2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid: Making a hot-selling crossover more efficient

For the 2017 model year, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will be joined by the new Nissan Rogue Hybrid.

Unlike the RAV4 Hybrid, which is available exclusively with all-wheel drive, the Rogue Hybrid will be available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Nissan's in-house developed hybrid system combines a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with a 30-kilowatt electric motor and lithium ion battery.

The net system output for the Rogue Hybrid's drivetrain is rated at 176 horsepower, which helps it match up closely to the 170-horsepower standard Rogue models get from the gas 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive models of the Rogue Hybrid are estimated to be 33 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

For all-wheel-drive models, Nissan expects fuel economy to come in at 31 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

The only interior concessions for the Rogue Hybrid come in the cargo area, which receives a slightly higher load floor to accommodate the lithium ion battery. This decreases cargo volume from 28.4 cubic feet in the regular model, to 27.3 cubic feet in the hybrid.

With the increased popularity of crossovers and addition of the hybrid model, Nissan expects the Rogue to overtake the Altima as the best-selling vehicle in its lineup by the end of the year.

The Rogue Hybrid will arrive in dealers this December.

Customers interested in the Rogue's optional third row will sadly not be able to get it in the hybrid models.