2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's vehicles over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its blistered and boxed fender swells, prominent lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with oversized air intakes and vent designs, created a performance-oriented look that was visually appealing. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with available 20-inch alloy wheels, further enhanced its exterior allure. Later in the model year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, emphasizing its adventurous spirit.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with a mix of quality materials and polished metallic trim. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured accent stitching, round analog and digital gauges, and a smattering of controls. While the vertical air vents and dashboard layout were mostly harmonious, the off-centre vent appeared somewhat out of place. Despite this, the CX-50's interior was generally well-received, offering a terracotta upholstery option on higher trims. Overall, the CX-50 presented itself as a stylish and attractive compact crossover.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, adhered to a more conservative design approach, reflecting its status as a popular model. It boasted proper proportions and chiseled styling, with just enough SUV detailing to convey a rugged purpose. The Rogue's design was appealing, which was crucial for attracting buyers. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The Midnight Edition package, based on the SV trim, added a touch of exclusivity.

Our test vehicle, a US-specification Platinum trim, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale upgrades. These included diamond-pattern leather seats, a frameless rearview mirror, and various interior and exterior lighting enhancements. While the Rogue's Platinum trim approached the price of the Infiniti QX50, it offered a comprehensive list of features. The interior was comfortable, with soft-touch materials and quality controls, although the engine's character and some interior design choices left room for improvement.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, catering to different performance preferences. The base engine, a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. It provided commendable fuel efficiency, with consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel used. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft, offering smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The turbocharged engine displayed minimal turbo lag, and the CX-50's driving character was likened to a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment. Despite some torque steer and a firmer ride quality, the CX-50 excelled in various driving conditions, including off-road situations.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, replacing the previous 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Rogue's powertrain offered responsive performance in urban and suburban settings, although it lacked passing power on the highway. The engine's character, with its unusual note and vibration, might not appeal to all drivers. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km during testing. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by brake-induced cornering and ride control features, but it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue maintained a secure and consistent handling character.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 prioritized comfort and convenience with features like power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added to the cabin's comfort. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long journeys, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The back seat offered ample space for adults, and rear air vents and charging ports were standard on most trims. The CX-50's rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, facilitating easy entry and exit. While storage space was adequate, some missed opportunities for additional storage were noted. The cargo area provided 889 litres of space, expandable to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a family car replacement, offered a spacious interior with room for four adults and the option to carry a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, a triple-zone automatic climate control system, and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. The front seats, equipped with Nissan's Zero Gravity design, were comfortable, though height adjustment for the front passenger was lacking. Visibility was good, but the ambient interior lighting control button's placement was inconvenient. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide, and rear climate controls, air conditioning vents, and heated outboard seats were included. However, the rear seat comfort was disappointing, with a low-mounted cushion and uncomfortable quilted pleats. Storage space was plentiful, but unlined compartments could cause noise and vibration. The Rogue's cargo area offered up to 1,028 litres of space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. In Canada, a 10.25-inch display was standard. Historically, Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, relying on centre console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a more user-friendly experience. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display (HUD), projected essential information within the driver's line of sight, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, while not equipped with the latest widescreen infotainment system, featured an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display with stereo volume and tuning knobs. The test vehicle had the larger 9-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and NissanConnect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system struggled with complex commands, but the infotainment system offered a comprehensive set of features. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD), both of which performed well during testing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not rated the CX-50 at the time of writing. Mazda provided a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While the systems generally worked well, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted an extensive array of safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. This suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. During testing, ProPilot Assist performed well, though braking action could be abrupt when vehicles cut into the gap ahead. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests.