2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 exuded an air of premium quality that was unparalleled by many in its segment. Mazda's commitment to "going premium" was more than just a marketing ploy. This was apparent in the captivating style and substance of the vehicle. For this model year, standard equipment was upgraded, and the cabin's instrumentation and control markings were revised to elevate its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, enhancements were made to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, further showcasing Mazda's pursuit of quality.

The SUV’s turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. Price points for the CX-5 ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, and coming in trims such as Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. The Signature model, which was a focus of this review, featured extra-cost Machine Gray metallic paint and protective rear bumper guard, tallying up to $38,680, inclusive of the $1,100 destination charge.

Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy stood the test of time, keeping the CX-5’s exterior appealing, distinctive, and upscale—even nearly a decade after its inception. This careful design transcended into the vehicle’s interior as well, especially in the Signature trim. In this model, premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood accents, and a black headliner combined to offer a luxurious environment. However, the Caturra Brown leather barely contrasted against the black interior, mildly detracting from the cabin's upscale feel.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a bold new exterior with a more technical appearance, effectively distinguishing itself as an SUV. The low perimeter was enveloped in dark gray plastic cladding with assertive simulated skid plates and lower door protection. Clean LED lighting, a distinctive V-Motion grille, and proportional body design culminated in a contemporary appearance. Various trims, each featuring aluminum wheels up to 19 inches, could be customized with an optional two-tone paint and black roof for a tailored look.

The Rogue’s trim options spanned the S ($25,650), SV ($27,340), SL ($32,000), and the debuting Platinum ($35,430). All prices included a $1,095 destination charge. Optional AWD was available for an additional $1,400, and premium packages were offered for the SV ($2,660) and SL ($1,320). The test model was a Rogue SL, enhanced with a Premium Package, unique paint, and extra protection for the interior, totaling $35,195 including destination charges.

Inside, the tested Rogue’s Almond-color leather interior and panoramic glass sunroof imparted a sense of spacious brightness. The cabin featured abundant soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, all contributing to the upmarket feel. Controls were systematically arranged for ease of use, and the Platinum trim’s quilted semi-aniline leather and ambient lighting brought genuine luxury to the cabin. The appearance of the climate control panel's numbers, reminiscent of a 1980s digital clock, was a notable detail. Despite still offering a CD player, the Rogue included contemporary tech like wireless Apple CarPlay.

Under the hood, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, came standard with FWD and optional AWD. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims upped the ante with a turbocharged variant of the same engine, delivering 250 hp and 320 lb-ft when fueled with premium gasoline, and 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas. This turbo engine, restricted to AWD, ensured robust acceleration despite the vehicle's 3,825-pound curb weight.

Fuel efficiency, however, was less exceptional for the turbo variant at 24 mpg combined, dipping to 22.1 mpg during testing. The naturally aspirated engine offered slightly better figures: 26 mpg combined with AWD and 28 mpg combined with FWD. The CX-5 impressed with its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, stabilizing the SUV during corners and contributing to a more engaging driving experience.

Despite these enhancements, the CX-5 exhibited excessive body motions on curvy roads due to its high center of gravity and stubby wheelbase. While the steering and brakes were responsive, an adaptive-damping suspension could have mitigated the rocking and rolling, making the driving experience more exciting. Nevertheless, the CX-5 Signature excelled in typical driving situations, offering quick acceleration and maneuverability.

Conversely, the 2021 Nissan Rogue's performance was hampered by its powertrain. The sole engine choice was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Weighing nearly 3,500 pounds, the Rogue felt underpowered, especially during more demanding driving conditions. The CVT, while smooth and programmed to simulate traditional gear shifts, highlighted the need for additional power, particularly when loaded with passengers or cargo.

The Rogue’s AWD variant included up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes, enhancing its versatility off the beaten path. However, the engine's naturally aspirated design sapped its energy in mountainous terrains. On a driving loop, the FWD test model achieved 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA’s rating.

