2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 presented a bold aesthetic with its Turbo model, featuring exclusive shiny black 18-inch wheels, a shiny black grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design choice gave the vehicle a distinctive, floating appearance, as if it were perpetually cresting a hill. The CX-30's styling set it apart from its sibling, the Mazda3 hatchback, with a higher ground clearance and a more SUV-like stance. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3's upscale vibe, with quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, creating an inviting and premium atmosphere. The addition of a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror added subtle touches of elegance.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature and sophisticated exterior design, reminiscent of the recently reworked Pathfinder. The Rogue featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design, contributing to its sleek appearance. The interior boasted a layered dash with distinct horizontal layers, offering a sophisticated and detailed look. The centre console, with its electronic gear selector lever, provided ample storage space, while the 9-inch centre infotainment display was strategically positioned for easy access. The Rogue's Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row ensured comfort for all passengers, and the fit and finish, especially in the Platinum model, were exemplary.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 lb-ft, providing effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. The vehicle's i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributed to its dynamic performance, although the added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3. The CX-30 Turbo's Off-Road mode and extra ground clearance made it suitable for light off-road adventures, while its torsion-beam rear suspension design occasionally resulted in a more pronounced bounce.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, benefited from a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous model. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.2 combined. The new CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and a tight turning diameter of 10.8 metres.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats as standard. However, the lack of ventilated seats and limited adjustment for the front passenger seat were drawbacks. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism created a sense of spaciousness, but the rear seat was cramped for adults. The CX-30 Turbo provided 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, and a centre console bin. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors, seatbacks, and centre armrest, along with USB ports for device charging. The Rogue's cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lack of a touchscreen and the cumbersome process of changing radio stations were drawbacks. The GT trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, along with an Active Driving Display for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, boasted a comprehensive technology suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, integrated with the navigation system, offered advanced driver-assist features, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came equipped with a full suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems, including an adaptive front lighting system and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite across all trims, with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist, available on upper trims, offered Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.