The 2024 Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue are popular choices in the hot 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 really make them stand out from the crowd. Here’s how these two stack up against each other.
2024 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 has long been known as the athlete in its class, and that remains truer than ever 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; that 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.
Pricing starts at $30,675, including factory-to-dealer destination charges.
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 $1,500 to the bottom line.
Premium interior: For the past several years, Mazda’s interiors have felt a cut above others, and that’s definitely 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
2024 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue does more with less. In this case, one less cylinder. Yes, all 2024 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. Pricing starts at $29,810, including destination.
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 31 mpg, but only on the highway.
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 and the same warranty terms, and they earn 5-Star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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.
| 2024 Mazda CX-5 | 2024 Nissan Rogue | |
| Starting Price | $30,675 | $29,810 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo I3 |
| 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/31 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 | 30.8/59.3 cubic feet | 36.5/74.1 cubic feet |
