2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 presented itself as a stylish, compact SUV, reminiscent of a smaller CX-5 with its upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield, while adding to its aesthetic appeal, acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing distractions for taller drivers due to its slight curve. Inside, the cabin was both comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to all its components. The interior design was one of the best in its class, blending conventional and digital displays seamlessly. However, the infotainment system, though attractive, had a steep learning curve, prioritizing form over function.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and rugged SUV detailing that appealed to a broad audience. The Rogue's lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. The Rogue's design was practical, with a focus on comfort and quality, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a reliable and stylish compact SUV.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque in the GX trim. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Our test model, equipped with the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission provided a sporty and refined ride, with quick and precise steering. However, the suspension could be rough over potholes and uneven roads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, the Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the Rogue felt responsive in urban settings, it lacked passing power on the highway. The CVT's simulated gear changes could be dramatic, and the engine's three-cylinder configuration resulted in some vibration and noise. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue's ride quality was generally smooth, with good body control and handling.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT trim featured a power rear liftgate, adding convenience. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. Rear seat headroom was adequate for short-to-medium trips, but longer drives might be uncomfortable for taller passengers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a family car replacement, offered ample space for four adults, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim boasted premium features like a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and Zero Gravity seat designs. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres behind the back seat and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was elegant but challenging to use, with a rotary dial/joystick control and no touch functionality. Inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, it lacked user-friendliness, especially when navigating Apple CarPlay. The system required a learning curve, and even then, it could be frustrating for new users.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle included the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was limited, struggling with basic requests. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with a five-star rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some lower scores in specific crash tests.