2022 Nissan Rogue vs Mazda CX-5

With fuel prices surging, many of today’s drivers are looking to buy a new small crossover SUV. The 2022 Nissan Rogue and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 are two of the best options on the American market. While both of these popular models have some great qualities, one may be more appealing than the other.

For the 2022 model year, Nissan has improved the Rogue’s performance by updating the SUV with a new powertrain. Not only has the Rogue’s fuel efficiency improved, but it also offers stronger acceleration. Mazda made some key updates to the CX-5 as well, including installing more supportive seats and making all-wheel drive a standard feature. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll find out how the 2022 Nissan Rogue stacks up against the 2022 Mazda CX-5.

The Powertrain

Big changes are found under the hood of the 2022 Nissan Rogue. It receivess Nissan’s all-new VC-Turbo three-cylinder engine. This turbocharged engine kicks out a more formidable 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Road tests show the new Rogue is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in around 7.5 seconds, which is noticeably quicker than before.

Another big update for 2022 is the Rogue’s revised Xtronic CVT transmission. It now feels more like a traditional automatic transmission. Drivers can look forward to enjoying a sportier performance.

When checking out the Mazda CX-5, car shoppers will have two powertrains to pick from. Mazda’s standard four-cylinder engine should please most people. It presses out 187 horsepower and a useful 186 lb-ft of torque. Despite having less power under the hood, road tests show that the CX-5 actually clocks a swifter 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds.

CX-5 fans who desire a more forceful punch can upgrade to a turbo four-cylinder engine. It elevates the SUV’s fun factor by cranking out 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft f torque on regular unleaded gas. However, the use of premium further gasoline increases production to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. A very quick 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds puts the turbocharged CX-5 in a different performance class.

All versions of the CX-5 use a six-speed automatic transmission. Most test drivers rave about this transmission’s quick-shifting nature. When drivers step on the throttle, this transmission immediately shifts down to a more responsive gear.

Unfortunately, the Rogue is not the best vehicle for pulling a load. Nissan rates it to tow up to 1,500 pounds. By comparison, Mazda designs the CX-5 to tow up to 2,000 pounds of cargo.

The edge in overall efficiency goes to the Rogue. Nissan’s new powertrain has raised its fuel economy rating to 30 mpg town/37 mpg freeway on regular gasoline. Opting for all-wheel drive lowers this rating to around 28 mpg town/35 mpg freeway.

The EPA gives the 2022 Mazda CX-5 a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg town/30 mpg freeway. Choosing the crossover’s more potent turbo engine results in a rating of 22 mpg town/27 mpg freeway. While drivers can save money by using regular gasoline, filling the tank with premium gas does enable the turbocharged engine to develop maximum power. Keep in mind that every CX-5 trim receives a standard AWD system.

Neither of these car-based SUVs is made to tackle extremely rough terrain. Nevertheless, they are adventurous enough to take you off the beaten path. When encountering deeply rutted trails, the CX-5’s Off-Road Traction Assist system helps improve traction. Meanwhile, Nissan offers the Rogue with an AWD Lock function. This feature gives the SUV more grip when traveling in deep snow or slippery mud. Because of the Rogue’s higher ground clearance, it proves to be a slightly better choice for off-roading.

With a 60-0 mph stopping distance of around 114 feet, the Nissan Rogue delivers a good braking performance. Drivers will be able to stop quickly when encountering potential obstacles. During emergency braking tests, it took the CX-5 11 feet longer to come to a complete stop.

Last year’s Nissan Rogue was considered to be very reliable. However, the long-term dependability of the 2022 model’s all-new engine is unknown. Meanwhile, a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating puts the CX-5 among the segment’s most dependable crossovers. These SUVs come with a similar warranty package. Like the Rogue, the CX-5 receives a 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 36,000-mile limited warranty.

Drivability

It does not take much effort to drive the 2022 Nissan Rogue. This SUV’s predictable handling will inspire drivers with confidence. However, the Rogue lacks the CX-5’s fun factor. Some car reviewers describe the vehicle’s steering feel as being non-existent, which ultimately makes drivers feel less connected to the road.

Folks who crave a sportier drive will be happier behind the wheel of the 2022 Mazda CX-5. Few models in the class feel as poised. Even on the curviest roads, this athletic crossover handles remarkably well. Mazda’s impressive G-Vectoring Control Plus system enhances stability when cornering. A responsive steering system makes the CX-5 even more entertaining to drive.

Nissan tuned the Rogue’s suspension to put a bigger priority on comfort. This is a major plus for families who enjoy traveling. It does a great job of swallowing bumps in the road. Expect the sportier CX-5 to deliver a slightly stiffer ride. Passengers may feel a few more vibrations when driving over rough pavement. However, most people will have no major complaints about the CX-5’s overall comfort.

Both of these small crossovers enable families to relax in a quiet zone. They are just as hushed as some luxury vehicles. Sound-reduction materials help block out outside noise. Even when traveling on the interstate, wind noise remains muted.

