2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2025 Nissan Rogue Comparison

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Nissan Rogue are popular choices in the highly contested compact SUV segment, which includes other veterans like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Both the CX-5 and Rogue offer practicality, efficiency, and value for a wide variety of car shoppers looking for a 5-passenger SUV. Each also boasts some special traits that enable them to stand out from the crowd. Here’s how these two stack up against each other.

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 has long been known as the athlete in its class, and that remains true today. Even with its base 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the CX-5 is plenty of fun. Opt for the turbocharged version of that engine with up to 256 horsepower, and the CX-5 becomes downright quick. Beyond just fleetness, the Mazda CX-5’s driving manners benefit from precise steering, sporty but not jarring suspension, and a certain finesse that is hard to find outside luxury cars. And, of course, it’s all wrapped in a versatile SUV body.

For 2025, the Mazda CX-5 sees the return of the more affordable S trim, dual USB-C ports become standard, and the 2.5 S Premium Plus trim gains more features.

Mazda CX-5 Highlights

Standard AWD: Mazda is among the few automakers in which every SUV it sells comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). This is a significant benefit in enhancing traction on slick roads and enabling better grip in all driving conditions. Selecting Nissan’s Intelligent AWD adds another $1,400 to the bottom line.

Premium interior: For the past several years, Mazda’s interiors have felt a cut above others, and that’s certainly the case in the CX-5. The cabin benefits from excellent build quality and materials that look and feel like they could be in a luxury car.

Turbo engine: Where the Nissan Rogue only offers one powertrain, the Mazda can be had with a potent turbocharged engine that gives the CX-5 significantly more pep to its step. If you’re one to take the long and twisty road home, we recommend the turbo CX-5.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you

2025 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue does more with less. In this case, one less cylinder. Yes, all 2025 Nissan Rogue SUVs are powered by a 3-cylinder engine, but don’t let that number fool you. Thanks to turbocharging, Nissan’s 1.5-liter engine outputs 201 horsepower — more than the standard engine in the CX-5. Meanwhile, it’s also more fuel efficient. For a lot of shoppers, that’s a double win.

For 2025, the Nissan Rogue gets a more adventurous, outdoorsy variant in the Rock Creek version.

Cargo space: The Nissan’s blocky, upright exterior translates to ample cargo space. Fold the rear seats, and you get 74.1 cubic feet of space. That’s among the best in the segment and handily beats the CX-5’s 59.3 cubic feet.

Wide-opening doors: The Rogue’s rear doors open a full 90 degrees. Why is that relevant? A wide door opening just makes it easier for rear passengers to get in and out or for a parent to install a child safety seat. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the daily functionality of the Rogue.

Fuel efficiency: According to EPA estimates, the Rogue earns up to 33 mpg combined. That’s an impressive number for a compact SUV that can mean savings over the years at the gas pump. The best figure the CX-5 can muster is 28 mpg combined.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Rogue models for sale near you.

Similarities

The similarly sized Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue have appealing starting prices, the same warranty terms, and they each tout convenient technology and driver assist features.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 vehicles and New 2025 Nissan Rogue vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

	2025 Mazda CX-5	2025 Nissan Rogue
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6,000 rpm	201 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	225 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
Transmission	6-speed automatic	CVT automatic
Fuel Economy	26 city/30 highway/28 combined	30 city/37 highway/33 combined
Also Available	2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder	AWD
Specs
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating	5-Star	5-Star
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	106.2 inches	106.5 inches
Overall Length	180.1 inches	183.0 inches
Width	72.6 inches	72.4 inches
Height	65.4 inches	66.5 inches
Turning Diameter	36.0 feet	37.6 feet
Headroom, Front	39.7 inches	41.1 inches
Headroom, Rear	39.0 inches	37.8 inches
Legroom, Front	41.0 inches	41.5 inches
Legroom, Rear	39.6 inches	38.5 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	57.1 inches	57.1 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	54.8 inches	55.9 inches
Cargo Volume seats up/down	30.8/59.3 cubic feet	36.5/74.1 cubic feet

Conclusion

Which do you prefer your compact SUV to be: athletic and dressed to impress or more spacious and with a mind toward efficiency? If the first option gets your engine running, you’ll likely be impressed with the Mazda. If it’s the second, the Nissan will be calling your name in this matchup. Both well serve the needs of compact SUV shoppers, with each bringing its own set of unique traits.