats cool on a warm day. Though the looks have improved, small-item storage hasn’t — that’s one area where the Rogue Hybrid still trails the RAV4 with its many cubbies and shelves. There’s a decently sized compartment between the front seats down low, but the opening is small, making it difficult to reach in and grab stuff that’s stored there.

Both the RAV4 and Rogue Hybrid are on the smaller side for compact SUVs; the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offer more cargo and passenger room. But there’s still enough legroom for adults to fit comfortably in the rear seat, and the rear doors open to nearly 90 degrees, which makes it easier to get in and to install car seats. The Rogue Hybrid has also kept its three lower LATCH anchors, and it’s the only compact SUV that lets you fit three car seats side by side (by side).

More screen, same buttons

The screens have grown as they tend to with a redesign. Matching 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and the touchscreen now come standard. The SR with the Technology package and Platinum models come with larger 14.3-inch screens, and, most importantly, the larger screen is the only one that comes with a better infotainment system with Google Built-In, which brings Google Maps, the Play Store for apps, and even Gemini-tied voice commands. However, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will come standard should phone mirroring be your preference. 

Charging options include four USB-C charging ports (two front, two rear), but most exciting is an update to the wireless charging pad. It’s now a Qi2 magnetic charging pad (aka MagSafe), so it will lock your phone into place, and it charges at 15 watts, enough to add juice to your phone even if you’re using CarPlay. Platinum models also come with dual wireless charging pads.

I also liked that, despite the larger screens, there are still plenty of physical controls, including for all of the climate functions. The steering wheel is also covered in regular buttons; nothing touch-sensitive there either. It all adds up to a control scheme, digital and otherwise, that’s very easy to pick up and won’t have a steep learning curve.

What’s it going to cost?

Here’s where the rub is — the Rogue Hybrid is significantly more expensive than the gas Rogue, which currently starts at just under $31,000 for the 2026 model year. It’s going to cost you at least $37,065 (including destination charges) for a base SV model. There is a lot of added equipment, though, and all-wheel drive does come standard, but even then, it’s still about $2,000 more than getting into a RAV4 with AWD.

Initially, only the SR trim with the Technology package will be available at launch for $43,065, with the SV and Platinum models coming in early 2027. The current gas version of the Rogue will continue to be sold until the new one comes as a 2028 model.

The previous Rogue wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t compelling either. This new one, with its EV-esque driving experience and better looks, makes a far better case for itself, and we can’t wait to get one back to our home base and fully test it out. 

That will let us know just how high in our rankings the SUV can climb, but our initial impressions lead us to believe that, for the first time in a long time, the Nissan can go up against the RAV4 and more than hold its own.