Unveiled: nissan rogue vs. mazda cx-5 – the ultimate comparison for suv enthusiasts

In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 stand out as two of the most popular and highly regarded models. Both offer a compelling blend of practicality, style, and performance, but which one emerges as the superior choice? This in-depth comparison will pit the Nissan Rogue against the Mazda CX-5 across various key aspects to determine the ultimate winner.

Performance and Efficiency: A Battle of Power and Frugality

The Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 offer distinct powertrain options. The Rogue comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more oomph, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque is available.

The Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, features a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine as standard, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A more potent 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque is optional.

In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Rogue with the naturally aspirated engine achieves 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged Rogue offers slightly lower fuel efficiency at 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

The Mazda CX-5 with the standard engine returns 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the turbocharged model provides 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Handling and Driving Dynamics: A Dance of Agility and Comfort

The Nissan Rogue prioritizes comfort and stability in its handling. Its suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride. However, it may feel less engaging for drivers seeking a more dynamic experience.

The Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, strikes a better balance between comfort and agility. Its suspension is tuned to offer a sportier and more responsive drive, with minimal body roll during cornering. Its steering is also more precise and communicative, providing a greater sense of control and feedback.

Interior: A Symphony of Space and Amenities

The Nissan Rogue offers a spacious and well-appointed interior. The cabin is designed to be both comfortable and functional, with plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers. It features a user-friendly infotainment system with an intuitive interface and a variety of connectivity options.

The Mazda CX-5 offers a more upscale and refined interior. The materials used are of higher quality, and the overall design is more modern and stylish. The infotainment system is also impressive, featuring a large touchscreen and a host of advanced features. However, the rear seat space is slightly more cramped compared to the Rogue.

Safety Features: A Shield of Protection

Both the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a variety of driver assistance systems.

The Rogue’s safety features include lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot monitoring. The CX-5 also offers a range of safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Technology and Connectivity: A Bridge to the Digital World

The Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 offer a range of advanced technology features to enhance the driving experience and keep you connected. Both vehicles come with large touchscreens that serve as the hub for the infotainment systems.

The Rogue’s infotainment system is easy to use and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also offers a variety of connected services, such as remote start and vehicle diagnostics.

The CX-5’s infotainment system is equally impressive, with a clear and responsive interface. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and provides access to a variety of apps and services.

Value and Pricing: A Question of Worth

The Nissan Rogue has a starting price of $26,500 for the base S trim. The SV trim starts at $28,500, the SL trim at $32,500, and the top-of-the-line Platinum trim at $36,500.

The Mazda CX-5 has a slightly higher starting price of $27,100 for the base Sport trim. The Touring trim starts at $30,100, the Grand Touring trim at $33,100, and the top-of-the-line Signature trim at $38,100.

The Verdict: A Triumph of Refinement and Value

After weighing all the factors, the Mazda CX-5 emerges as the victor in this comprehensive comparison. It offers a more refined and engaging driving experience, a more upscale and stylish interior, and a slightly better value proposition. While the Nissan Rogue is a solid choice with its spacious interior and comfortable ride, the CX-5’s superior handling, advanced technology, and overall refinement make it the more compelling choice for discerning buyers.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?

A: The Mazda CX-5 with the turbocharged engine offers more horsepower and torque than the Nissan Rogue.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?

A: The Nissan Rogue has a slightly more spacious interior, particularly in the rear seat.

Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?

A: The Nissan Rogue with the naturally aspirated engine is more fuel-efficient than the Mazda CX-5.

Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?

A: Both the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 have received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

Q: Which vehicle has a lower starting price?

A: The Nissan Rogue has a slightly lower starting price than the Mazda CX-5.