2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its established reputation with a mature and sophisticated design. Its exterior featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof, all contributing to a refined appearance. Inside, the Rogue offered a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a sophisticated and detailed look. The center console was a standout feature, with an electronic gear selector lever that freed up space for storage. The cabin was equipped with Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats, providing comfort, while the second row offered ample legroom for passengers. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of ruggedness and elegance with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. It featured bold fender swells and oversized air intakes, giving it a rugged appeal. The CX-50 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged variant, providing up to 256 hp. The interior was driver-focused, with quality materials and polished metallic trim. The seats were comfortable, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was spacious, and the rear doors opened wide for easy access. The CX-50’s design was both attractive and functional, making it a good-looking compact crossover.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a boost in performance with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous model, offering a lively driving experience. The engine’s variable compression technology allowed for efficient fuel consumption, achieving an estimated 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue’s CVT transmission provided smooth acceleration, and the chassis and suspension delivered a controlled ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the tight turning diameter made maneuvering easy.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and a turbocharged version with up to 256 hp. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a broad power curve, with no noticeable turbo lag. The CX-50’s ride quality was firm, suitable for off-road adventures, and it offered various drive modes for different conditions. The SUV’s towing capacity increased to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine. The CX-50’s driving character was likened to a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment, offering a unique driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks, along with USB ports for charging devices. The Rogue’s cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat, providing ample room for luggage and other items.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The back seat was roomy, and the rear doors opened wide for easy access. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional bins were missed. The cargo area provided 31.4 cubic feet of space, with a maximum of 56.3 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. The CX-50’s lower roofline limited cargo space compared to the CX-5, but it still offered practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. It offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s driver-assist technology, was available, providing advanced features like adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Intelligent Key allowed for convenient access to the vehicle, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model featured an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims had a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect’s user interface was not touchscreen-friendly, but the CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display offered valuable information within the driver’s line of sight, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety in various driving conditions. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the top trim level. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-50’s safety systems generally performed well, though there were instances where the adaptive cruise control failed to recognize vehicles cutting in. The CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, similar to other Mazda models.