Written byQuick Highlights:
- New Dark Armor trim debuts with gloss black accents, 19-inch wheels, and premium interior upgrades
- Rogue lineup starts at $28,790, pricing for Dark Armor TBA
- All models feature a 201-hp VC-Turbo engine, with up to 32 mpg combined
- ProPILOT Assist 2.1 and Google built-in available on upper trims
- Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard on every Rogue variant
A Familiar Shape, Now in Stealth Mode
The 2026 Nissan Rogue doesn’t reinvent the formula — it sharpens it. Backed by its impressive track record, including a recent win in the Cars.com 2025 Compact SUV Challenge for the third consecutive year, the Rogue continues to deliver the usability and efficiency that have made it a staple on American roads. This year’s headline is a new Dark Armor trim, a blackout-themed edition based on the popular SV grade.
It brings a more aggressive look to one of America’s best-selling crossovers, without compromising the very qualities that keep it in direct competition with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, year after year.
While the base Rogue now starts at $28,790, most prices are up only slightly from last year (starting price was $28,590). Nissan hasn’t published the final price for the Dark Armor edition, but its positioning between the SV AWD ($31,190) and SL AWD ($36,690) makes its placement clear.
Dark Armor: Styling That Leans Mean
The Dark Armor edition gives the Rogue a more assertive stance without going over the top. Key exterior changes include:
- Gloss black mirror caps, roof rails, grille bars, and badges
- 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels
- Satin black trim details to tie the look together
Inside, it’s more than a styling package. The Dark Armor adds:
- Panoramic moonroof
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- HD Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection
It’s a cleaner, more premium take on the SV, and one that’s likely to appeal to younger buyers or those tired of chrome-heavy crossovers.
One Engine, Three Cylinders, No Surprises
Under the hood, all 2026 Rogue models continue to use the 1.5-liter VC-Turbo three-cylinder. It makes 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission.
Fuel economy remains strong — 29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, 32 mpg combined (FWD). Nissan includes idle stop-start tech across the board, helping reduce emissions in stop-and-go traffic.
There are no major mechanical changes for 2026, which is a testament to how well this powertrain balances everyday performance and efficiency.
Advanced Tech, No Learning Curve
Top-tier Rogue trims bring integrated tech features that rival anything in the class. Google built-in is now available, allowing drivers to access Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store apps directly from the 12.3-inch touchscreen, without relying on smartphone mirroring.
On the Platinum AWD trim ($38,990), drivers also get access to ProPILOT Assist 2.1. This semi-autonomous system allows hands-off driving on certain highway sections while monitoring the driver and surrounding conditions. It’s not full autonomy, but it’s one of the most advanced systems in the mainstream segment.
Rock Creek Returns for Trail Duty
The Rogue Rock Creek AWD is back as the lineup’s more rugged option. Priced at $33,690, it includes:
- Falken Wild Peak all-terrain tires
- 17-inch satin black wheels
- Lava Red styling accents
- Tubular roof rack with integrated cross bars
- Unique grille and front fascia
Though it’s more about looks than capability, it brings genuine SUV flavor to a class often filled with soft-roaders.
Safety That Doesn’t Cost Extra
Every 2026 Rogue, from the base S to the Platinum, comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360. This standard suite includes:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- High beam assist
- Rear automatic braking
That’s not just competitive — it’s a clear value edge, especially for budget-conscious buyers in the segment.
2026 Rogue Pricing vs. Last Year: What’s Changed?
| Trim | 2025 Price | 2026 Price | Increase ($) | % Change |
| Rogue S FWD | $28,590 | $28,790 | +$200 | +0.7% |
| Rogue SV FWD | $29,590 | $29,790 | +$200 | +0.7% |
| Rogue SL FWD | $35,090 | $35,290 | +$200 | +0.6% |
| Rogue S AWD | $29,990 | $30,190 | +$200 | +0.7% |
| Rogue SV AWD | $30,990 | $31,190 | +$200 | +0.6% |
| Rogue SL AWD | $36,490 | $36,690 | +$200 | +0.5% |
| Rogue Platinum AWD | $38,790 | $38,990 | +$200 | +0.5% |
| Rogue Rock Creek AWD | $33,490 | $33,690 | +$200 | +0.6% |
| Rogue Dark Armor FWD/AWD | TBA | TBA | – | – |
Prices exclude $1,390 destination charge. 2025 data from Nissan USA & Mysanantonio.
Where the Rogue Stands Among Rivals
This segment is packed with strong players, and the 2026 Nissan Rogue finds itself right in the middle of the action. It goes up against familiar names like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Kia Sportage — each offering a different blend of comfort, tech, and real-world versatility. Depending on trim and pricing, the Rogue also brushes up against options like the Subaru Forester, Jeep Cherokee, and even the smaller Nissan Kicks, though that one plays in a different weight class.
Bottom Line
The 2026 Rogue Dark Armor gives Nissan’s mainstream crossover a sharper edge. It doesn’t overhaul the platform, and it doesn’t need to. With efficient power, strong standard safety, and new design personality, Rogue buyers now have a little more choice, and a lot more attitude.
It’s still a family-friendly crossover — just one that now looks like it’s ready to star in its action movie. For anyone eyeing a used model instead, it’s worth brushing up on which Rogue years have been less reliable before heading to the classifieds.
Source: Nissan
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