Nissan tuned the Rogue’s ride and handling for marked improvement. Built on a sturdier architecture composed of 35% high-strength steel, the Rogue utilized a strut front, multi-link rear suspension with various electronic aids like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, ensuring a smooth and predictable ride. The newly refined steering, now aided by rack-mounted electric assist and a quicker ratio, drastically improved the driving feel over its predecessor.

Mazda's attempt to elevate the CX-5 into a more upmarket category provided it a comparative edge in terms of luxury but exposed its limitations in practicality. The CX-5’s interior, although stylish and adorned with elegant metallic accents and clear gauges, was more cramped compared to class leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Trim levels added varying degrees of comfort and luxury, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and upscale Nappa leather in the Signature trim.

While the CX-5 Signature’s front seats were comfortable, rear passengers had limited legroom, making longer journeys less comfortable. The air conditioning took notably longer to cool the cabin on hot days, adding to the inconvenience. Cargo space behind the rear seats measured 30.9 cubic feet, extending to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate, standard on higher trims, added a touch of convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue substantially improved upon its predecessor’s interior space and comfort. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, now refined for the new model, were more comfortable and available in cloth, leatherette, or premium leather depending on the trim. Though lacking ventilated seats, the Rogue's interiors were equipped with heated front and rear seats, and climate control varied from standard air conditioning to a triple-zone system in higher trims. Rear seat comfort saw enhancements with increased headroom and legroom, along with nearly 90-degree-opening rear doors for easier accessibility.

Interior noise was reduced thanks to refinements like acoustic front glass and a thicker dashboard insulator. The Rogue also offered practical storage options, including a storage tray beneath the center console and capacious door-panel pockets. The power rear liftgate, available in higher trims, revealed 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space for S and SV trims, and 36.5 cubic feet for SL and Platinum trims, which included the Divide-N-Hide cargo management system. With rear seats folded, the maximum cargo capacity was a generous 74.1 cubic feet, making the Rogue highly competitive in its class.

Mazda Connect, the infotainment system in the 2020 CX-5, mirrored the user experience seen in luxury German vehicles. While its upscale impression was undeniable, it required a substantial adjustment period for ease of use. The Sport trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen that responded to touch only when stationary, while higher trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Signature trim further enhanced tech offerings with navigation, a surround-view camera system, and SiriusXM data services.

Interaction with Mazda Connect was facilitated through touchscreen controls (when not in motion), center console, steering wheel controls, or voice recognition. However, the voice recognition system struggled with naturally voiced commands, making it the least reliable method. Maximizing use of the steering wheel controls was recommended to bypass the less user-friendly center console interface and touchscreen limitations.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a competitive infotainment package featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard on all trims. The addition of knobs for power/volume and station tuning, though not entirely user-friendly, made interaction somewhat easier. Upgraded trims introduced NissanConnect Services, providing remote engine start, collision notifications, speed and boundary alerts, and more. A subscription was necessary post-trial periods.

For a more premium experience, the SL Premium Package and Rogue Platinum featured a larger 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door navigation, and a Bose audio system. In the test model, these enhancements proved effective, despite minor ergonomic challenges with the knobs and buttons. A Platinum trim-exclusive added perks like a wireless smartphone charger, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 10.8-inch head-up display.

Mazda ensured that the 2020 CX-5 was well-equipped in terms of safety, offering an extensive array of ADAS collectively known as i-Activsense. This included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers added to its safety credentials, with adaptive headlights optional on higher trims.

This SUV also featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system, with Platinum trim offering an additional airbag between the driver and front passenger for enhanced safety. The SV trim’s ProPilot Assist driving aid included lane-centering assistance and adaptive cruise control, improved with new radar and camera units for better performance. Further enhancements like Navi-link technology were available with higher trims, integrating navigation data for smoother adaptive adjustments.

Though crash-test results were pending at the time, the Rogue’s significant use of high-strength steel and advanced crash engineering boded well for its protective capabilities.