2026 Nissan Rogue

Performance

The Rogue features one of the most advanced engines in its segment: a 1.5-liter Variable Compression turbocharged inline-three. While other turbocharged small-displacement engines are available in the segment, none have Nissan’s exclusive Variable Compression technology. High compression improves efficiency and power, but it doesn’t work well with turbocharging because the forced pressure effectively increases compression on its own. Compression that’s too high can cause knocking, which reduces power and can damage the engine. To avoid this, other manufacturers have to scale back their fixed compression ratios to accommodate turbocharging, which leaves power and efficiency on the table at low rpms.

Unhappy with this compromise, Nissan’s engineers developed a Variable Compression system to accommodate its smaller turbocharged engines. The system uses a complex linkage in the piston rods to reduce compression when turbocharging is active, such as during acceleration or when the engine is under high load. The engine then increases compression when the turbocharger is less active, such as in low-speed driving and during sustained highway cruising. The engine is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, which it has finessed over the years to provide smooth, unobtrusive operation and quick response.

The engine produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, while also achieving an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30/37/33 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 29/36/32 mpg with all-wheel drive (AWD). These figures are among the best-in-class for non-hybrid models.

Exterior

The 2026 Rogue continues with the new look of the 2025 model, including a V-motion grille with horizontal slats extending to the edge on each side. The Platinum model also features gloss black lower trim on the front, rear, and sides.

The new Dark Armor model won’t stop bullets, but it does offer an aggressive “murdered-out” appearance. Based on the SV trim, it features gloss black finish on the grille bars, badging, pillar trim, and side mirrors. The model rides on 19-inch gloss black wheels and is topped with satin-black roof rails on either side of a standard panoramic moonroof. This model will arrive later in the model year.

The off-road-focused Rock Creek model also has a distinctive look. It features a gloss black front grille and three upper silver accents that pay homage to the iconic Hardbody pickup truck and Pathfinder—Nissan’s first SUV. It also includes Lava Red accents, gloss-black side view mirrors, and a 220-pound-capacity tubular roof rack with integrated crossbars accented in Lava Red. Enhancing both appearance and capability, the Rock Creek is equipped with its own rolling stock, featuring 235/65R17 Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch satin black wheels.

Interior

The Rogue cabin seats five comfortably and is equipped with thoughtful storage solutions. The center console’s “butterfly-style” lid allows easy access to stored items from both the first and second rows. You will enjoy 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats. The 60/40 split rear seatbacks enable you to maximize cargo space regardless of the number of passengers. When both sides of the second row seats are folded, there is 74.1 cubic feet of space. The available Divide-N-Hide® system offers hidden, secure storage for small items below the cargo area floor and provides a choice between a fully flat load floor or a lower floor position for increased load height.

S and SV models feature white-on-black analog gauges with a center digital information display. SL and Platinum models provide a configurable digital color driver information center. New for 2026 is a Cold Weather Package for the SV trim that adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel for just $400.

Elsewhere in the cabin, vibrant colors and textures on the door panels, seats, center console, and passenger-side dashboard trim contribute to an upscale appearance. Rock Creek interior upgrades feature water-repellent leatherette seats with distinctive inserts, Lava Red accent stitching, and piano black dashboard trim.

On the Platinum model, the luxury ambiance is further enhanced by available Chestnut brown leather on the dash, door panels, and quilted semi-aniline leather seats.

Technology

The SV and Platinum Rogue feature the Google Built-in operating system displayed on a striking 12.3-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen. Not only is it quick and responsive, but it also comes with Google Maps, the world’s leading navigation app, and Google Assistant voice recognition system. Additional apps can be downloaded from Google Play.

These systems, along with a smartphone-like interface, operate without needing a connected phone. However, if you prefer Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™, they are available wirelessly. These trims also include a wireless charging pad in the front. Rogue S and SV feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, offering intuitive connectivity.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2025 Rogue earned an overall 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also checked off all of the NHTSA’s recommended safety technologies thanks to the standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 system, which includes an array of safety and driver assistance features, including:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
• Intersection Assist
• Rear Automatic Braking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• High Beam Assist

Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist system is standard on all models except the base S grade, combining Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist for more confident and relaxed highway driving. The system uses a forward-facing camera and radar along with other sensors to help keep the Rogue centered in its lane. The Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a specific speed in light traffic, and when traffic is denser, it keeps a set gap from the vehicle ahead. The system can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop in stop-and-go traffic and hold it there until traffic resumes.

On SL and Platinum models, which feature an onboard navigation system, the ProPILOT Assist Navi-Link feature uses information from the navigation data to help proactively adjust the Rogue’s speed ahead of road curvatures in freeway interchanges and freeway curves.

A distinctive feature of the Rogue Platinum that is uncommon in this category is the ProPILOT 2.1 system. This system enables attentive drivers to keep their hands off the steering wheel on major highways, as ProPILOT Assist 2.1 handles acceleration, steering, and braking.