Should You Buy a 2026 Nissan Rogue or Grab a Discounted 2025?

Date:2025-08-11 04:30:03 Category:tech Views:2 Comment:0

Should You Buy a 2026 Nissan Rogue or Grab a Discounted 2025? originally appeared on Autoblog.

Nissan's Bread and Butter Gets Slight Update for 2026

The Rogue is one of Nissan's best-selling vehicles in the US, playing a crucial role in the struggling automaker's lineup. In a segment that's growing more competitive, especially with the fully revamped 2026 Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 arriving, Nissan's update is surprisingly restrained. Following the 2024 facelift, changes are minimal: a small price adjustment, a new trim level, and some added tech features.

The 2026 lineup sees a $200 increase across most trims, while the Platinum AWD gets a rare $1,000 price cut. For buyers deciding between the outgoing 2025 stock and incoming 2026 models, the updates are subtle enough to make a discounted 2025 unit appealing—especially with many dealers clearing inventory at aggressive prices.

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Outgoing MY2025 Units Showing Heavy Discounts

For 2025, the Rogue starts at $28,590 for the S FWD and reaches $39,990 for the Platinum AWD before destination charges. Trims like the SV AWD list for $30,990, while the off-road-styled Rock Creek AWD is priced at $33,490.

Nationwide listings on Cars.com show substantial markdowns, particularly on SV and SL grades, with savings often in the $2,000-$4,000 range depending on location and dealer incentives.

The powertrain remains identical between 2025 and 2026 – a 1.5-liter VC-Turbo 3-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT – so there's no performance loss in choosing a 2025. For value-focused buyers, these discounts may outweigh the modest updates in the next model year.

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What You'll Miss in 2026

Opting for a 2025 Rogue means skipping several 2026 updates. The new Dark Armor trim joins the lineup, positioned between the SV and SL. It brings blacked-out exterior accents, satin black roof rails, 19-inch gloss black wheels, and SV-based equipment that includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof, and Nissan's HD Intelligent Around View Monitor. It will be offered in both FWD and AWD, though pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Tech upgrades are also part of the 2026 package. All models gain Google Built-In, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play into the 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Platinum AWD now offers ProPilot 2.1, Nissan's latest semi-autonomous system that enables limited hands-free driving on single-lane freeways.

However, if you want something truly groundbreaking, you will need to wait further for Nissan's upcoming electrified option. The Rogue e-Power is confirmed for the US but won't arrive until the brand's 2026 fiscal year, likely as a 2027 model. Choosing a 2025 Rogue means sticking with the gasoline-only setup, even as competitors like the RAV4 move to all-hybrid lineups.