Not Following the CX-5’s Lead
Mazda’s latest CX-5 (mostly) ditched the blinding chrome and smudge-magnet piano black plastic, giving the crossover a much-needed grown-up vibe. But in the process, they pulled a fast one – swapping out real buttons for more touchscreen controls. Turns out, not everyone was thrilled to lose their trusty physical switches, and Mazda’s defending this design decision.
Nissan, thankfully, was watching and took notes. The 2027 Rogue Hybrid keeps things clean but refuses to go full touchscreen apocalypse. Nissan says this was no accident – they made sure to leave real buttons where you actually need them, and they’ve toned down the chrome and shiny black bits both inside and out.
Function Comes Before a Cleaner-Looking Dashboard
The Rogue Hybrid’s new cabin still gives you a proper volume knob, real temperature toggles, and actual buttons for things like heated and ventilated seats. No hunting through menus just to turn on the heat.
Speaking to The Drive, Nissan North America Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer Ponz Pandikuthira said vehicle interiors shouldn’t be designed purely for appearance. He explained that while it’s possible to place nearly every control inside a touchscreen, doing so hurts functionality and makes everyday use less intuitive.
Pandikuthira said some controls naturally work better as physical hardware because drivers have built muscle memory around them. A volume knob, for example, remains the easiest way for most people to adjust audio without taking their eyes off the road.
He also said that toggles are simply better for adjusting temperature because they are quick and easy to use. This fits with the Rogue Hybrid’s role as a practical family car meant for everyday life, not just for looks. Pandikuthira described the Rogue as a car designed to take you where you need to go, not just to look good in the garage.
Nissan
On Piano Blacks and Chrome
Another noticeable difference is the reduced use of glossy piano black plastic – and this is deliberate and customer-driven, Pandikuthira told The Drive. Nissan says customers were tired of wiping off fingerprints and watching their shiny trim turn into a scratched-up mess. Sure, piano blacks look fancy without costing too much, but in real life, they get grubby fast. Automakers have been using it for years to fake a premium vibe, but most owners know better.
Nissan has also removed the shiny chrome from the Rogue Hybrid. Now, the focus is on darker finishes and subtle paint accents. Pandikuthira even dabbled in the possibility of factory wrap in the future. The goal is to keep the design understated, not flashy just for attention.
With Nissan getting ready for the Xterra’s comeback, it’s a safe bet the rugged SUV will get the same treatment: less gloss, less chrome, and a healthy dose of real buttons and knobs right where you want them.
