2027 Nissan Rogue e-Power Sets Sights on RAV4 and CR-V

Nissan's most important model sees a new generation launch this year, complete with an in-house hybrid setup.

Nissan on Monday revealed a veritable bevy of new model information as part of its Nissan Vision event. While models like the reborn Xterra and Skyline will no doubt draw lots of attention—as what Nissan calls "Heartbeat" models, their job is to attract enthusiast attention—no other model is more important than the 2027 Nissan Rogue. Part of Nissan's "Core" lineup of significant global models, and duking it out in the single largest and most competitive segment in America and Canada, the Rogue is a make-or-break model for the brand. Today, we get our first look at the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V competitor, which will arrive later this year packing a hybrid powertrain like its competitors.

Well, not quite like its competitors. The 2027 Rogue will bring Nissan's e-Power system to our shores, which is functionally different from what the RAV4 offers. In Nissan's setup, the gas engine acts purely as a generator, ensuring the battery always has juice for the comparatively larger, more powerful electric motors. Honda's system is similar, though there the gas engine can still be clutched in during specific situations, such as highway driving or full-throttle applications, where the combustion side can be at its most efficient.

We recently drove a European-market e-Power model and came away impressed, with editorial director Greg Migliore noting the quiet nature and familiar instant-access torque that marks out EVs. While he drove a single-motor, front-drive model, the Rogue e-Power will launch with a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive.

From the outside, the '27 Rogue is a clear evolution of the existing model, though Nissan has yet to release dimensions. We see a familiar (contrast-painted) roofline and general proportions, though with an added crispness to the body creases. We especially like the diagonal lines along the flanks pinching the Rogue's mid-section. The lighting up front is where we see the biggest changes, with a unique take on the current corporate face, including semi-hidden headlight elements, a bit like the Hyundai Tucson. Around back, that lighting pattern shows up in the elements of the taillights, which appear to be a similar shape to the current model. Don't forget those extra-funky wheel designs.

This will technically be the third time North America has had a Rogue hybrid. The first was briefly sold from 2017 to 2020, while Nissan quietly launched the Rogue Plug-In Hybrid late last year, a barely rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

We expect the 2027 Nissan Rogue to launch before the end of the year. Nissan will share more details on this important SUV closer to its on-sale date.

Like we said up top, this is a make-or-break model for Nissan. The Rogue is crucial to the brand turning around its recent hardships, and convincing customers about the benefits of e-Power could be an uphill battle. Look at Chevy's recent rebranding of the E-Ray as Grand Sport X; rumor has it buyers mistakenly thought that was a fully electric model and steered clear.

But a 'Vette buyer is a very different breed than a Rogue buyer. The e-Power system promises the benefits of fully electric motoring—near-silent operation, instant-access torque—while sidestepping range anxiety by using the engine as a generator. If it can sell folks on the best of both worlds, Nissan will have a significant advantage over the rest of the class.

While we haven't seen the interior yet, we're confident Nissan will nail that aspect of the new Rogue, too. The current model is one of our top-rated two-row SUVs when sticking to purely ICE-powered models. If Nissan can keep the current model's blend of space, equipment, and value intact while blending in e-Power, it could see sales leapfrog the Hyundai Tucson and once again challenge the segment leaders.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.