2021 Nissan Rogue vs. 2021 Mazda CX-5

Buyers in America have developed a fancy for the compact SUV segment, resulting in a slew of models in this division. These vehicles are just the right size to haul passengers, pets, and cargo without reducing fuel economy or performance. Two vehicles that several customers have considered or continue to look at are the 2021 Nissan Rogue and the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Both these vehicles have received major upgrades for 2021. While the Rogue gets more power and standard features, the CX-5 gets a larger touchscreen as standard, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  

The comparisons given here are meant to help buyers choose from the two evenly matched SUVs:

a) Trims- More trims are on offer for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 as compared to the 2021 Nissan Rogue. Expect the CX-5 to be available in a total of six trims, namely Touring, Grand Touring, Sport, Grand Touring Reserve, Signature, and Carbon Edition (new for 2021). In comparison to this, customers can choose from four trims of the Rogue, which are:

• S
• SL
• Platinum
• SV

b) Exteriors- The Mazda CX-5 looks sportier from the front as compared to the Nissan Rogue. However, the latter gets LED headlights as standard on all trims, which is not true of the CX-5. 17 and 19-inch alloys are available on the CX-5, as opposed to 18-inch wheels on the Rogue. Overall, the Rogue does look like a fancier SUV from the outside. 

c) Comfortable Seats- The 2021 Nissan Rogue definitely scores higher in this department due to its super comfortable Zero Gravity seats that are considered ideal for long distances. With the rear door openings being wide, ingress and egress from the vehicle are easy.  On the other hand, three adults seated in the 2021 Mazda CX-5 rear seat may feel cramped. Compared to the Rogue, the CX-5 is better suited to transport four people.    

d) Warranty- Basic and Powertrain warranties on both vehicles are exactly the same, although the Mazda SUV does come with a higher reliability rating. While Basic warranties for both are 3 years/ 36,000 miles, Powertrain warranties can be used as per 5 years/ 60,000 miles.    

e) Rear Cargo Space- The Rogue scores over the CX-5 in terms of rear cargo space as well. While space extends up to 36.5 cubic feet on the Rogue, it stands at 31 cubic feet for the CX-5.

f) Infotainment- Expect the Rogue to be available with an 8.0-inch touch screen that offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Although this system is very easy to use, it can get slow while processing commands.  A 10-speaker Bose premium stereo and two rear USB ports are also available here.  

Compared to the above, the CX-5 is available with a 10.25-inch touch screen that is bigger than the 7.0 or 8.0-inch systems in its previous model. Bluetooth and a WiFi hotspot are also available with this vehicle. 

g) Engine- Customers will find the 2021 Mazda CX-5 to offer a livelier engine than the 2021 Nissan Rogue. Power developed by the former is 187 hp, which gets transmitted faster than 181 hp of the latter. The transmission on the Rogue is a slow and whining CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), compared to the CX-5’s 6-speed automatic transmission.