2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

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 standard LED headlamps in a narrow and angled configuration. The inclusion of 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 streamlined to include black, white, grey, red, and blue, with a pearl grey option available on the SV with all-wheel drive. The Platinum grade offered four two-tone colour configurations, combining a lower paint colour with a blacked-out roof. Interior options ranged from cloth seating surfaces in most grades to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather in the Platinum model, enhancing the Rogue’s appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 embraced a smooth and sleek design, appearing almost slippery even when stationary. The base CX-5 GX featured automatic on/off LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels. The higher-tier GS model added leatherette seats, a power liftgate, and auto-leveling LED headlights, among other features. The Kuro Edition introduced a Polymetal Gray paint job, red leather seats, and black honeycomb interior trim. The GT model built on the GS with leather-trimmed upholstery and a Bose 10-speaker premium audio system. The Signature trim, our test model, offered Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling premium brands with its well-executed styling and high-quality materials.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder direct-injected engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, fully 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 kilograms for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kilograms for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Despite the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue's handling was significantly better than the previous generation, with a 27% improvement in 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.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, available on the GT and standard on the Signature trim, provided a spirited performance, especially in Sport mode. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied, with the non-turbo engine achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway in front-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive used 10.8 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway. The CX-5's sporty drive style was complemented by its engaging handling, though the stiff suspension was a noticeable downside.

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

The Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, though rear legroom was limited. The SUV featured two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and straightforward climate controls. The larger shifter took up passenger space, and the infotainment system controls were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers. The CX-5's cargo space was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. A power liftgate was available.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports. The Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay. It also included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues due to low contrast.

The Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was not user-friendly. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo was a drawback, though volume control was accessible via the steering wheel or centre console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing users to bypass some of the system's limitations.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, featuring 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 in frontal crash testing for later models.

The Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera system were available. The CX-5 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda provided a three-year/unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty and a five-year/unlimited kilometre powertrain warranty.