2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 was available in Canada in four trim levels: GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, each offering a unique powertrain. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $38,600, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The CX-30's design was characterized by a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. Despite its appealing design, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall aesthetic. Inside, the CX-30 boasted an upscale cabin with quality materials, including leather upholstery in higher trims, and a tasteful combination of colours and finishes in the GT Turbo model.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, with a new, larger grille and redesigned taillight elements. The Canadian lineup included S, SV Moonroof, SV Premium, SL, and Platinum trims. The Rogue's exterior featured satin-finish badging and new wheel designs, with the Platinum grade offering more black trim and an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving it a more premium feel. The Rogue Platinum test car featured leather seats with quilted stitching, contributing to its upscale interior design.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engines, starting with the base GX trim's 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT models featured a 2.5-litre engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the GT Turbo boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard, with a Sport mode for enhanced performance. Despite its robust acceleration and enjoyable driving dynamics, the CX-30's small fuel tank and less intuitive brake pedal were noted drawbacks.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed many competitors in its class, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality without improving handling. While the engine's performance was impressive, the exhaust note was less appealing. The Rogue's AWD was standard in Canada, but it didn't match the driving excitement of the CX-30.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power moonroof. Heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers were standard in Canada, with a heated steering wheel available on the GS trim. The CX-30's front passenger seat had limited adjustability, and rear legroom was tight. Cargo space was modest, with 572 litres behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with the seats folded. Storage options were reasonable, but the lack of underfloor storage was a drawback.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided nearly identical passenger space to its competitors, with slight differences in legroom. The Rogue's cargo space was competitive, offering up to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The centre console featured a pass-through space for added flexibility, though accessing it was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had several flaws, including the lack of a touchscreen display and conversational voice-recognition technology. The system required drivers to look away from the road to operate controls, and the absence of a tuning knob was inconvenient. Despite these shortcomings, the system featured an 8.8-inch display with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports, with higher trims adding SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose sound system.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while SL and Platinum models featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store apps. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the system was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue offered multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims, with an extended free trial for Nissan Connect Services.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact crash protection and standard rear side airbags. Safety features varied by trim, with the GX offering blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trims added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. The GT and GT Turbo trims included advanced features like a surround-view camera and traffic jam assist. The CX-30's safety systems generally worked well, though an unexpected forward-collision warning was noted during testing.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue earned top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in several crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance system with automated lane centring. While not the most advanced system available, ProPilot Assist provided more capability than many competitors' offerings.