Nissan North America's important model Rogue updated, adding a new Dark Armor version

[PCauto] Nissan Officially Unveils the 2026 Rogue, its Best-Selling SUV in North America. The upgraded model focuses on visual enhancements and feature optimizations. Prices across the range see a slight increase, alongside the introduction of the new Dark Armor variation with a bold dark-themed design.

The New Dark Armor Variant

The all-new Dark Armor variant, based on the SV trim, sports a Super Black roof and extends the Super Black package to include glossy black side mirrors, badges, grille accents, and 19-inch wheels. Matte black roof rails complete the cohesive and bold dark aesthetic.

Four contrasting color options are available: Everest White Pearl, Deep Ocean Blue Pearl, Champagne Silver Metallic, and Boulder Gray Pearl.

Beyond design updates, the Nissan Rogue development team has introduced three family-friendly innovations: rear doors that open to a full 90-degree angle for easier child safety seat installation; a new non-slip bottle holder slot in the trunk; and an optional magnetic rear door sunshade.

The interior features a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats upholstered in PrimaTexTM synthetic leather, a heated steering wheel, and the HD Intelligent Around View® Monitor with moving object detection. The model offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) variants, with pricing to be announced later.

The first Japanese-brand vehicle with the original Google built-in system

Its central touchscreen deeply integrates Google Maps navigation and app ecosystems provided by the third-party. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support all mobile devices, while SV trim and above come with four USB-C fast-charging ports (up to 45W) and a 15W wireless charging pad.

The digital key system supports remote engine start, allowing owners to preset the air conditioning temperature via a mobile app.

Most notably, the upgraded ProPILOT Assist 2.1 system allows drivers to take their hands off the steering in a single lane on controlled-access highways. By integrating high-precision maps with millimeter-wave radar, the system can autonomously manage vehicle following, lane tracing through curves, and ramp merging at speeds of up to 120 km/h.

On the safety front, the latest Nissan Safety Shield® 360 system is equipped, featuring automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic alert (RCTA). The innovative 3D Intelligent Around View® Monitor introduces an Invisible Hood View function, providing a virtual overlay of the front wheels’ path to assist in complex driving scenarios.

The outdoors-oriented Rock Creek model continues to be offered.

It comes with all-terrain tires and a distinctive front fascia. This edition is exclusively available with AWD and is priced at $33,690 for the 2026 model (approximately 1,102,000 THB / 144,000 MYR), marking a $200 increase compared to the previous model (6,600 THB / 850 MYR). New additions include the Cold Weather Package, which features a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

2026 Rogue Technical Features and Powertrain

The safety system continues to include the Nissan Safety Shield® 360 suite as standard across all trims, integrating active safety features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Higher-spec trims offer the optional upgraded ProPILOT Assist 2.1 driver-assist system, which supports hands-free driving in single-lane highway conditions.

The powertrain remains unchanged, continuing to feature a 1.5L three-cylinder VC-Turbo variable compression turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum output of 201 PS and 305 Nm of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT transmission.

Fuel efficiency figures are as follows:

The Front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant achieves 29 mpg (approximately 8.1 L/100 km) in city driving and 36 mpg (about 6.5 L/100 km) on highways;

The top-tier Platinum AWD model records 28 mpg (around 8.4 L/100 km) in the city and 34 mpg (about 6.9 L/100 km) on highways.

Summary

The Dark Armor targets younger buyers seeking a sportier and more aggressive look, while the Rock Creek maintains its outdoor-adventure positioning. However, the removal of the front-wheel-drive option from the top-tier Platinum trim may affect some urban buyers’ preferences.

The biggest reaction from North American customers to the 2026 Rogue is the price increase. Nissan attributes this adjustment primarily to rising raw material costs, with tariffs possibly playing a deeper role.

It is somewhat disappointing that amid the global shift toward electrification, the Rogue—Nissan’s core fuel-powered model—has yet to adopt e-POWER hybrid or full electric technology. Nissan’s progress appears somewhat slow, especially considering North America remains one of its key markets.