2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Nissan Rogue are vehicles from completely different automakers, but these two models have a lot in common. For one thing, they are the newest compact SUV models from Mazda and Nissan. They are also both the number-one most popular vehicle in their respective automaker’s lineup for the 2021 model years—in terms of both sales numbers and customer satisfaction.

Compact crossover SUVs like Mazda’s CX-5 and Nissan’s Rogue are currently some of the trendiest vehicles on the mainstream auto market. If you’re in the market for a compact crossover SUV, you’re not alone. Skyrocketing demand for models within this vehicle class have led many small and larger automakers alike to design and produce more compact SUVs in order to add more popular, higher-selling models to their respective vehicle lineups.

Faced with so many choices when it comes to compact SUVs on the mainstream auto market, it can be tough to choose which model is right for you. If you’re deciding between the 2021 Nissan Rogue and the 2021 Mazda CX-5, you’re on the right track. Both of these vehicles are excellent, high-performing models from popular automakers known for the reliability of the cars they design and produce.

2021 CX-5 Scores higher than competition Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan Rogue can be a very difficult decision to make. Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Nissan Rogue compact SUVs in the most important areas to help you determine which model to make your next vehicle.

Performance

Both the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Nissan Rogue perform very well on the road. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is very fun to drive and offers a sporty feel when you drive it that is uncommon amongst most SUVs. This compact crossover is also available with two different powertrains: a 2.5-L I4 base engine that offers 187 horsepower and a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-L engine that delivers 250 horsepower on the road. Both engine options pair with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission and are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

As for the 2021 Nissan Rogue, this compact crossover SUV has only one powertrain option. It is equipped with a 2.5-L I4 engine that delivers 181 horsepower on the road and pairs with a continuously variable transmission.

Both the 2021 CX-5 and the 2021 Rogue feature responsive steering and braking systems and offer a smooth ride and an engaging driving experience. The base engines of each of these compact crossover SUVs perform similarly, but the 2021 CX-5 offers a more enjoyable driving experience as well as better acceleration and more power with its turbocharged engine option.

Amenities

Both the 2021 Nissan Rogue and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 are equipped with bold, stand-out exteriors—the Rogue was fully redesigned inside and out for the 2021 model years—and are both available with upscale cabins that are designed with premium interiors. The 2021 CX-5 is available with real wood trim in its interior.

available with real wood trim in its interior. The 2021 CX-5 and the 2021 Rogue offer very similar amounts of passenger spaces—approximately 104 cubic feet for the CX-5 and 105 cubic feet for the Rogues—but the Rogue wins out in terms of cargo volume. With the second row of seats folded down, the 2021 CX-5 offers up to 60 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to the 74 cubic feet offered by the 2021 Rogue.

As for the 2021 CX-5, this compact crossover SUV comes equipped with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display as well as an available head-up display, digital instrument cluster, and 360-degree-view monitor along with a host of high-tech advanced safety and driver assist features.

Fuel Economy

As for fuel economy, the 2021 Nissan Rogue tops the 2021 Mazda CX-5, but the efficiency of both of these compact crossover SUV models are very similar.

The 2021 CX-5 gets up to 25 MPG on city streets and up to 31 MPG on the highway for a combined average gas mileage of 28 MG. The 2021 Rogue, on the other hand, reaches all the way up to 27 MPG on city streets and 35 MPG on the highway for a combined average gas mileage of 30 MPG.

The bottom line is that you can’t go wrong with either the 2021 Nissan Rogue or the 2021 . Both of these vehicles are top-of-the-line compact SUVs that excel within their class.

However, the Mazda CX-5’s enjoyable and more powerful driving experience as well as its premium interior and host of standard amenities makes this model a top choice among consumers in the market for a compact crossover SUV.