The outgoing Nissan Rogue didn’t have a bad interior. It was comfortable, reasonably well-equipped, and practical enough for families. But after spending time with the completely redesigned 2027 Rogue at the first drive event in California (now in hybrid form, for the first time), it’s hard not to appreciate just how much cleaner everything has become. The chunky dashboard, busy centre stack, and somewhat traditional layout are gone, replaced by something far more streamlined and modern. Frankly, Nissan nailed it, matching the cabin with an equally refined exterior. It’s a significant change for one of the brand’s most important SUVs, and one that goes beyond simply plopping in bigger screens.
A Minimalist Dashboard, Without Going Overboard
The biggest improvement is immediately obvious. Nissan has completely reworked the dashboard with a slimmer, more horizontal design, reshaped door panels, and a simplified centre console. The whole cabin looks wider, less cluttered, and considerably more upscale than before. It’s just a super clean look. Here’s a quick comparison:
Screens play a big role, of course. The base Rogue Hybrid SV gets a pair of 12.3-inch displays, while the sportier SR (you see in these photos) and range-topping Platinum move up to dual 14.3-inch screens. That’s a lot of digital real estate, but the way Nissan has integrated them into the dashboard keeps things looking relatively tidy.
“Interestingly, Nissan has also slimmed down the interior liftgate trim, creating another 44 mm of usable cargo length.”
We didn’t see how the smaller screens look, but the designers tell us the same 14.3-inch footprint remains, just with the smaller screens, so likely an extra-thick black border. The larger infotainment system also brings Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Gemini, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup.
A big plus? Nissan hasn’t gone all-in on touchscreens. Physical climate controls remain below the displays, with actual buttons for everyday functions. It’s a small detail, perhaps, but one that matters when you’re using the vehicle every day. (Old folks like me will rejoice.) Granted, the outgoing Rogue has a similar general layout here: the horizontal panel of HVAC buttons in the same spot. But this 2027 look feels more uncluttered and tidy, with flat square buttons, the removal of the small screen, and large dials replaced by up-down switches.
Related – 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum Review: Impressed and Distressed
Elsewhere, Nissan has improved access to the storage compartment beneath the centre console, added Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, and introduced available 64-colour ambient lighting. The Platinum also gets dual wireless charging pads, quilted TailorFit upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats, the latter being a first for Rogue.
Still Practical Where It Matters
Cleanliness aside, the Rogue still needs to work as a compact family SUV. Fortunately, Nissan didn’t overlook the practical details. The rear doors open to nearly 90 degrees, making it easier to get kids in and out or install child seats. There’s also a five-anchor LATCH arrangement that allows a child seat to be secured in the middle rear position, something families with multiple children should appreciate.
The front seats have been redesigned to help preserve rear passenger knee room, while the cabin continues to offer generous space up front. Nissan also claims more front headroom and legroom than the Toyota RAV4. Cargo space remains competitive, with up to 881 litres behind the second row and 1,866 litres with the rear seats folded. Interestingly, Nissan has also slimmed down the interior liftgate trim, creating another 44 mm of usable cargo length. Not a huge difference on paper, but these are the kinds of details that make an SUV more useful.
Related – 2021 Nissan Rogue SV Review
There’s a lot more happening with the new 2027 Rogue Hybrid, including its new e-POWER hybrid system and updated driver-assistance technology. But setting those aside, the interior redesign alone feels like a meaningful step forward. Sometimes, a better interior isn’t about adding more features or making everything bigger. It’s about cleaning things up, making the space easier to use, and getting the basics right. That’s exactly what Nissan appears to have done here.
