Nissan is finally introducing its first plug-in hybrid in Canada with the 2026 Nissan Rogue. But here’s the twist – it’s essentially a rebadged version of its cousin, the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid, which first came to Canada in late 2017. With growing interest in plug-in hybrids and more automakers offering the option such as the new Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson, Nissan turned to its corporate partner, Mitsubishi, to bring the Rogue plug-in hybrid to market fast.
Other than the name on the grille, the Nissan Rogue PHEV looks the same as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine and an electric range of 61 kilometres.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
“We’re exploring further partnerships,” said Ponz Pandikuthira, senior vice-president and chief product and planning officer for Nissan Americas. “We’re open for business. We’re discussing with different automotive [manufacturers] what vehicles we can build with them because to develop a truly profitable vehicle you need scale and partnerships,” he added ahead of the test drive in Franklin, Tenn. in early December.
“The level of differentiation on the Rogue plug-in hybrid is not great,” said Pandikuthira, referencing the Outlander PHEV. “But speed to market drove that decision because we were missing a hybrid in the portfolio.”
That will change when the next-generation Nissan Rogue comes out, which is expected to arrive in Canada within the next 12 months. It will get Nissan’s so-called e-Power hybrid system, which is already offered in other global markets including Japan and Europe. Developed in-house, the third-generation e-Power system will use electric motors to move the wheels while the gas engine charges the battery. It’s designed to be quieter and more fuel efficient than traditional hybrid systems.
Until then, the 2026 Rogue plug-in hybrid will fill the gap. The hybrid will be offered on one trim - the top Platinum model with all-wheel-drive and three rows of seats for seven passengers. Visually and mechanically, it resembles its Outlander PHEV twin, sharing its looks as well as its chassis and powertrain.
Like the Outlander PHEV, the Rogue PHEV has a 2.4-litre gas engine mated to two electric motors and a 20-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. Combined output is 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. It’ll have 61 kilometres of electric range and a total driving range of up to 687 kilometres. While it doesn’t have fast-charging capability, it only takes about 7.5 hours to get a full charge on a Level 2 home charger.
The cabin resembles the Mitsubishi Outlander with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch head-up display.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Behind the wheel of the Rogue PHEV, it looks and feels like the Outlander PHEV. It drives well – it’s composed and balanced on sweeping roads and the all-wheel-drive system worked well when the rain started to fall. There are two levels of regenerative braking – to access move the shifter from D to B or push the e-Step one-pedal button on the centre console. Once engaged, lift off the throttle and the SUV slows down quickly; but it’s a bit jarring and aggressive. I preferred to skip it and stick with the Eco driving mode – there are seven driving modes in total including Normal, Power, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow and Mud.
What really impressed me was a short test drive in a European-spec Nissan Qashqai with the e-Power hybrid system, which will go in the next generation Rogue. It was incredible and felt more like a pure electric vehicle rather than a hybrid. It was smooth, quiet and refined with a seamless transition between the gas engine and electric motor. It’s a much better system than many others on the market.
Inside the Rogue PHEV is another welcome sight: the return of third-row seats. The second row seats are comfortable; they can slide forward and back, recline and easily fold forward to access the third row. But there’s little space to step inside so trying to get into the third row requires the skills of a contortionist or the height of a small child. Sitting in the third-row seat, it feels cramped and claustrophobic – they’re best suited for kids and short trips. The Platinum hybrid trim also includes two 120-volt, 1,500-watt power outlets in the trunk and in the rear seat area that can operate small electrical appliances – a hairdryer or coffee maker, if needed.
For Canadians, the new 2026 Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid will be made in Japan and arrive in dealerships early in 2026. Prices will be available closer to the sale date. Expect to pay a premium for the PHEV. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV costs $48,698, before freight and pre-delivery inspection – that’s about $13,000 more than its gas-powered Outlander sibling, which starts at $35,598. The 2026 Nissan Rogue base gas-only model starts at $37,185, before freight and PDI.
The Rogue PHEV also looks similar at the back.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVMark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Looks
With the exception of the Nissan logo in the front grille and the Nissan name spelled out across the rear, the Rogue PHEV looks strikingly similar to the Outlander. The Platinum plug-in hybrid trim adds cool 20-inch dark-painted wheels, black side-view mirror caps, black exterior trim, gloss black roof rails and some new colours.
Interior
No surprise, the cabin resembles the Mitsubishi Outlander, too. It has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch head-up display, a power panoramic sunroof, leather-appointed seats, rear privacy shades and a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is a bit on the small side compared to competitors. Heated front and rear seats as well as a heated steering wheel are standard on this trim.
The rear seats have a decent amount of space and are heated.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Performance
This is the most powerful Rogue to date. It’s quick with pleasant and comfortable road manners, but wind and engine noise does seep into the cabin.
Technology
It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay but wired Android Auto capability. It also comes with bundled safety technology including Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and rear automatic emergency braking.
Cargo
Cargo capacity is 362 Litres behind the third row. Drop the third-row seats and it increases to 872 litres. Lower the second-row seats and it expands to 1,832 litres. A motion-activated power liftgate is standard on the PHEV.
The trunk has 872 litres with the second row up and1,832 litres with it down.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
There is 362 Litres of space behind the third row.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The verdict
For a quick entry to the market, the 2026 Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid is a smart and welcome addition to the family, but the price will determine how well it sells against the Outlander PHEV and other competitors. If you’re willing to wait another year for the next generation Nissan Rogue with the e-Power hybrid system, it might be worth it – it’s a far superior system with better ride, handling and fuel economy.
Tech specs
2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid (Platinum trim)
- Price: To be announced
- Engine: 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder gas engine plus two electric motors
- Horsepower / torque (lb-ft): 248 / 332
- Transmission / drive: CVT / all-wheel drive
- Fuel consumption (litres per 100 kilometres): 3.6 Le/100 km
- Alternatives: Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Kia Sorento PHEV, Mazda CX-90/70 PHEV
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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