2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

2021 Nissan Rogue
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Mazda CX-5
2022 Mazda CX-5
$25,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mazda CX-5
$25,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Rogue is 9 out of 10, while the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Nissan Rogue emerges as the recommended choice for most consumers, thanks to its superior look and feel, technology, and form and function capabilities.

Overview

MSRP

$26,050

MSRP

$25,900

Average price

$23,243

Average price

$25,290

Listings

4517

Listings

1180
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

9.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Fun to drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Not much cargo space
  • Unintuitive technology

2021 Nissan Rogue Reviews Summary

To characterize the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue as vital to the automaker's success is an understatement. Not only is the compact crossover SUV the best-selling Nissan in America, but it's also one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Strip out pickup trucks, and the Rogue sits near the top of the U.S. sales chart with its primary competitors, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Imagine the pressure on Nissan designers, engineers, and product planners as they prepared the current Rogue's replacement! The good news is that the new Rogue is a better SUV in every way but one.

2022 Mazda CX-5 Reviews Summary

It’s easy for a luxury brand to lose stature and cachet, but it’s hard for a mainstream brand to gain it. Nevertheless, Mazda is giving it the good old college try, having discussed its plan to become a premium brand for more than half a decade.

Unlike some automakers that rely solely on marketing to support their premium brand positioning, Mazda heavily invests in everything from design and engineering to dealership facilities, all to ensure there is substance behind its claim. Now, numerous updates to its most popular model elevate the 2022 Mazda CX-5 solidly into premium territory.

Don’t believe us? Drive one of the turbocharged versions of the 2022 CX-5 back to back with a similarly priced Audi Q3, Buick Envision, BMW X1, GMC Terrain, or Mercedes-Benz GLA, and you’ll see what we mean.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 181 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 187 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

35

MPG Highway

30
2021 Nissan Rogue
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mazda CX-5
2022 Mazda CX-5
$25,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mazda CX-5
$25,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Rogue is 9 out of 10, while the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Nissan Rogue emerges as the recommended choice for most consumers, thanks to its superior look and feel, technology, and form and function capabilities.

Overview
MSRP
$26,050
$25,900
Average price
$23,243
$25,290
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.9
4.8
Expert reviews

9.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Fun to drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Not much cargo space
  • Unintuitive technology
Summary
To characterize the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue as vital to the automaker's success is an understatement. Not only is the compact crossover SUV the best-selling Nissan in America, but it's also one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Strip out pickup trucks, and the Rogue sits near the top of the U.S. sales chart with its primary competitors, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Imagine the pressure on Nissan designers, engineers, and product planners as they prepared the current Rogue's replacement! The good news is that the new Rogue is a better SUV in every way but one.

It’s easy for a luxury brand to lose stature and cachet, but it’s hard for a mainstream brand to gain it. Nevertheless, Mazda is giving it the good old college try, having discussed its plan to become a premium brand for more than half a decade.

Unlike some automakers that rely solely on marketing to support their premium brand positioning, Mazda heavily invests in everything from design and engineering to dealership facilities, all to ensure there is substance behind its claim. Now, numerous updates to its most popular model elevate the 2022 Mazda CX-5 solidly into premium territory.