Taller drivers may find the Nissan Rogue to be a more satisfying choice. It provides an extra 2.3 inches of front legroom. The Rogue is actually more accommodating than the Nissan Titan, which is a full-size pickup truck.

The Rogue comes standard with Nissan’s superb Zero Gravity front seats. These comforting seats are specially engineered to reduce stress on the back. While the Rogue scores points for its cushy seats, driving purists will prefer the CX-5's sportier nature. The CX-5’s front seats do a better job hugging passengers when taking tight curves. Some people will also love the CX-5’s more confident driving position.

Both of these SUVs are built to satisfy a family of five. However, there’s a tad more overall passenger space inside the new CX-5. Folks sitting in the CX-5’s rear seat will have an additional 1.1 inches of legroom to stretch out.

Drivers who need maximum storage space may favor the Nissan Rogue. There’s around 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat. By comparison, the Mazda CX-5 provides 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

In regard to outward visibility, the Rogue ranks in the bottom half of the class. Some test drivers have encountered blind spots when making left turns. Rear visibility can also be a bit cumbersome. The view from behind the wheel of the CX-5 is excellent, which can be contributed to the SUV’s thinner windshield pillars. Although the CX-5 does have some rear blind spots, its outward visibility is still better.

Mazda has updated the 2022 CX-5 with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen, which stands among the largest in the segment. Drivers must operate the interface using a rotary dial. According to Mazda, this setup helps reduce driving distractions.

Some drivers may find the Rogue’s infotainment unit to be more appealing. Although its standard 8.0-inch touchscreen may not have the sharpest graphics, operating the system is extremely easy. Unlike the CX-5’s system, it provides physical knobs to control the radio.

Safety

When last crash-tested by the federal government, the Nissan Rogue fell shy of the agency’s top rating. An NHTSA four-star overall safety rating puts the Rogue a step behind the Mazda CX-5. Its front crash scores were not nearly as good. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored a perfect, five-star rating in every impact test performed by the NHTSA. Fortunately, both of these vehicles were named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

Whether one chooses the Rogue or the CX-5, they will receive a number of helpful safety technologies. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring are a few of the common standard features. However, only the Rogue comes standard with a driver drowsiness monitor and rearward automatic braking. While lane-keep assist is standard on the CX-5, it's offered on the Rogue’s higher trim levels.

An even more advanced adaptive cruise control system is offered on the Nissan Rogue. Not only can Nissan's navigation-linked ProPilot Assist system adjust to the posted speed limit, but it can also decelerate when approaching curves.

While the CX-5’s available driver-assist technologies perform well, its standard backup camera could use some improvements. Reviewers have criticized this camera for its low-resolution graphics and poor positioning. Mazda’s available 360-degree camera system is worth the extra money.

Which Has the Best Value?

Prices for the 2022 Nissan Rogue start at an estimated $27,925. Meanwhile, Mazda gives the CX-5 a starting MSRP of $27,125. Car shoppers who choose the entry-level CX-5 Sport will save around $800. Common standard features include smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. However, only the CX-5 comes standard with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard all-wheel drive also makes the CX-5 a better value for folks living in snow-prone regions.

Car shoppers who desire more luxury will be interested in the Rogue Platinum, which has a starting MSRP of $36,480. A few of this range-topping trim’s niceties include heated front/rear seats, quilted leather upholstery, a fully digital gauge cluster, and a Bose premium sound system.

A good alternative to the Rogue Platinum is CX-5 Premium Plus. Mazda lists the Premium Plus trim with an MSRP of $34,300. In contrast to the Rogue Platinum, it comes standard with a head-up display. Nissan charges extra for this popular feature. Ventilated front seats give the upscale CX-5 upscale another advantage. Folks seeking the best value should ultimately go with the CX-5 Premium Plus.

Which is Better?

When choosing between the 2022 Nissan Rogue and the 2022 Mazda CX-5, car shoppers must decide what they desire most in a small SUV. Folks who prioritize driving fun will want the CX-5. Aside from offering a stronger engine, this fun crossover also rewards driving enthusiasts with especially sporty handling. On the other hand, the new Rogue offers superior fuel economy. In fact, it now delivers one of the segment’s most efficient performances.

Both of these vehicles offer some eye-catching trims. However, the CX-5 is undeniably sleeker. A head-turning Polymetal Gray paint color and blacked-out treatments make the CX-5 Carbon Edition look especially cool.

Like the Rogue, the CX-5 treats families to a comfortable drive. Nevertheless, most people agree that the CX-5 looks and feels a bit more luxurious. While the CX-5’s newly standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen may look modern, Nissan’s smaller 8.0-nch touchscreen actually works better in the real world.

In the end, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 slightly nudges by the 2022 Nissan Rogue to win this head-to-head comparison. Its offers a better combination of luxury and driving fun. However, choosing to go with the Rogue isn’t a bad decision either. Families will certainly appreciate the Rogue's impressive level of everyday comfort.