2026 Nissan Rogue Gets Price Drop, New SV Dark Armor Trim and Premium Platinum Features Is It the Best Value SUV?

Nissan's redesigned compact crossover for 2026 arrives with a notable price reduction across the lineup, a new "SV Dark Armor" appearance package, and a richly trimmed Platinum grade that narrows the gap between mainstream and near-luxury rivals. The 2026 Nissan Rogue keeps the same single powertrain but adds equipment and value that Nissan says sharpen its competitiveness in a crowded compact-SUV market.

2026 Nissan Rogue Specifications

• Model: 2026 Nissan Rogue
• Base price: $28,000 (base S) — overall reductions across most trims versus 2025.
• Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged variable-compression 3-cylinder, 201 hp, 225 lb-ft torque.
• Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) with simulated shift logic.
• Fuel economy (EPA): Up to 32 mpg FWD / 31 mpg AWD (Rogue Rock Creek ~29 mpg).
• Real-world city economy (weeklong test): 28.6 mpg.
• Drive: Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available (standard on some trims such as Rock Creek and Platinum).
• Cargo: ~32 cu ft behind second row; ~74 cu ft maximum.
• Length: 183 in.
• Towing: 1,500 lb capacity.
• Manufacturing: As tested, assembled in Japan.

What's new for 2026

Nissan trimmed prices across the Rogue range for 2026 and bundled more equipment, increasing perceived value. The lineup gains a new SV Dark Armor package — a blacked-out appearance treatment applied to the SV trim that adds unique 19-inch black wheels and dark exterior accents. Nissan also made several features standard higher in the range (examples below), allowing mid- and upper-trim buyers to get more equipment without optional packages.

A fully equipped Platinum example tested for this report showed the company's intent to move the Rogue upmarket by offering premium interior materials and convenience technologies that are uncommon in the compact-crossover class.

Powertrain and driving impressions

The 1.5-L variable-compression turbo three-cylinder remains the Rogue's sole engine. Despite its small displacement and cylinder count, the powertrain delivers 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque — enough for confident daily driving and highway merging. Nissan's updated CVT uses aggressive simulated gear steps (shift simulation) that substantially reduce the drone typical of older CVTs and provide a more conventional feel under acceleration.

On the road the Rogue is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness. The ride quality is plush and the cabin suppresses road and wind noise well; the tested Platinum registered a 55 mph interior sound level of 52.8 dB, competitive with much more expensive vehicles. The Rogue's steering and chassis prioritize composure and passenger comfort, making it well suited to family use and long drives.

Notable omission: Nissan has not offered a hybrid powertrain for the 2026 Rogue, leaving customers seeking 40+ mpg alternatives to competitors that now provide hybrid options.

Interior and convenience

Nissan lifted cabin materials and features significantly at higher trim levels:

• Seats: Trim progression runs from cloth → leatherette → genuine leather (SL) → quilted semi-aniline leather (Platinum). The Platinum seats are notably comfortable and upscale for the segment.
• Infotainment & displays: Available 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch center display on upper trims; lower trims use smaller screens. The infotainment system includes Google apps natively (Google Maps, Assistant) and supports wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Audio: Bose audio system available on Platinum.
• Climate: Rogue offers multiple climate-control configurations across trims, including a rare three-zone automatic climate setup on the tested Platinum. Rear passengers benefit from rear vents, a rear climate panel and heated rear seats — now standard on 2026.
• Panoramic sunroof available on upper trims.
• Convenience: Wireless phone charging pad on most models, hands-free power tailgate on upper trims, wireless key fob with smart entry and remote start on non-base trims. Ventilated front seats remain unavailable in the Rogue lineup.
• Storage: Generous center console and large pass-through. Under-floor cargo storage with a spare tire (increasingly uncommon in the segment).

Rear-seat packaging is competitive: approximately 38½ in of rear legroom and ~39 in of headroom; second-row seats fold 60/40 and flatten for cargo flexibility.

Safety and driver assistance

Nissan continues to equip the Rogue with its suite of active safety systems. Most driver-assist features are available as standard content across many trims. Importantly, Nissan offers the higher-end ProPILOT Assist 2.1 hands-free driving system as an option on Platinum — a semi-automated, hands-free highway driving aid that is rare at this price point and reported to work well in this tester's experience.

Blind-spot monitoring is standard across trims, and the 360-degree around-view camera is standard on SV Dark Armor and above.

Fuel economy and ownership

Nissan markets the Rogue as one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrids in the compact-SUV segment. EPA ratings near 31–32 mpg combined (depending on drivetrain) support that claim. During a week of city-heavy use totaling roughly 120 miles, the tester averaged 28.6 mpg, slightly above the stated city EPA rating of 28 mpg for the tested configuration.

Warranty coverage remains conventional for the segment: 3 years / 36,000 miles basic, 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain, and Nissan continues a 2 years / 25,000 miles complimentary maintenance program.

2026 Nissan Rogue Pricing, value and resale outlook

For 2026 Nissan reduced prices across nearly every Rogue variant compared with 2025, small to significant decreases depending on trim (examples cited by Nissan: S down ~$500; SV down ~$1,500; Rock Creek down ~$2,000; SL and Platinum down around $1,000). A fully loaded Platinum example that would have cost about $48,500 in 2025 is roughly $45,000 for 2026 with similar options — a near $4,000 savings.

Resale estimates produced by the tester's methodology project a 5-year residual of about 50.56% of original MSRP and a 10-year figure near 16.43%, which sits roughly at industry average. Combined reliability indices aggregated from multiple studies position Nissan near the industry average for long-term dependability.

Verdict — who should consider the 2026 Nissan Rogue?

The 2026 Nissan Rogue is a strong choice for buyers who prioritize ride comfort, an upgraded cabin experience at a non-luxury price, quiet highway manners, and solid standard equipment without paying premium brand markups. The newly introduced SV Dark Armor provides a sportier appearance option, while the Platinum trim delivers near-luxury materials (quilted semi-aniline seats), advanced displays, and available hands-free driving tech.

Buyers seeking the absolute best fuel economy in the compact SUV class will still find hybrids ( Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, etc.) offer superior mpg. However, for shoppers focused on comfort, noise suppression, interior refinement, and value — now accentuated by the 2026 price cuts — the Rogue is more compelling than before.