2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels. This design language was consistent with Mazda's tradition of subtle seductiveness. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its blistered and boxed fender swells, prominent lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. The combination of a standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels created an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured stitching, round analog and digital gauges, and quality materials. The dashboard was anchored by vertical air vents, though the off-centre vent seemed like an afterthought. Despite this, the interior was well-appointed, with a terracotta upholstery option available on higher trims. The CX-50's interior and exterior design elements came together to create a visually appealing compact crossover.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since the 2021 model year. The new, larger grille seamlessly blended with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were distinctive features of the Rogue. The rear fascia was updated with redesigned inner taillight elements, and the exterior was enhanced with satin-finish badging and new wheel designs. The top Platinum grade featured more black exterior trim and an optional black roof. Inside, the dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving the Rogue a more premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The upscale interior design of the Rogue Platinum test car was impressive, with leather seats featuring quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown colour option. The leather upholstery felt high-quality and complemented the well-appointed cabin. The Rogue's interior design and materials contributed to its premium feel, making it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The entry-level GS-L and GT trims were equipped with a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided fuel 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 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 on 87-octane gas to 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. The turbo engine offered a towing capacity increase from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving experience was smooth, with minimal turbo lag and a deliberate power build. The Mi-Drive system provided different driving modes, though the differences were subtle. The CX-50's ride quality was firm, and it handled well on various terrains, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup. This engine produced 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, outperforming many competitors' engines. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, affecting the driving experience. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, impacting ride quality without improving handling. Despite this, the engine's performance was impressive, though the exhaust note was less so. The Rogue's all-wheel-drive system was standard in Canada, but it wasn't marketed as a driver's car like the Mazda CX-50.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The GT Turbo model featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort. The driver's seat and front passenger seat were comfortable for long drives, though more side bolstering would have been beneficial. The back seat was spacious enough for adults, and rear air vents and charging ports were standard on most trims. The CX-50's cargo space was adequate, with 889 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,595 litres with them folded. The load floor was long but narrow between the wheel wells, and side bins and hooks provided additional storage options.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with similar dimensions to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Rogue's cargo space was slightly less than some competitors, with 1,033 litres available with the rear seats in place and 2,098 litres with them folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and a molded-in space for grocery bags added convenience. The Rogue's centre console featured a pass-through space and a storage tray at floor level, though accessing it was awkward. The Rogue's interior was well-designed, with features that maximized available space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The 10.25-inch display was standard in Canada, though it lacked touchscreen control for Mazda Connect's native interface. Touchscreen functionality was available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the display was positioned far from the driver. The available Bose 12-speaker Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected important information within the driver's line of sight, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue offered multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan Connect Services extended the free trial period to three years, providing features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The NHTSA had not rated the CX-50 at the time of writing. The CX-50 came with a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control system occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received good safety scores from the IIHS, with top ratings in several crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall safety rating. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added automated lane centring for highway driving, though it required the driver to remain engaged.