2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle yet significant exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. These changes aimed to enhance the vehicle's premium appeal, especially in the top-tier Signature trim, which featured body-color lower exterior trim. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, particularly in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating experience. However, Mazda's decision to revamp the trim levels introduced some confusion, offering a choice between the CX-5 2.5 S and the turbocharged 2.5 Turbo, each with various sub-trims.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained its appealing design with proper proportions and rugged SUV detailing. The 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 a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. However, the price of the fully loaded Platinum model approached that of entry-level luxury SUVs like the Infiniti QX50. Despite its premium aspirations, the Rogue's interior quality and comfort were generally in line with the compact SUV segment, though some aspects, like the rear seat comfort, left room for improvement.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All CX-5s came standard with all-wheel drive, and the 2.5 S achieved an EPA-rated 26 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the 2.5 Turbo model delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The Turbo model also featured the revised transmission and AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with optional AWD. The Rogue provided Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD models. While the new powertrain improved urban and suburban driving responsiveness, it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's EPA-rated fuel economy was 31 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride quality was generally composed, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads, and the steering felt lifeless.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating comfort with new furnishings. The updated seats provided better support and a sportier driving position, while most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat. The CX-5's interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout, particularly the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system, was a source of frustration. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious interior, accommodating four adults comfortably, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats that felt uncomfortable. The Rogue's controls were straightforward, but the remote keyless entry fob design was frustrating. The rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area offered 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Mazda believed this design reduced driver distraction, but it lacked natural voice recognition, making it less user-friendly. Instead, drivers had to rely on center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was included, offering decent audio quality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. Alexa Built-in was new for 2023, but its functionality was limited. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well. However, the voice recognition system struggled with certain requests, and the infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer offerings.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

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