Don’t believe us? Drive one of the turbocharged versions of the 2022 CX-5 back to back with a similarly priced Audi Q3, Buick Envision, BMW X1, GMC Terrain, or Mercedes-Benz GLA, and you’ll see what we mean.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 181 hp I4
2.5L 187 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
27
24
MPG Highway
35
30
Look and feel
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2022 Mazda CX-5
9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Nissan Rogue higher than the 2022 Mazda CX-5 for look and feel, scoring them 9 and 8 out of 10, respectively. The 2021 Nissan Rogue presents a more SUV-like appearance with its handsome new styling, technical aesthetic, and bold details like dark gray plastic cladding and simulated skid plates. Its LED lighting, V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned design lend it a modern appeal, complemented by aluminum wheels up to 19 inches. Inside, the Rogue shines with a bright interior enhanced by an Almond color leather, a panoramic glass sunroof, and luxurious touches in the Platinum trim, such as semi-aniline quilted leather and ambient lighting. The 2022 Mazda CX-5, while maintaining its signature look, introduces subtle changes like new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, and fresh wheel designs. Its top-tier Signature trim emphasizes Mazda's premium brand aspiration with body-color lower exterior trim. However, the interior remains unchanged, continuing to offer a luxurious feel with Nappa leather, real wood trim, and upscale accents. The CX-5’s seating and comfort improvements significantly enhance the driving experience, though its cargo space and tech interface lag behind the Rogue.
Performance
2021 Nissan Rogue
8/10
2022 Mazda CX-5
8/10
Both vehicles are rated equally at 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts in terms of performance. The 2021 Rogue, powered by a 181-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, provides adequate daily driving capabilities and benefits from a well-tuned CVT. Its all-wheel-drive system, increased ground clearance, and new driving modes improve off-road and adverse weather performance. Although the Rogue could benefit from more power, its handling and ride quality are top-notch, thanks to a new architecture and suspension design. The 2022 CX-5 offers a standard 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with an optional turbocharged version producing up to 256 horsepower on premium gas. All models now come with standard all-wheel drive. The CX-5 is praised for its revised transmission, improved ride quality, and athletic handling, making it drive more like a premium SUV. Its performance is characterized by a responsive engine, reduced noise, and a smoother yet sporty ride.
Form and function
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2022 Mazda CX-5
7/10
In this critical area, CarGurus experts assign a higher score to the Rogue, with a 9 out of 10, compared to the CX-5's 7 out of 10. The 2021 Nissan Rogue steps up its game with the introduction of improved Zero Gravity seats that enhance comfort significantly, making long drives or quick trips equally enjoyable. These seats, inspired by the neutral spine position in the weightlessness of space, aim to reduce stress on the body, decreasing fatigue and muscle strain. From the basic S trim with its cloth upholstery to the luxurious Platinum trim with premium leather, the Rogue offers a range of seating comforts designed to cater to a broad spectrum of preferences and needs. The Rogue also excels in passenger space, offering generous headroom and legroom, especially in the rear. The rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, easing the loading of passengers and child safety seats, with the Rogue capable of accommodating up to three child safety seats. The attention to quietness within the cabin, thanks to Nissan's efforts in aerodynamic design and noise reduction materials, contributes to a serene driving experience. The practicality extends to the Rogue's cargo handling capabilities. It offers 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to a substantial 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This capacity is among the largest in the compact SUV segment, showcasing the Rogue's excellent balance between passenger comfort and utility needs. The 2022 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, has taken significant steps forward with the introduction of new, more comfortable and supportive seats. This improvement addresses past criticisms and enhances the overall driving and passenger experience. However, while the front seats provide a sportier and more engaging driving position, the back seat area remains snug, though heated outboard cushions and air vents improve comfort for rear passengers. Despite its premium touches and improved furnishings, the CX-5's cargo space is less generous than the Rogue's, offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum capacity of 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. While these numbers are competitive within the compact crossover segment, they highlight the Mazda's focus on delivering a premium driving experience over maximizing utility. In sum, the Nissan Rogue stands out for its thoughtful blend of comfort, space, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals who demand both utility and a pleasant driving environment. The Mazda CX-5, with its premium interior and emphasis on driving dynamics, caters to those who prioritize a more engaging drive and a luxurious cabin feel, albeit with some compromise on cargo space.
Technology
2021 Nissan Rogue
10/10
2022 Mazda CX-5
5/10
The 2021 Rogue shines in technology, earning a 10 out of 10 rating, significantly outperforming the CX-5's 5 out of 10. Nissan's infotainment package is robust, offering a variety of screen sizes, connectivity options, and a comprehensive suite of NissanConnect Services. The Rogue's technology is user-friendly and includes desirable features like wireless smartphone charging and a digital instrument cluster in higher trims. The CX-5's tech offerings remain unchanged, with a non-touch Mazda Connect system that can frustrate users. While it includes essential features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the absence of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition limits its appeal.
Safety
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2022 Mazda CX-5
10/10
Safety is a strong suit for both vehicles, but the 2022 CX-5 edges out with a 10 out of 10 rating against the Rogue's 9. The CX-5's i-Activsense suite offers a comprehensive array of driving assistance and safety features, contributing to its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The Rogue is not far behind, offering a robust set of safety features under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella, including an innovative airbag system in the Platinum trim.
Cost Effectiveness
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2022 Mazda CX-5
8/10
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By: CarGurus + AI

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