2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid: A Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in Disguise

2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid: A Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in Disguise

The new Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid has arrived but don’t be fooled by the badge.

Look under the skin, and one thing becomes clear:

This isn’t really a Nissan.

It’s a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV wearing a Nissan mask.

In what can only be described as a textbook case of badge engineering, Nissan has rebadged the popular Outlander Plug-In Hybrid as the Rogue e-Power Series, giving it a revised front grille to match the brand’s newer design language think Sentra, Kicks, and Leaf.

But beyond the logos?

Everything else is borrowed.

It’s highly unusual for a model to gain a plug-in hybrid system so late in its life cycle. The third-generation Rogue launched in 2021, and five years later, Nissan finally adds electrification not through in-house innovation, but via partnership.

Under the hood lies the exact same setup as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:

• 2.4L naturally aspirated gasoline engine (codenamed MMC 4B12 a dead giveaway)
• One electric motor at each axle
• Combined output: 248 horsepower, 332 lb-ft of torque
• 20-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
• 38 miles of all-electric range
• Total driving range: 420 miles
• Level 2 charging time: 7.5 hours

Even the drivetrain architecture is identical including the dual-motor AWD system, which powers both axles independently without a traditional mechanical connection and yes every number matches.

2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid: A Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in Disguise

Because it’s essentially the same vehicle.

For U.S. buyers, the plug-in Rogue will be available exclusively with all-wheel drive and comes standard with seven seats a rare offering in the compact SUV segment.

Drive modes are also carried over directly from the Outlander:

• Normal
• Eco
• Power
• Tarmac
• Gravel
• Snow
• Mud

A surprising level of off-road readiness for a family hauler.

Trim levels are minimal:

• SL
• Platinum

Both include:

• 9-inch touchscreen infotainment
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Four USB ports

Upgrade to Platinum, and you get:

• 10-inch head-up display
• Nine-speaker Bose audio system
• Leather upholstery
• Second-row manual sunshades
• Electric panoramic sunroof

Luxurious? Yes. Innovative? Not exactly.

2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid: A Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in Disguise

Official pricing hasn’t been announced yet but given that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $42,675 (including destination), expect the Rogue variant to come in slightly higher, likely due to branding and demand.

The 2026 Rogue Plug-In Hybrid will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this month, with deliveries beginning early next year.

But here’s the catch:

This may be a very short-lived model.

Nissan confirmed in March that production of the fourth-generation Rogue will begin during Japan’s fiscal year 2026–2027 (April 2026 – March 2027).

When it arrives, the new Rogue will be the first U.S.-market Nissan with full e-Power technology where the internal combustion engine acts solely as a generator, never powering the wheels directly. Think of it as a series hybrid or range extender, similar to the Nissan Note e-Power sold in Japan.

That future model will offer three powertrains:

• Full e-Power (series hybrid)
• Conventional ICE-only
• A new plug-in hybrid option

But will that PHEV be developed in-house?

Or will Nissan once again turn to Mitsubishi?

Unclear but given their shared alliance, platform synergies, and cost-saving logic, another collaboration wouldn’t be surprising.

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