• Auto123 gets in a short first drive and a test of the 2027 Nissan Hybrid and its e-Power system.
Park City, UT - As Nissan starts to see the light of the tunnel it’s been in for the past while, big hopes are sitting on the shoulders of its e-Hybrid system. The latest version of that unique hybrid system is making its North American debut in the overhauled Nissan Rogue Hybrid, itself set to debut with its new design and philosophy after a 2026 model-year spent as a near-copycat of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, without the e-Power system in it.
But wait, there’s more: the current ICE (internal combustion engine) Rogue will remain on the roster, coexisting side-by-side with the new 2027 Rogue Hybrid (e-Power) in the model lineup, at least for one year.
Confusing? Well a little.
What is the e-Power hybrid system?
Nissan, very aware of the need to market its vehicle properly, wants to make sure the new Rogue doesn’t miss out on the current enthusiasm for hybrids. It also understands that e-Power, the name, doesn’t necessarily mean much to a majority of those hybrid-happy consumers.
As for what e-Power is, exactly, well it’s a hybrid system, yes, thus featuring a combustion engine as well as two electric motors, but it’s not a plug-in system. Most importantly, in it the gas engine does not propel the wheels; rather it’s there to help charge the electric motors, which DO propel the wheels. In other words, the new Rogue operates with an all-electric drivetrain.
And because drivers get electric power all the time, that means instant maximal torque, smooth, linear and quick acceleration from a stop, with no gear changes (no CVT!). But they also don’t risk range anxiety, since the gas engine is always there to make sure the battery is charged. Another benefit: an exceedingly quiet ride.
Consumers should know that e-Power is not a new, untested technology; Nissan has had it in operation in certain models in global markets for some time. It’s now making its way into Canada and the U.S. for the first time, in a third-generation version that is new. And the Rogue, Nissan’s top-selling compact SUV, is a logical candidate to take it in. And while e-Power is in use in a variety of models – Nissan has sold some 2 million e-Power-equipped vehicles globally - the automaker says in this case, the system was tweaked specifically for optimal use in the Rogue
“The all-new Rogue Hybrid is exactly what customers have been asking for: the functionality, technology and packaging of a Rogue, now paired with an advanced hybrid powertrain that enhances efficiency while delivering a dynamic driving experience. By listening closely to customers and designing around their needs, we've created a hybrid SUV that delivers an agile and spirited driving experience while adding the benefits of a hybrid powertrain. The instantaneous torque delivery, with a quiet and efficient powertrain will define what hybrid means in this segment.”
- Ponz Pandikuthira, senior VP, chief product and planning officer, Nissan Americas
Powertrain of the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
All 2027 Rogue Hybrid models offered in Canada will come in an all-wheel-drive configuration. The two electric motors that help make that possible are complemented by a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, which serves as a generator for the battery pack. The engine itself delivers 148 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque; total system output is 225 hp. Nissan estimates 6.2L/100 km average fuel consumption.
In addition to five levels of regenerative braking, the system offers five driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, Snow and Custom. Towing capacity is rated at 1,500 lb.
How is e-Power different from the EREV system?
You may have heard of another innovative hybrid system making the rounds, in vehicles dubbed EREVs (for Extended-Range Electric Vehicles).
There is a similarity in that both systems use the gas engine fitted in the vehicles strictly to generate charge in the electric motors that actually connect to and drive the wheels.
But here’s the difference: EREVs features a large battery pack that can be plugged into an external power source. Nissan's e-POWER system uses a much smaller battery (a 1,67-kWh lithium-ion unit) and cannot be plugged in at all. Upside is, it doesn’t have to deal with the weight issues raised by the other system’s heavier battery.
Where is the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid assembled?
The Nissan Rogue Hybrid that’s coming to Canada is assembled at Nissan's plant in Kanda, Kyushu, Japan.
Design of the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
Gone for 2027, after just one model-year, is the Rogue Hybrid that was essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. While this new edition does share some of the bolder, more upright attitude of that model when compared to the older Rogue, Nissan has gone to work to produce its own vision of a proper 2027-era hybrid compact SUV.
The front fascia features an evolved version of Nissan's signature V-motion grille, with unique honeycomb daytime running lights and sharper, modern lighting signatures. The body shows off sleeker lines and a cleaner overall profile, set off by harder angles at the rear.
The sportier SR grade features glossy black accents and new earthy tone paint options, as well as body-coloured door handles.
Interior of the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
We were hardly long enough inside the new Rogue Hybrid – a prototype version of it, to boot – to really deliver any kind of verdict on what kind of road-tripper the new edition of the compact SUV will be, but we did find the ergonomics of the dash, central console and the various controls thereon to be generally on point, and the seats to be comfortable.
The new Rogue gets a power panoramic sunroof and a power liftgate, both optional in the base SV model and standard thereafter. The SV comes with standard cloth seating or optional leatherette upholstery, which the other trims get standard. Heated front seats are standard across the board, while the top model gets ventilated front seats (a first in the Rogue) and heated rear seats.
Cargo space in the rear adds up to 880.7 litres with the second-row seats in place and 1,866 litres with them down.
Technology in the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
The new Rogue comes with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Above the base model, buyers get a larger 14.3-inch screen featuring Google built-in, including Google Maps, the Play Store and Google Gemini. The top-end Premium model gets a head-up display and brings in a higher-grade Bose audio system with 12 speakers, up from 6 with the default system.
Driving the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid with e-Power
Two caveats are in order here: Our time behind the wheel of the new Rogue Hybrid was exceedingly short, and the vehicles at our disposal were prototypes, so even a step earlier than pre-production models. There is much we’ll still need to learn by driving the production models, and for a longer time. And that’s just what we’ll be doing next month, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, though, this brief test was designed to showcase especially the quiet ride and quick, linear acceleration provided by the new-generation e-Power system. And it was indeed as advertised. This gas-engine vehicle drives mostly like a full-on EV, accelerating like one and producing no noise from under the hood.
We paid attention to those moments when the engine activates when the battery powering the electric motors signals that it needs juicing up. Unlike some hybrid models, those moments are just about imperceptible, and this was while we were on some very quiet mountain roads in the area around Park City, Utah. In the city, you would be hard-pressed to hear – or feel, for that matter - the on-and-off of the engine.
The electric drivetrain also allows for a regenerative braking system (standard) with one-pedal driving for those who want to use it. At least, until their passenger orders them to turn it off to ward off the car sickness. (Note to drivers: if you’re using such a system, and you have others in the vehicle, tread very lightly on the accelerator and don’t let up off it abruptly.)
2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid – availability and pricing in Canada
The first 2027 Rogue Hybrid to hit Canada will be the SR model, coming this fall. The rest – the base SV, the SV+ and the Platinum - will debut in early 2027.
- - 2027 Rogue Hybrid SV - $39,998 CAD (MSRP)
- - 2027 Rogue Hybrid SV+ - $42,998
- - 2027 Rogue Hybrid SR - $47,998
- - 2027 Rogue Platinum - $50,998
The final word
Well actually, this is not the final word regarding the revised new Nissan Rogue Hybrid and its new-to-Canada e-Power system. Far from it, since our drive time was extremely brief. We’ll have much more to say about the Rogue’s on-road performance next month.