2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV First Drive Review: A Mistake or Smart Move?

The 2026 Rogue PHEV delivers meaningful EV range and refinement beyond expectationsPricing and warranty coverage compared to the Outlander could impact sales.As a near-1:1 copy of the Outlander PHEV, will shoppers care?

There’s no hiding it, no sugar-coating it, and Nissan isn’t even pretending otherwise: the 2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV is a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV wearing different badges. Even Nissan admits, or nearly, this was a knee-jerk reaction. In short, a short-term plug-in stopgap until the upcoming Rogue hybrid e-Power arrives in about a year. And that’s where the real question begins: Does this cloned PHEV actually matter?

Surprisingly… maybe it does. And doesn’t.

2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

After briefly driving the 2026 Rogue PHEV, it’s clear that this model might resonate. Even so, it is little more than a compliance car and a placeholder. Despite how it came to be, the Rogue PHEV functions as a real, usable, well-rounded plug-in option.

This really is the Outlander PHEV, mechanically and dynamically

Once behind the wheel, any illusions of separation disappear quickly: the Rogue PHEV is nearly identical to the Outlander PHEV in all meaningful ways. Nissan has incorporated Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid setup wholesale. That includes the 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, the dual electric motors, and a 20-kWh battery pack. Output also mirrors its Mitsubishi twin, with combined figures landing at 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque fed to all four wheels.

2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

In practice, the result is persuasive, confident acceleration and an overall driving feel that matches expectations. The Rogue PHEV, like its Mitsubishi twin, is a genuinely pleasant SUV to drive. It’s quiet, composed, and refined, delivering a level of smoothness that makes day-to-day driving feel effortless.

EV range is another strong point. The official estimate sits at 61 kilometres, and based on my previous experience with the Mitsubishi system, that’s realistic in moderate weather. In colder conditions, seeing the number drop by 20% is to be expected, however, not entirely alarming. Unfortunately, my test vehicle’s battery was fully depleted during the drive so that I couldn’t experience EV-only operation, but under normal circumstances, the Rogue PHEV should deliver many dozens of kilometres before the gasoline engine needs to step in.

2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV | Photo: Matt St-PierreStill a Classy Cabin

As with the mechanical foundation that comes from Mitsubishi, the cabin is also entirely Outlander save for the “Nissan” logo on the steering wheel and the branded floor mats. This then means that the 2026 Rogue PHEV is polished and premium in the tested Platinum trim. When I last reviewed the Mitsubishi, I also had two luxury SUVs on rotation, and it did not feel outclassed. Materials are rich, stitching sophisticated, and the layout feels cohesive and contemporary. Some hard plastics remain, but overall execution stands above the mainstream norm.

Nissan also equips the Rogue PHEV Platinum with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 9-inch touchscreen. EV-specific drive modes, adjustable regenerative braking (including a strong setting that mimics one-pedal driving), and favourable ergonomics complete the environment.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review: I Was Wrong… It Actually Makes Sense Now

The Quirks, the Compromises, and the e-Power Countdown

Naturally, the Rogue PHEV isn’t free of drawbacks. The third row remains as compromised here as it is in the Outlander. It’s a fixed bench rather than a split design, making it uncomfortable and largely impractical for adults. It also eats up cargo space and adds weight.

Brake pedal feel is another characteristic carried over from the Mitsubishi system. The regenerative and mechanical blending isn’t as polished as some competitors’, resulting in a slightly soft, disconnected sensation when slowing down. Repeated use and time do minimize if not eliminate the impression of “softness.”

2026 Nissan Qashqai e-Power | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

But the largest looming issue is strategic rather than mechanical. Nissan has already confirmed that the Rogue hybrid e-Power system will arrive roughly a year after this PHEV, in late 2026. And, that it will be more efficient and less expensive. Once information on e-Power circulates, all of it very positive, this PHEV may become a harder sell, even if it remains an objectively good vehicle.

That uncertainty is compounded by the fact that Nissan has not yet confirmed pricing or warranty details for the Rogue PHEV. The Outlander PHEV’s base price is $51,500 with fees and includes a 10-year/160,000-kilometre battery warranty. As of yet, Nissan has not indicated whether it will match those figures.

2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV | Photo: Matt St-PierreFinal verdict: Good, but Why Not Wait?

Taken as a whole, the 2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV performs well, exactly like its “rebadged Mitsubishi” reputation suggests. It offers real EV range, smooth and quiet driving dynamics, and an attractive cabin. It may not be the long-term direction for Nissan’s electrified lineup, but as a transitional product, it does its job remarkably well.

Nissan made it clear that the Rogue PHEV will be short-lived, perhaps no more than two years. This raises questions about resale value for those who will buy instead of lease. As far as maintenance is concerned, when Nissan pulls the plug on the vehicles, Mitsubishi dealers will have no issue working on the vehicle.

Let’s wait for the next-generation Rogue hybrid e-Power or, alternatively, head over to your neighbourhood Mitsubishi store.

2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV | Photo: Matt St-Pierre