2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue showcased a classic design, striking the perfect balance between rugged appeal and modern aesthetics. Its proper proportions and handsomely chiseled styling allowed it to convey a rugged sense of purpose. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, prices for the Rogue ranged from $27,360 to $37,140, excluding a $1,295 destination charge. The SV, SL, and Platinum models offered optional Premium packages, and the recently introduced Midnight Edition package was exclusive to the SV trim.

Our test vehicle arrived in the Platinum trim with the Premium option package and additional features, boosting its MSRP to an eye-watering $43,100. This pushed it into entry-luxury territory, overlapping with the most affordable variant of Infiniti QX50, Nissan’s luxury brand. The Platinum trim came with luxurious enhancements, including diamond-pattern leather seats, soft-touch surfaces, and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.

On the other hand, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 came in two main variants: the 2.5 S with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and the 2.5 Turbo, offering a turbocharged version with up to 250 horsepower. The CX-30 2.5 S was available in multiple trims: base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium, priced between $22,950 and $31,500 (plus a $1,375 destination charge). The 2.5 Turbo was offered only in Premium and Premium Plus trims, priced between $33,800 and $35,400.

Our test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint and an optional stainless steel rear bumper guard, raising its MSRP to $37,505. Despite its nose-heavy appearance due to the long hood and dramatic design cues, the CX-30's aesthetic appeal was undeniable. However, Mazda’s attempt to emphasize its SUV nature with excessive gray body cladding detracted from its otherwise striking look. Inside, the CX-30 exuded elegance and class, featuring off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue underwent a significant powertrain update in 2022, embracing a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine featuring Nissan’s VC-Turbo design. This engine produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Rogue's powertrain offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding Off-Road and Snow modes. Remote engine starting with climate pre-conditioning was another available feature.

During testing, the VC-Turbo engine demonstrated impressive performance in urban and suburban driving, though it struggled with passing power on the highway. The CVT, although generally unobtrusive, sometimes felt overly dramatic during simulated gear changes. Despite its innovative design, the engine's unique note and vibrations might have been viewed as a lack of refinement by some drivers. The Rogue achieved an average of 28.9 mpg on a test loop, slightly below the EPA’s combined driving estimate of 31 mpg.

The Rogue's suspension, featuring a strut-type front and multi-link rear design, ensured a good balance of ride compliance and body control. However, its 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 tires resulted in moderate grip and noticeable tire slap on patched pavement. Steering was generally lifeless, but the vehicle handled speed humps and bumps with composure.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine choices. The 2.5 S engine, now with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, exhibited a significant improvement in fuel economy, achieving 29 mpg in combined driving. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the 2.5 Turbo provided 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and came with AWD as standard. The CX-30 also featured an Off-Road traction assist function and an impressive eight inches of ground clearance.

During testing, the CX-30 2.5 Turbo showcased robust acceleration, though it struggled in heavy traffic situations unless switched to Sport mode. The vehicle averaged 23.6 mpg, necessitating frequent refueling stops due to its modest 12.7-gallon fuel tank. Despite its soft suspension, the CX-30 excelled in handling twisty roads thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology.

However, the brake pedal required more force than expected, and the front suspension's performance over speed humps and bumps was subpar. Yet, the CX-30 was exceptionally quiet and refined on highways, making it easy to merge and accelerate.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue stood out as a practical family vehicle, comfortably accommodating four adults, with space for a fifth if needed. The Platinum trim featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, premium leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Although ventilated front seats were not available, the Zero Gravity seat designs ensured comfort for the driver and front passenger, though height adjustment for the front passenger was absent.

The Rogue’s rear seats offered commendable space but lacked leg support, and the diamond-shaped pleats were uncomfortable. Storage was plentiful but unlined, potentially causing noise and vibration issues. The rear doors opened to nearly 90 degrees, facilitating easy access, and the rear seat amenities included climate controls, air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, side window shades, and heated seats.

Cargo space was a strong point for the Rogue, with up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for various cargo configurations, and an available hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

On the other hand, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof as standard for most models. The Turbo models also included a heated steering wheel. Although the front passenger seat had limited adjustability, the climate control system effectively maintained comfort.

Rear seat comfort in the CX-30 was compromised by tight legroom, though padded and upholstered front seatbacks provided some relief. Storage space in the cabin was adequate, and a power liftgate, standard on higher trims, revealed 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The lack of underfloor storage and limited overall cargo capacity (45.2 cubic feet with seats folded) were notable drawbacks compared to the Rogue.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue employed an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, and standard stereo volume and tuning knobs. Our test vehicle included a 9-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. A 12.3-inch digital instrumental display and a head-up display (HUD) were included, although the voice recognition technology, including the new Alexa Built-in, fell short of expectations.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: a non-touchscreen display, distracting center console controls, and lack of conversational voice recognition technology. The absence of a tuning knob further complicated usability. However, the 8.8-inch display integrated well into the dashboard, providing aesthetically pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. Most models included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a Bose premium sound system, although with limited success in practical use.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue excelled in safety, equipped with 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and various driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. Higher trims offered additional features like ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, which combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance for highway driving. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

Mazda enhanced the 2023 CX-30's safety with updated side-impact protection, earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional aids like a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30’s safety systems generally performed well, though an unexpected forward-collision warning event during testing raised some concerns.