Nissan Rogue PHEV 2026 Officially Launched, So Similar To Mitsubishi Outlander?

Nissan Rogue PHEV 2026. (Photo: Nissan USA)

JAKARTA - Nissan USA officially introduced the 2026 Rogue Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), an environmentally friendly SUV that promises high efficiency and AWD drive. However, behind its appearance carrying the identity of Nissan, the public was immediately excited: this model is actually a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV which is replaced with a badge.

This total repudge became a hot topic because Nissan seemed to just change the front face and paste a new logo without any significant changes.

This step comes when Nissan wants to refresh Rogue or X-Trail in several countries, which are often considered less striking in its segment. Unfortunately, these attempts actually stumbled because the similarities in design are very obvious. From body curves, proportions, to sterns, all of which are reminiscent of PHEV Outlanders. Nissan never even mentioned Mitsubishi's name in an official release, making this move feel like a brief strategy that causes controversy.

In fact, as reported by Jalopnik, Tuesday, November 18, these two SUVs have actually shared platforms since the last generation, but this time Nissan really took the PHEV Outlander as it is. However, there is a positive side: Rogue PHEV inherits a tested Mitsubishi hybrid plug-in system, such as a 20 kWh battery, a pure power range of 61 km, a combined 248 hp, a 332 lb-ft torque, and a built-in AWD. Unfortunately, Outlander's 50 kW DC fast-charging feature was removed, with the CHAdeMO port blocked a significant shortage.

Entering the cabin, the same story repeats itself. The interior system is almost identical to Outlander's, with Nissan's touch only visible on the steering logo, door plate, and skin pattern in the upper variant. Even so, Outlander's cabin is indeed quite good, offering a space of relief in the second row, a tiny third row for emergency conditions, as well as a complete safety feature. Rogue PHEV also gets ProPilot Assist Level 2, adding plus to the technology side.

Nissan hasn't announced an official price yet, but Rogue PHEV will be available early next year in the SL and Platinum variants. The highest trim will be equipped with 10-inch head-up display, 9-peaker Bose audio, panoramic sunscreen, heating rear seat, and Glossy black top rail. With full rebudge status, the price is predicted to be in a very similar range to PHEV's Outlander.

This means that consumers can look forward to the basic price in the range of 40 thousand US dollars and the full model of the feature penetrated 50 thousand US dollars. Although considered expensive for a Mitsubishi with the Nissan logo', this price is still quite reasonable in the current PHEV SUV class. The public is now just waiting to see if this rebudge strategy is able to help Nissan compete, or instead raise more questions.