- Next Rogue brings an edgy design with rugged cues and blacked-out lighting elements.
- Revised CMF-CD architecture supports new hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options.
- American debut expected mid-2026 as Nissan targets top rivals like the new Toyota RAV4.
To say that things haven’t been going smoothly for Nissan lately is a serious contender for the understatement of the year. The Japanese automaker has been caught in a steady stream of headlines for all the wrong reasons, from factory closures, layoffs, and mounting financial losses that seem to deepen with each passing month. While the outlook might seem bleak, there’s a sign of hope on the horizon: a new-generation Rogue crossover is on the way.
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The 2027 Rogue, sold as the X-Trail in many markets outside North America, including Europe, is Nissan’s most crucial model and its top seller in the States. Its upcoming successor is set to receive a thorough refresh, featuring updated styling and new electrified powertrain options, though it won’t be a completely new design.
The big question is whether that will be enough to slow the financial bleeding. Let’s take a closer look.
Edgier Styling With a Familiar Face
In a recent presentation outlining its future plans, Nissan included a few teaser images—low-lit, stylized glimpses—of the next Rogue, alongside several other models. While the official reveal is still to come, we’ve pieced together the visual clues to get a better idea of what’s in store. And the result is likely to grab attention, even if you’re not usually a crossover enthusiast.
Also: Tiny Defect May Land Half A Million Nissan And Infiniti Owners A Brand New Engine
At the front, you’re greeted by a bold, blacked-out grille encompassing five hexagonal-like DRL elements on each side. Recessed and positioned higher up are the main LED units and the leading edge of the hood is more upright and squared off. The front fenders feature scalloped contours that blend seamlessly into the doors, and this effect is mirrored towards the rear, giving the car a more rugged appearance.
Towards the back, the D-pillar design is reminiscent of the latest Patrol SUV, while the sharp, wraparound LED taillights echo the design cues from the front end for a balanced, cohesive look.
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Smarter and More Refined Interior
Inside, the new 2027 Rogue will take cues from the Ariya EV and the latest Murano, adopting a clean, horizontal dashboard layout with dual widescreen displays, one for instruments and one for infotainment. Physical controls will be kept to a minimum, and the cabin will feature a more refined mix of materials throughout. An updated version of Nissan’s ProPILOT driver-assist system will also be included.
Some reports suggest the Rogue’s interior dimensions will increase, but, like the new RAV4, it’s likely to be a heavy refresh rather than a clean-sheet redesign. It will still be based on the current car’s CMF-CD modular architecture. The two-row, five-seat configuration will continue in North America, but globally, the X-Trail variant is tipped to retain an optional third row.
Hybrid and Plug-In Options
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Arguably, the most significant leap for the next Rogue comes under the hood. Nissan is expanding its lineup with hybrid options. While the current model’s conventional ICE engine will carry over, it will be joined by Nissan’s innovative e-Power hybrid, which finally make its U.S. debut. Unlike a typical hybrid, the third-generation e-Power system uses a turbocharged, 1.5-litre petrol engine chiefly as a generator to charge a battery while an electric motor alone drives the wheels.
At low speeds, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system (called e-4ORCE in Japan) will run purely on electric drive, and at higher loads, the engine kicks in only to produce electricity, delivering an experience much like a pure EV.
More: Nissan’s New Hybrid System Promises EV-Like Benefits But At A Cost
In addition to the e-Power series hybrid, a plug-in hybrid will be introduced to the lineup after the initial launch. As we’ve reported before, Nissan’s teaser image for this variant looks suspiciously like a re-badged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Whether or not this is a stop-gap effort or simply points to the Outlander’s electrified mechanicals being used remains to be seen.
Competition and Reveal
The 2027 Rogue’s biggest thorn in its side is Toyota’s heavily redesigned RAV4. Other key rivals include Hyundai’s Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Volkswagen’s new Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Bronco Sport, Jeep Cherokee and the new generation of the Mazda CX-5.
Industry insiders suggest the new Rogue will debut in mid-2026, with production of the North America-spec model starting shortly after.
Will the Rogue’s updated design and electrified powertrains be enough to make it a real contender in the compact SUV segment again? Let us know what you think in the comments.
