2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a singular engine and transmission combination with the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The test vehicle featured the SL trim, front-wheel drive, the SL Premium Package, additional accessories, and a sticker price of $34,870, including a $1,095 destination charge. Externally, the Rogue presented an attractive design despite its aging features. The prominent V-Motion grille and pronounced fender swells might have seemed overdone, but the 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SL trim added a layer of appeal.

Opening the doors revealed the vehicle's dated interior, with the waterfall control panel on the dashboard and rounded surfaces reflecting older styling trends. While plastic surfaces were unimpressive, the Rogue SL featured padded center console sides, displaying a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

Mazda aimed for a premium feel with the 2020 Mazda CX-5, and it was evident in the vehicle's captivating style and continual enhancements. This model year saw increased standard equipment, updated instrumentation, better cabin appearance, and noise, vibration, and harshness reduction. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155 across various trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. The Signature trim in the test vehicle, along with extra-cost paint and a rear bumper guard, amounted to a $38,680 sticker price, including a $1,100 destination charge.

The original Mazda CX-5 set the company's stylistic course, and nearly a decade later, the “Kodo” design remained striking. The SUV managed to look appealing, distinctive, and upscale concurrently. Inside, the Signature trim’s Nappa leather upholstery, genuine wood, and black headliner offered a luxurious feel, even if the Caturra Brown leather didn’t provide much contrast with the otherwise black interior.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's powertrain—a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)—was considered adequate for its 3,671-pound weight. Despite a Sport driving mode, the Rogue did not offer a sporty driving experience. Several owners might not find the lack of power problematic in regular driving, thanks in part to the CVT’s optimization of power. However, it struggled during freeway acceleration, overtaking, and mountain grade ascents, producing more noise than action.

Fuel economy also underwhelmed, as the FWD version managed only 24.9 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA’s 29 mpg estimate. The driving dynamics were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, enhancing ride and handling. However, the heavy, lifeless steering and insufficient suspension isolation, combined with occasional CVT drone, made driving the Rogue less enjoyable.

Standard models of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode. FWD was standard, with AWD optional. Higher trims like Grand Touring Reserve and Signature featured a turbocharged version of the engine, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular fuel. Despite the turbo engine’s 3,825-pound curb weight, the CX-5 Signature accelerated authoritatively. However, fuel efficiency fell short, achieving just 22.1 mpg compared to the rated 24 mpg combined.

Equipped with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), the CX-5 Signature offered engaging driving dynamics, albeit hampered by excessive body motions. The high center of gravity led to significant rocking and rolling during spirited driving. The almost telepathic steering and responsive brakes made daily driving delightful, but it didn't quite inspire the same excitement as other Mazdas for extended drives.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue posed challenges in terms of comfort for larger or taller drivers. The otherwise commendable Zero Gravity seat designs were somewhat undersized, complicating finding an ideal driving position. Rear passengers, in contrast, enjoyed elevated stadium seating with excellent thigh support and backrest angles, coupled with a panoramic view thanks to the sunroof. Rear air conditioning vents and USB ports added to passenger comfort.

The Rogue excelled in cargo volume and utility, offering 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats, significantly more than the Mazda CX-5. Additionally, it featured underfloor storage compartments and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

While the CX-5's more upscale interior and generous standard equipment helped offset its comparative lack of space, it remained less competitive in practicality and utility. Rear passengers found the legroom lacking, though the back seat was otherwise accommodating for two adults. The air conditioning system struggled on hot days to cool the cabin promptly.

Cargo space was more limited compared to the Rogue, with only 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Higher trims included a power liftgate with programmable height, but the overall space constrained it against segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Depending on the trim, additional options included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the NissanConnect interface with its 7-inch touchscreen was dated, slow to respond, and burdened by ineffective voice recognition, frustrating users.

Mazda’s Connect infotainment in the CX-5 reflected an upscale touch, drawing parallels with luxury brands. The Sport trim’s 7-inch touchscreen was touch-responsive only when stationary. Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Grand Touring included a larger 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system. The Signature trim added navigation and a surround-view camera.

Interaction methods included touch, console or steering wheel controls, or voice recognition, none of which were ideal. Many features were best set up manually and controlled via the steering wheel, avoiding the awkward console controls and unreliable voice recognition. Mazda planned a technology upgrade for 2021, though similar operational issues persisted.

The Rogue's safety features, grouped under Safety Shield 360, included useful systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, the outdated ProPilot Assist and subpar crash-test ratings, including a 4-star overall NHTSA rating and non-elite IIHS scores, indicated its aging safety technology.

The Mazda CX-5 stood out with standard advanced driver-assistance systems under i-Activsense, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features included LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and optional adaptive headlights. The CX-5 excelled in safety evaluations, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall NHTSA rating, reflecting its comprehensive safety performance.