The next electric SUV you buy from Nissan might actually be a Ford. Nissan is considering partnering with Ford or another major automaker on an electrified version of the Rogue SUV.
Nissan looks to Ford and others for its new electric SUV
After its tie-up with Honda fell through earlier this year, it looks like Nissan is still looking for help for its upcoming electric and hybrid vehicles.
Nissan is reportedly already in talks with several major auto brands about collaborating on its upcoming hybrid electric SUV.
Two sources close to the matter told Automotive News that Nissan is in discussions with Ford and Stellantis to supply a new electrified crossover SUV based on the Rogue.
The electrified Rogue would use Nissan’s latest e-POWER hybrid system, introduced earlier this year. Nissan’s third-gen hybrid system still uses a small gas engine to charge the battery, in addition to a battery-powered electric motor.
Nissan said the updated system achieves 15% better fuel economy on highways and produces fewer emissions than the previous generation. It’s also significantly quieter, a bonus.
According to one of the sources, the potential tie-up could extend to developing electric vehicles, but doesn’t have to. “It’s not a quid pro quo,” the source said, adding that a deal could still happen that doesn’t involve fully electric cars.
Nissan spokesperson Brian Brockman confirmed the company is “exploring options” to expand local vehicle and powertrain production in the US to meet the higher demand for hybrid models.
Despite the discussions, Brockman said, “At this time, we have no agreements in place regarding production at our US plants.”
Nissan plans to introduce the new Rogue, powered by its third-gen hybrid system, in late 2026. It’s expected to be assembled at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tenn., plant as the automaker looks to revamp sales in the US.
In the meantime, the new 2026 Nissan LEAF is arriving at dealerships with “the lowest starting MSRP of all new EVs currently on sale in the US,” starting at $29,990.
While the new LEAF is an upgrade in almost every way, with increased range, faster charging, and a new crossover design, Nissan is discontinuing its other electric SUV, the Ariya. Nissan will not offer the Ariya as a 2026 model year in the US to allocate resources for the new LEAF, as it looks to cut costs.
Electrek’s Take
Although nothing is confirmed, a partnership between Nissan and Ford, or even Stellantis, might make sense. Nissan doesn’t sell a single plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or mild hybrid in the US, while Ford and Stellantis have found success.
Ford’s F-150 Hybrid remains the best-selling full-size hybrid pickup in the US, while the Maverick Hybrid is the leading midsize hybrid pickup.
Through July, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Cherokee 4xe were the top two most popular plug-in hybrids in the US. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Dodge Hornet ranked fourth and fifth.
If Nissan wants a bigger piece of the US market, partnering with Ford or Stellantis may be its best bet. At the very least, as a short-term solution to stay competitive.
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