2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, offering a refreshed look across its Canadian trim levels: S, SV Moonroof, SV Premium, SL, and Platinum. The new design featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were signature elements of the Rogue. While Nissan claimed updates to the rear fascia, the changes were subtle, primarily involving redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum model boasted a new 19-inch machined-finish wheel design and additional black exterior trim. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The Rogue Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown colour, contributing to an upscale interior ambiance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV aesthetic with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed, featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, the ergonomics were not without issues, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90's sophisticated design and upscale materials set it apart from many midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's powertrain was a standout feature, with its 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This VC-Turbo engine could vary its compression ratio to optimize power or fuel economy, making it more powerful than many competitors' engines, including the Honda CR-V's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and the Subaru Forester's 2.5-litre boxer-four. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less impressive, as it was slow to transfer power to the wheels, detracting from the engine's performance. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, impacting ride quality without enhancing handling. Despite these issues, the Rogue's engine performance was commendable, although the droning exhaust note was less appealing.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, available in standard and high-output variants. The standard-output engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque (340 hp with premium gas). Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved driving dynamics. The CX-90 offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially when cold. The vehicle also suffered from noise and impact harshness, detracting from its overall refinement.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with legroom comparable to rivals like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. Cargo space was slightly less than the CR-V and Tucson but more than the Forester, with a maximum of 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and the Rogue featured a power liftgate on SV models and a motion-activated liftgate on SL and Platinum trims. The centre console provided additional storage options, although accessing the floor-level tray was somewhat awkward.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. The CX-90's cargo space was practical, with 451 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,129 litres with the second row folded. However, storage options were limited, with a focus on style over practicality.

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 and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. However, connectivity was only free for five years, and a vehicle data plan was required for third-party apps. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup was a significant improvement, although the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue also offered multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims, with an extended free trial period for Nissan Connect Services.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with traditional gauges on lower trims. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a centre console knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was subpar, but Mazda planned to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display, providing a rewarding listening experience and helpful driving information.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top safety ratings from the IIHS 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 automatic high beams. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's advanced driver assistance system, was available on higher trims, offering automated lane centring for highway driving.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were generally effective, although the speed reduction feature could be irritating.