2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its 2021 redesign, maintaining a mature and sophisticated exterior that aligned with Nissan's current design language. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. The interior was equally impressive, with a layered dash design and a centre console that maximized space thanks to an electronic gear selector. The Rogue's cabin was both stylish and functional, offering ample storage options and comfortable seating, particularly with the Zero Gravity front seats and a spacious second row.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 exuded a sense of luxury and refinement, despite its age. It was stylishly designed with high-quality materials, making it feel more like a luxury SUV. The CX-5 offered a choice between a standard 187-hp engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged option. The interior was well-appointed, especially in the Signature trim, which featured Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's back seat and cargo space were somewhat limited compared to its rivals, and its infotainment system was less intuitive, lacking a conversational voice recognition system.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance was significantly enhanced by its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, which produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was a notable improvement over the previous model, offering a more lively driving experience. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was also commendable, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The new CVT transmission provided a smoother ride, and the chassis and suspension delivered a controlled and comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 hp and a turbocharged version with up to 256 hp on premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with 320 lb-ft of torque available. The CX-5's fuel economy was rated at 9.8 L/100 km combined for the turbo model. Mazda's updates to the CX-5's structural rigidity and suspension improved its handling, making it feel more like a luxury vehicle. The CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and connected ride, though it could be choppy on rough surfaces.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was designed with practicality in mind, offering numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin. It featured bottle holders, cupholders, and various cubbies for convenience. The rear seats provided ample legroom and could be folded down to expand the cargo space to 2,098 litres. The Rogue's interior was well-equipped with USB ports and a wireless charging pad, making it family-friendly.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, while luxurious, had some limitations in terms of space. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with available heated and ventilated options. However, the rear seat was cramped, and the cargo area offered only 1,680 litres of space with the seats folded down. The CX-5's interior materials were top-notch, but the lack of intuitive technology and limited storage space were drawbacks.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive technology suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link provided advanced driver-assist features, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display but was criticized for its lack of user-friendliness. The system required physical controls that were not intuitive, making it distracting to use while driving. Despite this, the CX-5 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system on upper trims. The vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for added convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, and the Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with its i-Activsense suite, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The CX-5 received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning system for driving without headlights at night, which was a noted concern.