2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue had always been an integral part of Nissan's lineup since 2007, achieving a firm footing among the best-selling compact crossovers. The model underwent significant redesigns in 2013 and 2021, with the latest iteration giving it a mature, sophisticated look, devoid of the "cute" characteristics of earlier versions. The 2022 Rogue carried forward the grown-up aesthetics established in 2021, featuring Nissan's signature V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The SL and Platinum trims also added LED fog lamps, while active grille shutters and underbody covers helped enhance airflow.

The Rogue sported a "floating roof" illusion created by darkened supporting pillars, which contributed to its sleek silhouette. The interior featured a layered dash design with contrasting colors and textures, highlighted by an innovative center console with an electronic gear selector. This design freed up significant storage space underneath, suited for varying uses from holding a purse to a bucket of fried chicken.

Inside, the Rogue was furnished with Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats, remarkably comfortable and wrapped in premium materials—especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model. The second-row seats offered ample legroom and could comfortably fit two adults or three in a pinch. Fit and finish were exemplary, underscoring Nissan's commitment to quality craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 emanated an aura of luxury, thanks to high-quality materials and stylish design. Despite its age, it looked more like a small luxury SUV than a mainstream compact crossover. With its sleek lines and sophisticated aesthetics, the CX-5 was attractive across all trims, not just the high-end models. Buyers had the choice between a standard 187-horsepower engine or a more powerful 256-horsepower turbocharged variant.

The test vehicle for this comparison was a 2.5 Turbo Signature model adorned in Rhodium White metallic paint and Caturra Brown Nappa leather upholstery, enhancing its luxurious feel. The CX-5's interior design was high-end, but the lack of touchscreen infotainment system juxtaposed with sleek physical controls made it both intriguing and occasionally frustrating for users.

Performance had been a crucial aspect where Nissan aimed to deliver a more engaging driving experience with its 2022 Rogue. The new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine brought 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its Variable Compression (VC) technology. This engine replaced the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder, resulting in an 11 percent increase in horsepower and 24 percent more torque.

The Rogue's innovative engine allowed automatic adjustments in the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. Fuel economy ratings were impressive at 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. Meanwhile, the new CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) featured wider gear ratios, giving the Rogue enhanced launch capabilities and better response during acceleration. The chassis and suspension offered smooth ride quality with minimal body roll, alongside a tight 35.4-foot turning diameter.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, particularly its 2.5 Turbo model, provided a thrilling drive, especially with premium fuel. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque (227 hp, 310 lb-ft on regular fuel). It operated with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, expected to achieve 24 mpg combined, according to EPA estimates.

The enhancements in structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and noise reduction for the 2022 model carried over, making the CX-5 feel remarkably tight and solid. The turbocharged engine provided robust low-end torque, arriving at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium. Performance updates ensured that the CX-5 handled well on twisty roads, providing a sporty, communicative ride without excess body roll.

Form and function were pivotal in assessing practical usability, and the 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled exceptionally in this area. The vehicle's front cabin was replete with intuitive storage spaces, including bottle holders, cupholders, a center console bin, and a tray beneath the console. USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets provided ample charging options.

Rear passengers benefited from storage in door pockets, seatback pockets, and a central armrest, and they also had access to USB-A and USB-C ports. The Rogue featured a 60/40 split reclining second-row seat, offering practical versatility. Cargo capacity ranged from 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet with the seats up, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

Mazda's 2023 CX-5 made strides to enhance seat comfort, especially in the front, while providing features like height-adjustable seats, heated front and rear seats, and ventilated front seats. Higher trims, like the Signature model, included luxurious Nappa leather. Despite these comforts, the CX-5 lagged in technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and overall cargo capacity. It offered 30.9 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, extending to 59.3 cubic feet with seats folded down.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Nissan Rogue's significant 2021 makeover continued to shine in 2022. It featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display in higher trims. Navigation integrated with Google Maps and Waze voice commands was available, alongside standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay on upper trims.

ProPilot Assist provided a hands-on driver-assist system, with advanced integration on models equipped with Navi-Link, which allowed predictive speed control based on road conditions ahead. This semi-autonomous system showed Nissan's foresight in driver assistance technology.

In contrast, Mazda's 2023 CX-5 struggled with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which, despite a 10.25-inch display, lacked a conversational voice recognition system. Its center console's physical controls required a degree of memorization and were less intuitive, making the Mazda Connect system less user-friendly. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services added value, yet the overall user experience left much to be desired. Parking aids like the surround-view camera system and front-facing camera were useful additions.

Safety was a commendable area for both SUVs. The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite with standard automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Advanced options included ProPilot Assist, offering Level 2 driver assistance by combining adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Rogue had ten airbags and a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While IIHS ratings for 2022 were pending, the 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Mazda's 2023 CX-5 came equipped with the i-Activsense suite, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring as standard features. Advanced options exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. Although the CX-5 lacked a warning system for night driving without headlights, it performed exceptionally well in crash tests, earning five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.