Nissan is rolling out its first plug-in hybrid in the U.S., aiming to capture some of the market demand for PHEVs amid growing dealer frustration over the automaker’s product lineup.
The details: The new Rogue hybrid, which will make its debut this week at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, aims to give Nissan a much-needed entry for car buyers looking for a practical plug-in hybrid.
The hybrid features two electric motors and a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, with total output of 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque—with an EPA fuel economy estimate of 64 MPGe, and 26 mpg combined when operating on gas.
Essentially a Mitsubishi Outlander rebadged (via the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance), the Rogue hybrid’s exterior design includes 20-inch dark-painted wheels, black mirror caps, and black exterior trim.
The Nissan plug-in is offered as an SL standard model with a 12.3-inch driver display, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and heated front seats—and as a Platinum grade that adds a power panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and gloss-black roof rails.
Pricing—which will be critical to the Rogue hybrid’s appeal—has yet to be announced, but expectations are that it will start in the low-$40,000 range, with a fully loaded Platinum model landing in the low $50,000s.
What they’re saying: "The Rogue Plug-in Hybrid is an important step in Nissan's electrification roadmap," said Ponz Pandikuthira, senior vice president and chief product officer, Nissan Americas, in an official company press release. "Introducing our first plug-in hybrid in the U.S. reinforces our Re:Nissan business strategy to revitalize the product portfolio and expand market coverage."
Ponz Pandikuthira
Nissan Americas
Why it matters: Nissan’s finally plugging a big hole in its U.S. lineup: it hasn’t had a PHEV to compete in a segment that’s still growing even as pure EV sales cool off. If they get the pricing right, the Rogue plug-in hybrid could be a key step in rebuilding Nissan’s presence and profits.
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Between the lines: The rollout of the new Rogue PHEV comes amid rising dealer frustration, highlighted in a recent anonymous dealer letter shared with other Nissan retailers, slamming the automaker over profitability and product direction.
The author points to gaps in the lineup, emphasizing the discontinuation of the Maxima and Versa and questioning the future of the Altima.
The letter, which contends that Nissan’s dealer programs have become unsustainable, also highlights the lack of hybrid offerings in the U.S. portfolio.
“Nissan’s commercial lineup, “once competitive, has vanished,” while “Nissan remains one of the few major automakers without a single hybrid offering in its U.S. portfolio,” wrote the dealer.
Bottom line: Nissan is using a quick, low-risk move to finally enter a hybrid segment where it’s been visibly absent—and catching heat from its own dealers. But the real test will be pricing and whether one plug-in crossover is enough to lure buyers and convince skeptical retailers that this vehicle can help get Nissan’s U.S. lineup and profitability back on track.
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