2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo featured a distinctive design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, black side mirror housings, and matte black body cladding. This gave the vehicle a unique, almost floating appearance, as if it were cresting a hill at speed. The CX-30 stood out from its Mazda3 hatchback sibling, being perceptually and physically higher off the ground. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3’s quality materials and upscale vibe, with stitched chocolate brown surfaces and a chrome accent around the engine start button. The SUV offered a choice of black and Griege leatherette upholstery, with black or white leather available in higher trims. Prices ranged from about $31,000 to $35,000, with our test vehicle priced at $35,745.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue carried forward the mature styling introduced in the previous year’s redesign. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and LED fog lamps on higher trims. The Rogue also had active grille shutters, underbody covers, and an “air curtain” to improve airflow. The floating roof design and slightly bulging liftgate added to its sleek look. Inside, the Rogue had a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage space. The 9-inch center infotainment display and Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats added to the comfort and sophistication. The Rogue’s fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm to 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission, standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, and G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC-Plus) technology contributed to its performance. The CX-30 Turbo had an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, with an average of 24.1 mpg during testing. The SUV’s acceleration was effortless, with the i-Activ AWD system distributing power effectively. However, the added height and weight made it less pleasurable to drive compared to the Mazda3. The CX-30 Turbo also featured an Off-Road mode for better performance on rough terrain.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous 2.5-liter engine. The new engine improved the Rogue’s performance and fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Rogue’s CVT transmission had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering had good feel. The Rogue’s performance was lively and engaging, making it a more enjoyable drive.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and a driver-focused interior layout. Both front seats were heated, and a heated steering wheel was standard in higher trims. However, ventilated seats were not available, and the front passenger seat lacked the range of adjustment found in the driver’s seat. The cabin’s organic shapes and high-quality materials contributed to a sense of spaciousness. Rear-seat accommodations were cramped, but rear-seat air conditioning vents helped. The CX-30 Turbo had 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin had numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and more. Rear-seat passengers also had storage options and USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on configuration, and 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. This made it a versatile option for families and commuters.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function, with a trial period for the 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. The Rogue used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands for navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to the rear doors, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. It came with a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system added an extra layer of safety.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue had ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist provided Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities, including steering-assist and adaptive cruise control. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.