2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

During the design phase of the 2020 Mazda CX-30, a critical meeting about its exterior styling resulted in a puzzling decision. Mazda wrapped the lower perimeter with thick gray plastic cladding, which proved to be a misstep. Reducing this excessive cladding by half would have made the CX-30's styling nearly impeccable. Unfortunately, the overdone SUV costume made the 18-inch wheels look undersized, and the vehicle appeared perpetually poised on a hydraulic lift awaiting service.

Despite this, the overall design of the CX-30 was commendable, particularly the interior, which exuded luxury above the midpoint of the cabin. Below that, hard plastics dominated, but the price point justified their presence. The starting price for the 2020 Mazda CX-30 was $21,900, with Select trim at $23,900, Preferred trim at $26,200, and Premium trim at $28,200. Adding AWD was an optional $1,400 upgrade. Our test vehicle, a Premium AWD with several additional options, totaled $32,120.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Nissan Rogue embraced a more rugged and technical appearance, looking more like an SUV than a car. With dark gray plastic cladding, bold skid plates, and lower door protection, the Rogue projected an assertive ruggedness. Clean LED lights, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-balanced proportions lent it a modern and sophisticated look. The option of two-tone paint with a black roof further enhanced its visual appeal.

The Rogue was available in four trims: S ($25,650), SV ($27,340), SL ($32,000), and the top-tier Platinum ($35,430), with a $1,095 destination charge for each. AWD also added $1,400 across the trims. Our test vehicle, a Rogue SL with an additional premium package, paint, and floor mats, brought the total to $35,195. Inside, the Rogue's Almond-colored leather and standard panoramic sunroof created a light and spacious atmosphere. Abundant soft-touch surfaces and chic simulated wood trim added to its premium feel.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with Mazda's smooth 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, generating 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite its lack of turbocharged options, which could have enhanced performance at higher altitudes, its 6-speed sport automatic transmission made the most of the available power. The AWD system was an option, which included off-road traction assist, but with only 8 inches of ground clearance, true off-roading was limited.

Compared to the Mazda3 on which it was based, the CX-30 felt slower and less nimble. With 2.5 extra inches of ground clearance and additional weight, handling was not as sharp, suffering exaggerated ride motions and body lean. However, compared to other small SUVs, the CX-30 performed well, rivaled only by models like the Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek. The EPA ratings for the AWD CX-30 were 27 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing yielded a disappointing 23.9 mpg.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm, enough for routine driving but insufficient for more demanding tasks. The CVT was almost imperceptible, making the ride smoother, but the Rogue's nearly 3,500-pound weight taxed the engine. Changes to the driving modes could enhance dynamics slightly, but a turbocharged option would have been welcome. As tested, the Rogue SL FWD achieved 27.5 mpg, just below its EPA rating.

Despite its power shortcomings, the Rogue excelled in ride and handling due to its new architecture, suspension, and advanced systems like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control. Nissan’s Vehicle Motion Control improved driving predictability and athleticism, and the re-engineered steering system offered superior feel and response, making it a joy to drive.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30's higher ground clearance facilitated ease of entry and exit, a practical advantage over the Mazda3. Inside, the elegant and upscale interior was comfortable but snug. Soft padding improved comfort, but rear seating was cramped, with little legroom suited for children or smaller adults. Cargo space was also limited, offering 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the back seats folded. These measurements fell short compared to competitors, putting the CX-30 closer to subcompact SUVs.

On the other hand, the 2021 Nissan Rogue excelled in passenger comfort, thanks to reimagined Zero Gravity seats available in various materials across trims, and added conveniences like heated seats and a steering wheel in higher trims. Despite lacking ventilated seats, the dual to triple-zone climate control system improved overall comfort. The Rogue’s redesigned rear seats offered more headroom and legroom than its predecessor and opened to nearly 90 degrees, simplifying passenger and cargo loading. The 2021 Rogue provided 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and up to 74.1 cubic feet when folded, making it one of the roomiest in its class.

In terms of technology, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered everything necessary but lacked superior user-friendliness. Its 8.8-inch static display was integrated elegantly but lacked touch capability, making the controls complex and less intuitive. Features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were reserved for Select trim and above, with Premium trim offering a Bose 12-speaker audio system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue delivered a competitive infotainment setup, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto at the base trim. Protruding knobs and glossy finishes slightly hampered usability, but shortcut buttons facilitated operation. The SV and SL trims added a WiFi hotspot and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Higher trims received a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. The top-tier Platinum came with wireless charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display, making it a technology-rich environment.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2020 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a host of ADAS such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Select trims added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, with Premium trims featuring adaptive front lights. The CX-30 earned high safety ratings, including a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS with Premium trim headlights.

Similarly, the 2021 Nissan Rogue focused heavily on safety, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite in all trims. This suite featured essentials like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning, with adaptive cruise control starting from the SV trim. ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology was available in higher trims, enhancing driving assistance. Though crash-test results weren't available at the time of review, Nissan's emphasis on high-strength steel and advanced crash energy deflection boded well for safety outcomes.