2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and elegance. Its design featured proper proportions and chiseled styling, which, combined with SUV detailing, conveyed a sense of purpose. The Rogue's appeal was crucial, as aesthetics often played a significant role in consumer decisions. The lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of other luxurious touches, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented a more artful design, albeit with some controversial elements. Its long hood and dramatic flanks gave it a nose-heavy appearance, somewhat marred by excessive gray body cladding. However, the interior was a different story, offering an upscale and elegant cabin with quality materials. The GT Turbo trim, in particular, featured a tasteful combination of off-white leather and polished metal accents, creating an entry-level luxury SUV feel. Despite its exterior quirks, the CX-30's interior design helped justify its premium pricing.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings. However, it lacked passing power on highways and had a unique engine note that some drivers might find unrefined. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km during testing. The SUV's suspension and ride quality were generally composed, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of powertrains, with the GT Turbo trim boasting a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. This engine delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, providing robust acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and AWD system contributed to its dynamic performance. However, the small 48-litre fuel tank limited its range, requiring frequent refueling. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and well-tuned suspension, though it struggled with speed bumps and humps.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious and practical interior, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. 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 available behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable driving experience, though the front passenger seat lacked adjustability. Rear legroom was tight, but the seat cushion and seatback were comfortable. Storage space was reasonable, with various compartments for small items. The CX-30's cargo capacity was limited, offering 572 litres behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with the seats folded. Despite its compact size, the CX-30's interior was well-appointed, with features like dual-zone climate control and a power moonroof.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured an older version with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 9-inch display, a Bose audio system, and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the lack of a widescreen display was a drawback. The digital instrumentation and HUD were effective, but the infotainment system needed an update to match competitors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws, including the absence of a touchscreen display. The centre console controls required frequent glances, and the voice recognition system was limited. The lack of a tuning knob was another inconvenience. Despite these issues, the system featured an 8.8-inch display with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The CX-30 offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose sound system on higher trims, but the infotainment experience could be improved.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it received lower scores in updated crash tests. ProPilot Assist worked well, though braking could be abrupt. The Rogue's safety features provided peace of mind, but there was room for improvement in crash test performance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 prioritized safety, earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It featured rear side airbags and seatbelt tensioners, enhancing crash protection. The CX-30 offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display. The forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems were effective, though they could be overly sensitive. The CX-30's safety systems worked well, providing a sense of security for drivers and passengers.