2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had a design reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing distractions for taller drivers due to its slight curve. Inside, the cabin was both comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to its components. The interior design was praised for its blend of conventional and digital displays, although the infotainment system's steep learning curve was a noted drawback.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more traditional design approach, with proper proportions and rugged SUV detailing. The Rogue's lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, offered upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. Despite its entry-luxury price overlap with the Infiniti QX50, the Rogue's design and materials met the quality standards expected in the compact SUV segment.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane. The six-speed automatic transmission routed power to all four wheels. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it resulted in a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, the engine powered the front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the VC-Turbo powertrain was responsive in urban settings, it lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 20.2 cubic feet with them in use. The Turbo Premium Plus model included a power rear liftgate, adding convenience. The front seats featured a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. Rear seats provided adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be uncomfortable due to limited space.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a family car replacement, comfortably accommodated four people, with room for a fifth if needed. The Platinum trim boasted features like a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked leg support. Storage space was plentiful, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems, lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's usability issues persisted even after setup, potentially distracting new users.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. Alexa Built-in was new for 2023, though its functionality was limited. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came equipped with standard driver-assistance features like forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue included 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which offered features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some crash tests.