2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by narrow, angled LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the vehicle's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was limited to a few options, with two-tone configurations available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim, with the Platinum model offering a more luxurious interior.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo introduced a bold design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design gave the CX-30 a light and agile appearance, distinct from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The cabin mirrored the Mazda3’s quality materials and upscale vibe, with stitched chocolate brown surfaces and a chrome accent around the engine start button. Black or white leather was standard with the GT trim, where the turbocharged engine became available. The CX-30’s design aimed to offer a sophisticated and premium feel, appealing to those seeking a stylish and modern compact SUV.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder direct-injected engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, available at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kg for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Despite the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue offered a stable and planted road feel, with improved torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel drive configuration achieving 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway, while the all-wheel drive version used slightly more fuel.

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 octane. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm to 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm, providing effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo’s fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km combined, with a driving range of approximately 500 km. The vehicle featured a six-speed automatic transmission, standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. The CX-30 Turbo offered a sophisticated driving experience, with a focus on delivering power and response for greater driving satisfaction. However, its added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3, though it excelled in off-road conditions with its extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space under the centre stack. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and the second-row headroom was enhanced. Standard features included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver’s seat and heated front seats as standard. The cabin’s organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, with 572 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with them folded. However, the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the centre console storage bin limited its usability. The CX-30 Turbo’s interior aimed to offer a premium feel, though it lacked ventilated seats and a wider range of adjustment for the front passenger seat.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charging pad, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Bose 10-speaker audio system was a notable upgrade, though the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo’s 8.8-inch infotainment system was not a touchscreen, operated instead by physical controls and voice commands. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided smartphone integration, though the system’s operation could be cumbersome. The GT trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering impressive sound quality. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models.

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 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, though it lacked high-speed lane-centring assistance. The GT trim added an adaptive front lighting system and parking sensors, enhancing safety and convenience.