2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 set itself apart with an image that veered strongly toward luxury, rivaling even the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. With its elegant design language drawn from smaller siblings like the Mazda CX-30 and CX-5 but magnified on a larger, more imposing platform, the CX-90 measured over 200 inches. Its big grille, broad front end, and hefty 19 to 21-inch wheels demanded attention on the road. Tasteful chrome trim added to its elegance, despite its considerable mass.

The interior design truly elevated the CX-90’s appeal. Available in multiple trims, the top-shelf models boasted a cabin rich with brown suede upholstery, wooden inlays, and matte black plastic, delivering an opulence that could compete even with more expensive luxury brands like BMW. While not every model in the extensive range of 11 trims—spread across three powertrains—matched this high standard, all versions harnessed Mazda’s sophisticated design language and comfortable layout.

Conversely, the 2024 Nissan Rogue featured its first significant styling update since its launch in 2021. Maintaining a familiar lineup of trims (S, SV, SL, and Platinum), the Rogue’s refreshed look included a new, larger grille and distinctive stack headlights. The rear fascia saw minor changes, primarily in redesigned taillight elements. The Rogue also included satin-finish exterior badging and new wheel designs, ranging from 17-inch to 19-inch options, depending on the trim.

Inside, the Rogue’s dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, lending a more premium feel to the overall cabin. Higher-end Platinum models showcased quilted leather seats available in a new Chestnut brown hue, enhancing the upscale impression. The changes in materials across the cabin for the SV trim upwards—including door panels, seats, and the center console—contributed to a richer cabin experience than previous models.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90’s performance was characterized by two new powertrains. It was notable for being Mazda’s first SUV to offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, aiming to surpass the outgoing CX-9 in fuel economy and performance. The PHEV paired a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing a combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 26-mile all-electric range and an EPA estimate of 56 MPGe.

But it was the new inline six-cylinder engine that truly transformed the CX-90. Available in two versions, the base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the upgraded Turbo S version generated a remarkable 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo S, especially, delivered an impressive exhaust note, differentiating itself sharply from the previous turbocharged four-cylinder.

All CX-90 models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and used an eight-speed automatic transmission. With three driving modes (Normal, Sport, and Off-Road), the CX-90 offered noticeably different behaviors in each, although the transmission exhibited inconsistent behavior in Sport mode.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue also delivered a unique powertrain experience with its 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a VC-Turbo unit capable of varying its compression ratio for optimized power or fuel economy. Despite its smaller size, it produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, outperforming several competitors’ engines in the segment.

However, the Rogue’s standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) did little to enhance its performance, frequently feeling slow and unresponsive. While front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard and AWD was available, the Rogue's suspension didn't provide superior handling or ride quality. The engine’s droning sound and the firm suspension of the Platinum trim marred its appeal as a daily driver.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a range of seating configurations to fit different needs. Lower-end Turbo and PHEV models could seat eight, while seven-seater configurations with captain’s chairs in the second row were more common among mid-level trims. The Turbo S’s top-level trims opted for a six-seater layout, providing a spacious and luxurious experience.

Cargo capacity in the CX-90 was competitive but not segment-leading. Models with a two-seater third row offered slightly more cargo space, totaling 75.2 cubic feet with all seats folded (15.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 40.1 cubic feet behind the second row). In the more common three-across backseat models, the cargo space measured 14.9, 40.0, and 74.2 cubic feet, respectively. While an improvement over the CX-9, the CX-90 still lagged behind rivals like the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander in total cargo capacity.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue, by contrast, fell short in cargo space and overall roomy feel but remained competitive in the segment. With 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, it offered less room than the CX-90. However, the Rogue did come equipped with the practical Divide-N-Hide system to optimize storage space and included thoughtful touches like a molded-in space for grocery bags and optional motion-activated power liftgate.

Passenger space in the Rogue was on par with competitors, with differences mainly in legroom. First-row legroom was slightly better in the Subaru Forester, while second-row legroom in the Hyundai Tucson was notably more generous.

Technology-wise, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 aimed to reduce driver distraction by eliminating a traditional touchscreen interface. Instead, it used Mazda’s Connect infotainment system, controlled via a rotary knob and hard buttons on the center console. While this aimed to improve safety, it often resulted in frustrations over basic functions, though the incorporation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto used touchscreen controls.

A notable inclusion in the CX-90 was the personalization software that adjusted settings such as seat position and head-up display through facial recognition, making shared driving much easier.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered a more conventional infotainment setup. Lower trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Rogue also stood out for including Google built-in software at no additional cost for the first five years, offering integration with Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store apps directly.

Charging options in the Rogue included multiple USB-C ports and available wireless charging, accommodating modern device needs efficiently.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2024 Mazda CX-90, with the i-Activsense package providing a comprehensive suite of standard features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more advanced systems like smart brake support and lane-departure warning.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue earned respectable safety scores, including top ratings in several IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assistance features were plentiful and included ProPilot Assist, which offered advanced lane-centering and adaptive cruise control functionalities, particularly enhanced on higher trims.