2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year. The Canadian lineup included S, SV Moonroof, SV Premium, SL, and Platinum trims. A new, larger grille complemented the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were distinctive features of the Rogue. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum trim boasted a 19-inch machined-finish look. The Platinum model also 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 upscale design. The Platinum trim offered leather seats with a new Chestnut brown colour and quilted stitching, adding to the luxurious feel.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions. It was 3.5 cm lower, 7.6 cm wider, and nearly 15 cm longer than the CX-5, with an 11.7 cm wheelbase stretch. The CX-50 was available in Canada in GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition trims. The Meridian Edition, which we tested, featured all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and more pronounced rocker-panel trim. The earthy colour palette included Polymetal Grey Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint and Terracotta leather upholstery. The interior design was pleasing, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality. However, the CX-50 didn’t fully meet Mazda’s upscale aspirations, with standard half-leatherette seats and a manually adjustable passenger seat in the base model.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan’s VC-Turbo lineup, which could vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. It delivered 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, outperforming competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, and the suspension felt firmer than the segment norm, affecting ride quality. Despite the engine’s impressive performance, the Rogue wasn’t particularly engaging to drive, though it was quiet.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane gasoline. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50 was a good daily driver but lacked the sporty driving dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition’s all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, and the roof platform contributed to wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with differences mainly in legroom compared to rivals. It provided 1,033 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up (1,028 with the moonroof) and 2,098 litres with the seats folded (2,064 with the moonroof). The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations. The centre console featured a pass-through space and a storage tray at floor level, though accessing it was awkward.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It offered 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. The CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, but a power liftgate was available. The cargo area wasn’t ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform was high. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage space, despite the substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and a digital instrument cluster. The Rogue was the first Nissan to feature Google built-in software, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. Connectivity was free for five years, but a data plan was required for third-party apps. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup was a significant improvement, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue also offered multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with dual USB ports and wireless phone charging on higher trims. The interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without taking eyes off the road. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, but it was suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top “Good” ratings in several IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver-assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and more. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added automated lane centring for highway driving.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top “Good” scores in crash tests and a “Superior” score for front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a “Basic” score for nighttime pedestrian detection. The NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 received a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more, with additional features available as options.