2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Nissan Rogue exemplified the notion that car companies didn't often take significant design risks with their bestsellers. It sported proper proportions, handsomely chiseled styling, and a balance of SUV detailing to give it a rugged yet refined appearance. Nissan's aim was to craft an appealing vehicle, essential for consumers who often dismissed aesthetically unpleasing cars. The Rogue lineup featured S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, priced from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge.

The Platinum trim, the version tested, included a Premium option package, all-wheel drive (AWD), two-tone paint, a frameless rearview mirror, floor mats, and more, stretching the price to $43,100. This placed it in the entry-luxury territory, overlapping with the Infiniti QX50. The Platinum trim boasted upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, pervasively evident in every control and surface.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50, a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, did not merely receive plastic cladding. It stood 1.4 inches lower, 3 inches wider, and 5.7 inches longer than the CX-5, with a 4.6-inch wheelbase stretch. These proportions, accentuated by square wheel arches and faux air vents, gave the CX-50 a fresh and assertive look. The 2024 model came in eight trims, from the 2.5 S Select to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, with varying wheel sizes from 17 to 20 inches.

The tested 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition took an active-lifestyle approach with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. Despite its rugged appearance, no real suspension or off-road enhancements were added. The Meridian Edition featured earthy colors and Terracotta leather upholstery, offering an appealing yet practical interior with an infotainment screen on a little shelf, impressive materials, and minimal piano black plastic.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue transitioned from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder to a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, delivering 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. This was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), ensuring front-wheel drive unless AWD was chosen. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with Off-Road and Snow modes in AWD versions.

The VC-Turbo powertrain offered better responsiveness in urban and suburban settings compared to its predecessor, though it lacked highway passing power. The engine emitted an unusual note and issued some vibration due to its three-cylinder configuration. Fuel economy was claimed at 31 mpg combined, but our tests showed 28.9 mpg. The suspension, featuring a strut-type front and multi-link rear, delivered a good balance of compliance and control, though steering felt lifeless, and the all-season tires provided modest grip.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across all models, with the base version producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbo variant reached 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel and slightly less on regular gas. All trims had a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Off-road, and Towing mode (on turbo models).

The CX-50 did not match its CX-5 sibling's sporty dynamics but served as a good daily driver. The all-terrain tires on the Meridian Edition reduced grip and increased noise, fielding wind noise from the roof platform at highway speeds. Without the noisy tires and platform, the CX-50 showed better manners but still didn't inspire driving excitement like the CX-5.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a solid choice for those needing a compact SUV as a family car replacement. It comfortably seated four adults, with an optional fifth. Platinum trim offered features like triple-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and Zero Gravity front seats designed for comfort, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear visibility was excellent, but the key fob was frustrating in low light.

The Rogue's rear seats opened nearly 90 degrees, easing loading and unloading. Features for rear passengers included climate controls, USB ports, and heated seats. However, the rear seat was less comfortable due to low mounting and an awkward cushion shape. Cargo space reached up to 36.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with them down, offering a versatile configuration via Nissan’s Divide-N-Hide feature.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 shared similar passenger space with the CX-5, slightly less in headroom but more in legroom. Competing models like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V offered more headroom, but the CX-50 provided more rear legroom than the Toyota RAV4. Cargo capacity was 31.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them down, slightly less than the CX-5 and competitors.

The CX-50’s cargo area wasn’t particularly accommodating for bulky items, although the power liftgate helped. The interior, though practical, would benefit from more durable materials in rugged editions. Its traditional control layout, with a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller, was functional and sensibly designed.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an outdated infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the 9-inch version, supporting Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation. Despite offering a wireless charging pad and Bose premium audio, the Alexa Built-in system proved unreliable, struggling with basic voice commands. The digital instrumentation and HUD were effective, though untested against polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 housed a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, navigated via a rotary controller rather than touchscreen functionality. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, dual USB ports, wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose system on higher trims. Mazda’s interface was less tech-driven, appealing to buyers averse to complex systems but less engaging for those wanting modern technological excitement.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered an array of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and optional ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The test car's ProPilot Assist functioned impressively well on highways after initial activation hiccups, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some lower scores in specific crash tests.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, scoring highly in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech but only achieving a "Basic" score in nighttime pedestrian detection. The NHTSA ratings were incomplete but included a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features covered a broad range, offering most essential driver-assist tech and optional rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.