2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV Brings Back Old-School Badge Engineering
Let's get this out of the way nice and early: yes, the 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid is a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with minor aesthetic changes.
Key Points
- The 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid is essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, sharing its platform, drivetrain, and most design elements with only minor styling updates to fit Nissan’s lineup.
- It pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors for 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, offering 38 miles of electric-only range and 420 miles total—identical to the Outlander’s setup.
- Arriving in SL and Platinum trims, the Rogue PHEV will add available third-row seating, premium interior options, and standard all-wheel drive, with pricing likely starting around $42,000.
2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV: All The Details
The pens at Nissan kept the Outlander's entire style—aside from applying their own grille treatment and adding a black bar between the taillights to help it blend with the brand’s current design language. Hopefully, this is amusing to you, too, but the current Mitsubishi Outlander, which Nissan just rebadged, is already a reskin of the existing Nissan Rogue. The Outlander PHEV does use its own unique powertrain.
Anyway, the situation isn't expected to last long, just until the new Rogue with Nissan’s own hybrid powertrain launches. The decision makes sense from a business standpoint—badges are pretty cheap, after all, and Nissan needs a hybrid model right now—but it just seems like it's been a while since an automaker was this casual about badge engineering.
Underneath, the 2026 Rogue Plug-In Hybrid uses Mitsubishi's PHEV powertrain— a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors for standard all-wheel drive.
The combined output is rated at 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 20-kWh lithium-ion battery delivers an estimated 38 miles of electric range and roughly 420 miles total when operating as a hybrid. Charging takes about 7.5 hours on a Level 2 home charger. Fuel economy is expected to reach 64 MPGe or about 26 mpg when running on combustion alone.
When the new model arrives early next year, it will come in two trims: SL and Platinum. The higher-end Platinum version will add a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, Bose nine-speaker audio system, 10-inch head-up display, and household-style power outlets for rear passengers and the cargo area. Like its Mitsubishi twin, the Rogue PHEV will offer optional third-row seating—something the standard Rogue doesn't offer.
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but considering the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts around $42,000, Nissan’s version shouldn't stray far.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Perhaps even uglier than the Mitsu. Not in my driveway.
The quality of the interiors at Nissan have increased dramatically since Ghosn escaped. He really cheapened the brand.