30-07-2025
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2026 Rogue Gains Stylish New Trim
The Nissan Rogue has been a mainstay of the compact crossover segment for many years now, with the current generation having first arrived for the 2021 model year. For 2026, Nissan has just released updated pricing and a new Dark Armor trim, which aims to satisfy consumers' apparent obsession with blacked-out cars. Considering that an all-new Toyota RAV4 is about to arrive, Nissan's changes aren't all that adventurous.
Stylish Dark Armor Trim
As ever, vehicle design is subjective, but the current Rogue generation is definitely one of the more stylish options in its class. It has a more upscale look than most rivals, much like the new Mazda CX-5, and the Dark Armor model builds upon this.
Based on the SV, the Dark Armor adds gloss black exterior accents around the exterior, with the finish applied to the badging, mirrors, grille bars, and pillar trim. It also receives attractive 19-inch gloss black wheels, while the roof rails get a satin black finish.
Inside, the Dark Armor gets some more equipment over the SV, too. The list includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view monitor with moving object detection, and a panoramic moonroof.
If you prefer a more rugged look, the Rogue Rock Creek is still available for 2026. It rides on more practical 17-inch wheels wrapped in Falken Wild Peak all-terrain tires, and also gets a bespoke front fascia.
Small Price Increase For 2026
For the new model year, the Nissan Rogue starts at $28,790, which is $200 more than before. We don't know pricing for the 2026 RAV4 yet, but the Rogue is cheaper than the 2026 Honda CR-V, which begins at $30,920.
Here's the full pricing for the 2026 Nissan Rogue:
Rogue S FWD: $28,790
Rogue SV FWD: $29,790
Rogue Dark Armor FWD: TBC
Rogue SL FWD: $35,290
Rogue S AWD: $30,190
Rogue SV AWD: $31,190
Rogue Dark Armor AWD: TBC
Rogue Rock Creek AWD: $33,690
Rogue SL AWD: $36,690
Rogue Platinum AWD: $38,990
As you can see, pricing for the new Dark Armor isn't available yet, but its positioning in the lineup suggests it will start at around the $32,000 mark. We also noticed that the top Platinum variant is no longer available with front-wheel drive; like the Rock Creek, it now comes with only all-wheel drive.
Questionable Variable Compression Ratio Engine Remains
Source: Nissan
A few years ago, Nissan dropped the larger naturally-aspirated engine from the Rogue in favor of the current 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which has a variable compression ratio. Producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, the engine delivers a reasonable combination of performance and efficiency, although it can't compete with more powerful powertrains from several rivals.
More concerningly, the VC-Turbo engine was recently recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a manufacturing defect that could lead to total engine failure. The recall was for 2021 to 2024 Rogues, as well as other Nissan and Infiniti models.
Nissan dealers will inspect these engines and perform repairs or a complete engine replacement if necessary. Besides this engine's troubles, Nissan has had trouble in the past with the Rogue's CVT, indicating a level of powertrain fragility simply not seen in the RAV4.
Assuming these engine issues are sorted, the Rogue is a competent crossover, and we expect the 2026 version to go on sale imminently.
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