Nissan, Ford, and Stellantis in talks on potential hybrid Rogue SUV collaboration

Nissan’s surprising new move

Nissan is reportedly exploring a collaboration with Ford and Stellantis to build a new hybrid Rogue SUV in Smyrna, Tennessee. The partnership could mark one of Nissan’s biggest strategic shifts in years as it looks to strengthen its hybrid lineup.

Nissan is reportedly exploring options to localize its e-POWER hybrid technology for the U.S., according to recent reports. Although no deal has been finalized, Nissan is clearly positioning itself to capitalize on the rapidly growing demand for hybrid vehicles.

Why Nissan is eyeing Ford and Stellantis

After Nissan and Honda terminated their memoranda of understanding in February 2025, Nissan began seeking new partners to accelerate its transition to hybrid and electric vehicles, as reported by Electrek. The automaker’s search led it to Ford and Stellantis, two companies already heavily invested in electrified vehicles.

For Ford, this partnership could help fill a gap in its compact hybrid SUV lineup. Meanwhile, Stellantis could use Nissan’s technology to enhance Jeep and other brands that still lack a fully competitive hybrid system.

How Nissan’s e-Power system works

Nissan’s third-generation e-Power hybrid system powers the car using an electric motor, while a small gasoline engine generates electricity to support the system. This setup provides drivers with an electric-like experience without the need to plug in.

The new e-Power system integrates five components — the motor, reducer, inverter, generator, and increaser — into a single modular unit. That design not only makes the system lighter and more compact but also enhances efficiency and responsiveness.

Impressive efficiency and quietness

According to PCauto, the latest e-Power system improves fuel economy by 15% at highway speeds compared to the previous version. It also reduces in-cabin noise by 5.6 decibels, providing passengers with a smoother and quieter ride.

The system’s optimized high-efficiency engine boosts overall fuel economy by 9%, making it one of the most advanced hybrid powertrains in Nissan’s history. These upgrades demonstrate the company’s continued refinement of its technology to meet the growing demands of consumers for enhanced performance and comfort.

Local production is key

Nissan aims to localize both vehicle and powertrain production in the U.S. to reduce costs and meet higher demand for hybrids. Its Smyrna, Tennessee, plant, which has annual capacity of about 640,000 vehicles.

By utilizing unused production space, Nissan aims to enhance efficiency while strengthening its ties to the American manufacturing sector. The Smyrna facility already produces models like the Rogue, making it a natural fit for future hybrid projects.

Building more than just Rogues

Reports suggest Nissan could extend e-POWER to additional models, potentially a future Infiniti crossover and other compact SUVs, but these plans have not been formally confirmed.

By extending the system across multiple models and brands, Nissan can spread development costs while scaling production rapidly. That strategy could also help it reach its target of 138,899 e-Power models built between April 2028 and March 2029.

Filling the market’s hybrid gap

For Ford, the potential tie-up with Nissan could help address a gap in its lineup, PCauto noted. While the F-150 and Maverick hybrids perform well, Ford still lacks a strong entry in the compact hybrid SUV space.

Nissan’s e-Power platform offers a solution that doesn’t require external charging, giving Ford an immediate entry point into a fast-growing segment. Consumers could eventually see Rogue-based hybrids wearing Ford or Stellantis badges.

Nissan’s recovery plan in motion

After losing $4.5 billion in 2024, Nissan is seeking ways to stabilize its finances and rebuild its hybrid presence, according to Autoblog. Its CFO, Jérémie Papin, blamed the losses on weaker pricing, lower volume, and restructuring costs totaling $405 million.

Collaborations, such as the proposed partnership between Ford and Stellantis, could help offset those challenges. By licensing its technology, Nissan can generate new revenue streams without bearing full production costs.

Hybrid demand keeps rising

Demand for hybrid vehicles continues to climb across the U.S., and Nissan’s latest sales numbers prove it. The automaker’s total sales in the third quarter hit 223,377 vehicles, a 5.3% increase from the same period last year, according to USA TODAY.

SUVs led the charge, with the Murano and Rogue posting sales gains of 167.5% and 8.9%, respectively. Those results highlight why Nissan is doubling down on hybrids — the market momentum is already there.

Rogue remains Nissan’s backbone

The Rogue continues to anchor Nissan’s U.S. lineup as one of its best-selling SUVs. Nissan’s Murano led Q3 growth, up 167.5% year-over-year, with additional gains from Kicks.

This strong performance makes it the ideal platform for the automaker’s new hybrid technology. Nissan hopes that a hybrid Rogue will attract buyers who want better mileage without giving up the familiar comfort of an SUV.

What makes e-Power different

Unlike plug-in hybrids, Nissan’s e-Power system doesn’t require a charging station. The gasoline engine works purely as a generator, while the electric motor drives the wheels.

This setup offers a fully electric-style drive feel, complete with smooth acceleration and instant torque. It’s a clever bridge between traditional engines and all-electric models — appealing to those still cautious about full EVs.

Potential for shared innovation

If Ford or Stellantis adopts Nissan’s hybrid system, it could open the door to future electric vehicle collaborations as well, Electrek reported. However, sources emphasized that such a deal is “not a quid pro quo.”

That means Nissan could share its hybrid platform without being obligated to share electric car technology. The arrangement would let each automaker focus on its strengths while still benefiting from shared innovation.

Nissan’s evolving electric roadmap

While pushing hybrids, Nissan hasn’t abandoned electric cars. The 2026 Nissan LEAF, priced at $29,990, now holds the title of “lowest starting MSRP of all new EVs in the U.S.,” Electrek noted.

However, the company is discontinuing the Ariya SUV for the 2026 model year to concentrate resources on the LEAF and upcoming hybrids. The shift suggests Nissan is refocusing on affordability and efficiency rather than premium electric models.

The tech that powers Nissan’s comeback

According to Autoblog, Nissan’s engineers improved the new e-Power’s combustion rate, significantly enhancing thermal efficiency and reducing emissions. This focus on engineering precision reflects Nissan’s effort to regain trust through exceptional performance.

The five-in-one powertrain design not only improves efficiency but also simplifies the assembly process. That simplicity could make it easier for partners like Ford or Stellantis to integrate the system into their own factories.

Adapting to industry pressure

With global competition intensifying, Nissan has been compelled to adapt more quickly than anticipated. The company’s move to license its technology to competitors marks a shift from rivalry to survival strategy, PCauto observed.

Once a pioneer with the LEAF, Nissan now aims to regain relevance by sharing its hybrid breakthroughs rather than going it alone. It’s a pragmatic step that reflects today’s collaborative era in the automotive industry.

Nissan also confirms the Xterra’s return with modern updates. Check it out and see what’s new.

How consumers could benefit

If deals with Ford or Stellantis materialize, drivers could soon have more hybrid SUV options built on Nissan’s e-Power platform. These vehicles would deliver quiet, efficient performance without the stress of charging.

The shared technology approach could also keep prices competitive. For consumers, that means more choices that blend fuel savings with the driving feel of an EV.

Nissan taps sports-car engineers to tune its lowest-cost EV. See how they’re boosting performance.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.