Nissan Rogue vs. Mazda CX-5: What’s The Difference?
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Shopping for a compact crossover is filled with good news and bad news. On the positive side, there are so many models to choose from. It’s no wonder as this is the most competitive segment of the market. On the negative side, there are so many models to choose from. In other words, sorting through your choices can be overwhelming and frustrating. To ease this burden, we’re looking at a Nissan Rogue vs. Mazda CX-5 match-up. These are two of the most popular models in this vehicle class and best sellers for the respective automakers.
Read on as we review and compare the highlights for the 2021 Nissan Rogue and 2021 Mazda CX-5.
Pricing
Of course, any Nissan Rogue vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison begins with the sticker price. The base Rogue S starts at $27,060 for a front-drive model (FWD) with essential gear. All-wheel drive (AWD) adds another $1,400 to the tab. A fully loaded AWD Rogue Platinum with all the bells and whistles like quilted leather seating and navigation will run $38,405.
The cost for the entry-level CX-5 Sport begins at $25,370 with an FWD setup and standard equipment. At $1,400, the CX-5’s AWD upgrade is priced identical to the Rogue. The top-line CX-5 Signature, which comes standard with AWD, costs $37,505.
Verdict: The price advantage clearly belongs to the CX-5, especially on the base trim with a difference of almost $1,700.
Note: All pricing is based on manufacturer-supplied information and excludes destination charges.
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Appearance
Looks are subjective, but a car purchase can be driven by emotion and reaction as much as anything, so appearance certainly can influence things. The CX-5’s design is quintessential Mazda, sleek and understated. Its curvaceous exterior mask’s the crossover body style. Other than a door or window edge, you’d be hard-pressed to find a straight line on the outside of a CX-5.
On the other hand, Nissan took a polar-opposite approach with the Rogue (which was completely redesigned for 2021). Its bold lines, chiseled body panels, and in-your-face grille embrace a crossover’s boxiness with enthusiasm.
Verdict: In the Nissan Rogue vs. Mazda CX-5 looks contest, there’s no confusing one model for the other. So, we’ll call this race a toss-up. You can pick your own winner depending on individual preferences and tastes.
Powertrain
Nissan keeps it simple by offering only one engine and gearbox pairing: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, you won’t be winning many stoplight contests, but that’s not what vehicles like this are for. Plus, the Rogue’s CVT is programmed more for saving gas (covered below) than performance.
Lower CX-5 trims come with a similar 2.5-liter four-cylinder powerplant making 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, however, all CX-5s come with a six-speed automatic that eeks out more responsiveness from the engine. Notably, higher-end CX-5s come with a powerful turbocharged version of the base engine. 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque (with premium gas) significantly increase the CX-5’s fun-to-drive factor. Mazda even upgrades the suspension to handle the extra power better.
Verdict: If you like to stomp on the gas a bit or take corners with gusto, the top-end of the CX-5 lineup is a sure winner. Otherwise, either vehicle can handle routine driving with ease.
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Interior Space
For many crossover shoppers, interior space is the number one reason for ditching sedans and coupes. So, diving into these specs is essential. For the CX-5, you’ll find that its swoopy exterior comes at a price. Front headroom (39.7 inches) and front legroom (41.0 inches) come up short against the Roque. However, rear legroom (39.6 inches) does beat the Rogue by almost three inches. With 103.6 cubic feet of overall passenger space and 31 cubic feet of rear cargo space (59.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded), the CX-5 is again lacking.
Against the CX-5, the Rogue wins hands-down in multiple measurements: front headroom (41.1 inches), front legroom (43.3 inches), passenger volume (105.4 cubic feet), and cargo room (31 cubic feet in the rear and 74.1 cubic feet with the back seat down).
Verdict: There’s no contest here. The Rogue takes home the gold for more interior space than the CX-5.
Features
Both vehicles are available in multiple trims (four for the Rogue and seven for the CX-5) that offer more equipment as the price rises. For the most part, both manufactures divvy up the features similarly across the trim levels. For example, if a power driver’s seat or dual-zone automatic climate control is vital, then you’ll have to step up to the second least-expensive version of the Rogue or CX-5. If navigation is a deal-breaker, then you’ll have to choose a higher-end trim.
But rather than spend mind-numbing hours making a line-by-line comparison of trims and features, focus first on what equipment is important. What are “have-to-have” and “nice-to-have” features? Once these requirements are identified, you can back into a trim that meets your needs.
Verdict: Because the features allocation is similarly distributed across each car’s lineup, there’s no clear stand-out here. Given that the CX-5 has more trim choices, particularly on the top-tier end, the Mazda has a slight advantage if you’re looking for a more fully equipped vehicle.
Advanced Driver Aids
Given the competitiveness of the compact crossover category, these vehicles have to have the latest safety technology. Both the Nissan and Mazda include forward collision warning with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning in all the trims.
Mazda also includes lane-departure mitigation across the CX-5 line-up, but this only comes with the upper trims of the Rogue. In contrast, all Rogues have rear automatic braking, something that only comes on the priciest CX-5.
Verdict: It’s another close call, but we’ll give the nod to the Rogue as rear automatic braking can prevent potential driveway disasters caused by bicycles, pets, and kids.
Fuel Economy
As we mentioned earlier, the Nissan’s CVT may diminish performance, but it helps at the gas station. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Rogue is 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The CX-5 is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway (22⁄27 for the turbo engine).
Verdict: When it comes to saving gas, the Nissan Rogue takes the victory lap.
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Wrap Up
Choosing a winner in the Nissan Rogue vs. Mazda CX-5 tournament comes down to what characteristics and features are most important to you. The Roque offers excellent space for passengers and cargo, and good fuel economy. The Mazda is more performance-oriented. Plus, the CX-5’s higher-end trims provide a luxury experience that would be right at home in an Audi or Lexus.
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