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Nissan Rogue Vs Mazda Cx-5: A Detailed Comparison Of Two Compact Suv Giants

Summary

  • With an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, the Rogue prioritizes fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers.
  • The Rogue has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), demonstrating its commitment to occupant protection.
  • The CX-5 has also achieved a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, further solidifying its reputation for safety and reliability.

In the realm of compact SUVs, two contenders stand out as formidable adversaries: the Nissan Rogue and the Mazda CX-5. Both vehicles boast impressive features, sleek designs, and a reputation for reliability. However, discerning buyers seeking the ultimate SUV experience must delve deeper into the intricacies of each model to determine which one emerges victorious. This comprehensive comparison will pit the Nissan Rogue against the Mazda CX-5, examining their key attributes, performance capabilities, comfort levels, and technological advancements to unveil the true champion of the compact SUV segment.

Performance and Efficiency: A Symphony of Power and Economy

1. Powertrain Prowess:

  • Nissan Rogue: Equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Rogue generates 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, offering a smooth and responsive driving experience.
  • Mazda CX-5: Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the CX-5 delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, promising exhilarating acceleration and confident overtaking maneuvers.

2. Fuel Efficiency Ratings:

  • Nissan Rogue: With an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, the Rogue prioritizes fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers.
  • Mazda CX-5: Despite its slightly higher horsepower output, the CX-5 achieves comparable fuel efficiency ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, striking a balance between performance and efficiency.

3. All-Wheel Drive Capability:

  • Nissan Rogue: Available with an intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Rogue enhances traction and stability in challenging weather conditions, ensuring a confident driving experience on slippery roads.
  • Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 also offers an optional all-wheel drive system, providing drivers with enhanced control and handling in various terrains, from snowy mountain roads to muddy trails.

Comfort and Convenience: A Haven of Refinement and Practicality

1. Cabin Ambiance:

  • Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s interior exudes a sense of spaciousness, with ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. High-quality materials and thoughtful design elements create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
  • Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s cabin is equally impressive, featuring premium materials, intuitive controls, and a sleek, modern design. The well-cushioned seats provide excellent support and comfort during long journeys.

2. Cargo Capacity and Versatility:

  • Nissan Rogue: With 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, the Rogue offers ample room for luggage, sports equipment, or bulky items.
  • Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 provides slightly less cargo space, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, yet it still offers sufficient space for most everyday needs.

3. Infotainment and Connectivity:

  • Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s infotainment system features a user-friendly interface, a large touchscreen display, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
  • Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s infotainment system boasts a clean and intuitive design, with a rotary controller and a large touchscreen display. It also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with a premium Bose audio system for an immersive listening experience.

Safety and Reliability: A Commitment to Peace of Mind

1. Safety Features and Ratings:

  • Nissan Rogue: The Rogue has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), demonstrating its commitment to occupant protection.
  • Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 has also achieved a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, further solidifying its reputation for safety and reliability.

2. Reliability and Maintenance:

  • Nissan Rogue: Known for its reliability and low maintenance costs, the Rogue is a popular choice among drivers seeking a hassle-free ownership experience.
  • Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 has consistently ranked well in reliability surveys, with owners reporting few problems and overall satisfaction with the vehicle’s performance and durability.

Technology and Innovation: Embracing the Cutting Edge

1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems:

  • Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and reducing driver fatigue.
  • Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 also features an array of driver assistance technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keep assist, providing drivers with increased confidence and awareness on the road.

2. Connectivity and Convenience Features:

  • Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s infotainment system includes navigation, voice control, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, keeping passengers connected and entertained during long journeys.
  • Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s infotainment system offers similar features, including navigation, voice control, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, along with a head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield for easy viewing.

The Verdict: Unveiling the Compact SUV Champion

After meticulously comparing the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 across various parameters, it is evident that both vehicles are exceptional compact SUVs with distinct strengths. The Nissan Rogue excels in fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for families and budget-conscious buyers. On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 captivates with its exhilarating performance, premium interior, and advanced safety features, appealing to driving enthusiasts and those seeking a more luxurious driving experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 depends on individual preferences, priorities, and budget constraints. Those seeking a practical, fuel-efficient, and spacious SUV will find the Nissan Rogue an excellent option, while those desiring a more engaging driving experience, premium amenities, and cutting-edge technology may gravitate towards the Mazda CX-5.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Aspects of the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5

1. Design and Styling:

  • Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s exterior design is characterized by its bold lines, sleek curves, and distinctive V-motion grille, exuding a sense of modernity and sophistication.
  • Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s design philosophy revolves around the concept of “Kodo,” which translates to “soul of motion.” Its exterior features sharp lines, a sculpted body, and a prominent grille, resulting in a dynamic and athletic appearance.

2. Pricing and Trims:

  • Nissan Rogue: The Nissan Rogue is available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Pricing starts at $26,590 for the base S trim and ranges up to $37,340 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim.
  • Mazda CX-5: The Mazda CX-5 is offered in six trim levels: Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. Pricing begins at $27,000 for the Sport trim and reaches $42,450 for the Signature trim.

3. Warranty and Maintenance:

  • Nissan Rogue: The Nissan Rogue comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a three-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance program.
  • Mazda CX-5: The Mazda CX-5 is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a three-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance program.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q1. Which SUV offers better fuel economy, the Nissan Rogue or Mazda CX-5?

A. The Nissan Rogue delivers superior fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, compared to the Mazda CX-5’s 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Q2. Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Nissan Rogue or Mazda CX-5?

A. The Nissan Rogue offers a more spacious interior, with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, compared to the Mazda CX-5’s 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Q3. Which SUV has a higher safety rating, the Nissan Rogue or Mazda CX-5?

A. Both the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 have earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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BJ
About the Author
My name is Bob Jenkins and I'm thrilled to share my automotive adventures with you here on mphdiary.com. Cars have always been a passion of mine, especially sporty yet practical Japanese models. For the past 10 years, I've been driving various Nissan vehicles and am constantly enjoying learning more about...