2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design that was both praised and critiqued. While the interior was noted for its luxurious feel above the midpoint of the cabin, the exterior was marred by excessive gray plastic cladding that detracted from its overall aesthetic. This design choice made the 18-inch wheels appear undersized and gave the vehicle a lifted appearance, as if it were perpetually on a service center lift. Despite this, the CX-30's interior was appreciated for its upscale look, with soft-touch materials in the upper cabin, though hard plastics were prevalent below. Pricing for the CX-30 started at $21,900, with various trims offering additional features and upgrades.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue maintained an attractive appearance despite its age, with a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The SL trim, in particular, featured appealing 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The Rogue's center console offered padded sides for driver comfort, but overall, the interior was less modern compared to newer designs. The test vehicle, equipped with SL trim and additional packages, was priced at $34,870, including destination charges.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite its competitive power figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was praised for its ability to maximize the engine's potential, and the Premium trim included paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. The CX-30's AWD system offered off-road traction assist, and the vehicle provided 8 inches of ground clearance. While the CX-30's driving dynamics were not as sharp as the Mazda3, it ranked highly among small crossovers for its sporty feel. Fuel economy was a downside, with an average of 23.9 mpg during testing, and the AWD model's smaller gas tank limited its driving range.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, which was adequate for its weight of up to 3,671 pounds. While the CVT managed the power well, the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially during freeway merging or passing. The EPA estimated 29 mpg for FWD models, but testing revealed a lower 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which improved cornering and ride comfort. However, the steering was lifeless, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the driving experience less enjoyable.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its higher ground clearance compared to the Mazda3. Inside, the cabin was elegant and comfortable, though snug, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, with large analog gauges for easy reference. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather in Select and Preferred trims, and genuine leather in Premium trim. The rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom, and cargo space was modest at 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, placing it closer to the subcompact segment.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's front seats, though designed with Nissan's Zero Gravity cushions, were undersized and challenging to adjust for taller drivers. The rear seats, however, offered excellent comfort with high cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the rear seat experience, making it a preferred spot for passengers. In-cabin storage was limited, but cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30's technology package was comprehensive but not without its challenges. The 8.8-inch display was integrated into the dashboard, avoiding a touchscreen to keep drivers focused on the road. However, the system's controls were not always intuitive, requiring users to limit interactions while driving. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available from the Select trim. Higher trims offered a Bose premium sound system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue impressed with its list of infotainment features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose sound system, and NissanConnect Services, which offered remote access and safety features. Despite the sophisticated offerings, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, with a robust list of standard ADAS and high crash-test ratings. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Select trim added blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings, while Premium trim offered adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with Premium trim.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue also offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the standard Safety Shield 360 package including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety tech included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star NHTSA rating and no Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to headlight and frontal-impact concerns.