Nissan has just kicked off its Vision event, where it plans to lay out the future of both Nissan and Infiniti. The first models — a pair of SUVs — to get the next chapter rolling are two familiar names, one making its long-anticipated return to the market. The other is coming equipped with a powertrain that is gaining popularity among various manufacturers’ future lineups.
The Nissan Rogue Hybrid e-Power Puts A Different Hybriod Tech At The Forefront
Nissan gave us an early look at the upcoming 2027 Rogue Hybrid e-Power, which packs the brand’s series hybrid powertrain. A series hybrid uses a gasoline engine as a generator to charge a battery and provide energy to the electric motors that drive the wheels, similar to many range-extended electric vehicles — but a plug isn’t necessary. Nissan says that using a pair of electric motors to drive the wheels provides the efficiency of a strong hybrid with the spirited driving character of an EV. Nissan has sold over 2 million vehicles with e-Power since 2016, so it’s safe to say 2027 Rogue Hybrid e-Power buyers won’t be guinea pigs for a new technology. That said, it will be the first time Nissan’s e-Power will be available in the US.
With hybrid e-POWER, the all-new Rogue will bring the smooth, responsive feel of electric motor driving to one of the most popular compact SUVs in North America, while staying true to what customers value most – efficiency, confidence, and everyday usability.
– Ponz Pandikuthira, senior vice president, Chief Product & Planning Officer, Nissan Americas
Why The Rogue Hybrid e-Power Is A Major Move By Nissan
The introduction of a series hybrid is significant, specifically for the Rogue, because it represents the widespread integration of the often-avoided powertrain into the mainstream North American market. Having a gas engine that doesn’t drive the wheels has proven to be a hard sell in today’s market, considering we have tried-and-tested gas, parallel hybrid, and pure EV options at our disposal.
The Rogue, being one of the most mainstream SUV options one could think of, signals a confidence in the technology’s potential, as well as the realization that tech like this could shape the future, especially as range-extended EVs (which generally use a similar series hybrid format) become more popular, and Nissan is getting in on the wave early.
The Xterra Is Also Making A Return
Nissan’s Vision event also confirmed a resurrection that many have been predicting for years: the return of the Xterra. We love the Xterra for being exactly what it says it is: a rugged SUV that is as versatile as it is practical. The upcoming reboot will ride on a body-on-frame platform — another aspect gaining popularity among manufacturers’ future lineups. The BoF platform offers tough capability and the kind of surefootedness you need when conquering rough roads, trails, snowy conditions, or when you’re towing and need something that won’t fuss when you push it hard.
Nissan announced that it plans to introduce five US-built models underpinned by the BoF platform, including the all-new Xterra, and is considering expanding to pickups and larger SUVs across the Nissan and Infiniti lineups. The BoF model family will offer a V6 or a new V6 hybrid powertrain, which is great news for those who were worried the Xterra may lose its edge in the modern age of turbo fours. The Rogue Hybrid e-Power is expected in late 2026, while the Xterra is set for late 2028.
Sources: Nissan