Nissan is bringing its e-Power hybrid system to the United States for the first time with the Rogue Hybrid, after a decade of availability in Japan and more than 1.4 million vehicles sold there. Nissan says the US version was retuned for stronger acceleration and larger vehicles, while its electric-motor-driven powertrain delivers instant throttle response, smooth regenerative braking, quiet cruising and an easy one-pedal driving mode.
Electric-car responses with hybrid flexibility
Behind the wheel, the Rogue Hybrid can feel less like a conventional hybrid and more like an electric vehicle—possibly a successor to Nissan’s short-lived Ariya. Throttle response is immediate, and the electric motors provide enough torque to move the SUV away from a stop without fuss. Its 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.4 seconds is competent, although it is not especially quick by 2026 standards.
Nissan has extensive experience tuning one-pedal driving systems, and that expertise is evident here. A button on the center console activates the Rogue Hybrid’s e-Pedal mode, allowing the driver to control much of the vehicle’s acceleration and deceleration with the accelerator.
Controlled regenerative braking
Nissan emphasized the smoothness of the powertrain’s deceleration under regenerative braking with a school-run-style mini obstacle course. The company placed a fishbowl of water in a cup holder and compared the Rogue Hybrid with Toyota’s hybrid RAV4, potentially its biggest rival. No water spilled from the Rogue during the demonstration, while the RAV4 requires the brake pedal to slow and stop because it does not offer one-pedal driving.
Highway acceleration is strong enough for everyday driving, and the cabin remains quiet while cruising. On rainy and windy days, the main sound was the gusting wind rather than noticeable wind noise generated by the vehicle itself. The engine that operates as a generator is also difficult to hear. Its revs generally remain modest and shut off whenever possible, and passengers may not notice its operation while the infotainment system is playing music.
Comfortable handling with some understeer
The suspension handled larger road irregularities well, although sharp, short impacts were less effectively absorbed than longer undulations. Low-rolling-resistance tires, combined with California roads that were wet after the first rain in some time, produced considerable understeer when entering a roundabout at a slightly higher speed than usual.
Even so, the Rogue Hybrid’s steering had a pleasing feel. Smooth power delivery from its two electric motors and the straightforward one-pedal mode made the overall driving experience comfortable.
Source: arstechnica.com