2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to premium quality, offering captivating style and substance. This model year saw enhancements such as more standard equipment, improved cabin instrumentation, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained an off-road traction assistance feature. The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling, remained appealing and upscale, with the interior in Signature trim featuring premium Nappa leather and real wood accents. However, the Caturra Brown leather's lack of contrast with the black cabin was a minor drawback.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, giving it a muscular and imposing presence. The new squared-off nose and deeper V-Motion grille, flanked by LED headlamps and functional air vents, contributed to a lower drag coefficient. The exterior colour palette was simplified, with two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered cloth seating in most grades, with leatherette and semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather available in higher trims. The redesign improved second-row access and headroom, making the Rogue a more practical choice for families.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard on lower trims, with AWD optional. The GT Turbo and Signature trims featured a turbocharged engine, delivering up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Despite its 1,734-kg curb weight, the CX-5 Signature accelerated with authority, though its fuel efficiency was slightly lower than the naturally aspirated engine. The G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving engagement, but excessive body motions detracted from the overall thrill.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre direct-injected engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine was well-matched to the Rogue's weight, ranging from 1,536 kg to 1,653 kg, and was paired with a CVT that was less droning than expected. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was commendable, with FWD models achieving 8.1 L/100 km combined and AWD models 8.3 L/100 km. The Rogue's handling improved significantly, with better torsional rigidity, a lighter weight, and updated suspension and stability control systems, resulting in a stable and planted road feel.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was stylish and well-equipped, but it was more cramped than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Heated front seats were standard, with higher trims adding features like power-adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. The Signature trim offered Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Cargo space was 875 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,687 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's cabin was quieter and featured a new shift-by-wire system, adding storage space under the centre stack. Rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats and mirrors, with higher trims adding a 360-degree camera, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade offered a redesigned cargo system with 1,028 litres of space behind the second row and 2,064 litres with seats folded.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, inspired by luxury brands, featured a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added SiriusXM, a Bose sound system, and a surround-view camera. However, the system's controls were not user-friendly, and voice recognition was unreliable.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's 8-inch touchscreen system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and more USB ports, while the Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless charging, and a Bose audio system. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues, but the head-up display was well-configured.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard ADAS features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's Safety Shield 360 suite included forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist for highway driving. The Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in later models.