2016 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Priced from $27,440

Editor's Note: There has been a conflicting report that Nissan may in fact not be bringing the Rogue Hybrid to U.S. shores despite issuing an order guide and pricing. We are currently investigating this.

Nissan hopes to capitalize on the immense success of its Rogue crossover with a new hybrid variant for 2016 dubbed the Rogue Hybrid. Official documents reveal that a starting price of $27,440 will equate to a substantial premium over its gas counterpart. However, nuances unique to the hybrid may require a heftier premium than shoppers might expect. Here's what you need to know.

Based on a winner

When the Rogue was redesigned for 2014, it was a hit- consumers loved its refinement and array of options like third row seating. The vehicle was so popular that no one seemed to mind a base price that was $2,480 more than the outgoing model. Dealers even had trouble keeping up with demand, forcing Nissan to boost production.

The Rogue continues to be incredibly hot, with year-to-date sales up 37% as of last month, far outperforming any other model in the lineup. Due to start production next April, the Rogue Hybrid will compete with the upcoming Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Read our preview for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid>>

A premium and then some

The 2016 Rogue Hybrid SV will start at $27,440 before a $885 destination charge. This equates to a $2,850 premium over a comparable 2016 Rogue SV. The difference is more pronounced on the upper-spec SL- it will start at $32,050, $3,510 higher than its gas counterpart. The range will top out with the SL Hybrid equipped with all-wheel drive, priced at $33,400.

While a premium for hybrid technology should be expected, the Rogue Hybrid will also require a bit more money to step up from the SV to the SL model compared with the gas model. On a standard Rogue, the price difference is $3,950. On the Rogue Hybrid, upgrading adds a whopping $4,610.

Popular options like the Premium Package will add as much as $3,040 to the SV Hybrid or $1,690 with the SL. On the SV, the package adds features like navigation with voice guidance on a 7-inch display, Around View Monitor, power liftgate, panoramic moonroof and blind spot warning. A 3rd-row option will not be offered on the hybrid, possibly limiting its appeal with larger families.

Read our full preview of the 2016 Nissan Rogue Hybrid>>

Lessons from the past?

It remains to be seen whether or not Nissan will avoid the pitfalls of vehicles like the Pathfinder Hybrid. Sold only for the 2014 model year, it failed to impress shoppers and necessitate its continuation. It was discontinued earlier this year.

The Pathfinder Hybrid arguably didn't fail because of an aversion to hybrids. Competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid continue to generate enough demand given their availability to justify high transaction prices. The numbers were undeniably absurd- Nissan asked consumers to pay a $6,090 premium over the gas version to eke out an extra 3 mpg.

To top it off, real-world performance reportedly had disappointing results. Experts at Green Car Reports found the Pathfinder Hybrid failed to hit its target, netting 19.5 mpg in mixed winter driving, 25% less than the EPA rating of 26 mpg.

Official fuel economy figures for the Rogue Hybrid haven't been released yet, but we do know that its Japanese-market equivalent, the X-Trail Hybrid, gets 20.6 km/L, the equivalent of 48 mpg, based on a 2.0-liter engine mated to a 30 kW motor. Will the U.S. version impress shoppers enough to justify its premium?

Learn more about the Highlander Hybrid>>

Our take

With the underlying Rogue platform already a rare success story, the new Rogue Hybrid seems set for success. However, when considering its price premium, its true test will come in real-world efficiency. Shoppers should consider the real costs and benefits when the vehicle goes on sale next year.

See this month's top deal picks on hybrids>>

Pictured: Japan-spec Nissan X-Trail