2023 Mazda CX-5 vs. Nissan Rogue

For a small SUV that doesn’t skimp on space, you may consider either the Mazda CX-5 or the Nissan Rogue. While the two compact SUVs share some similarities, there are some key distinctions to know if you’re planning to make one of them your next vehicle. Review this guide for a full comparison of the Mazda CX-5 versus the Nissan Rogue to help you decide between the two.

Price

While the two compact crossover SUVs have similar price points, you may save some money by choosing the Mazda. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has a starting MSRP of $26,700 for the base trim, which comes with standard features like all-wheel drive, smartphone integration, and blind spot monitoring. As you advance in trim levels, the price for the CX-5 increases while adding more premium features.

In comparison, the starting MSRP for the 2023 Nissan Rogue is $27,360. The base trim comes standard with front-wheel drive and an 8-inch color touch-screen display. Like the CX-5, the Rogue increases in price as you move up in trim levels.

Trim Levels

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 comes in eight trim levels: S, S Select, S Preferred, S Carbon Edition, S Premium, S Premium Plus, Turbo, and Turbo Signature. Every new CX-5 has standard all-wheel drive and a 10.25-inch full-color touch screen. No matter which trim you choose, you’ll also get a wide range of advanced safety and driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

You can purchase the 2023 Nissan Rogue in five trim levels: S, SV, Midnight Edition, SL, and Platinum. Every Nissan Rogue comes standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available. The 2023 Rogue also comes with standard safety features, but the base trim lacks some of the driver-assistance technologies you get in other models.

Engine Specifications

Under the hood of a 2023 Mazda CX-5, you’ll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The CX-5 Turbo and Turbo Signature models have a 2.5-liter turbo engine, boosting the performance to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when you fill up with regular octane gas. Using 93 octane premium unleaded fuel, the two upper trims can produce 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Every 2023 Nissan Rogue has the same 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. It produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

Interior Space and Design

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 seats five passengers with a comfortable and intuitive interior design. Front-seat passengers get up to 39.7 inches of headroom and 41 inches of legroom. Those riding in the back have a comparable 39 inches of headroom and 39.6 inches of legroom. The CX-5 S comes with black cloth seats, while every other model features leather-trimmed upholstery in a range of sophisticated colors. Besides the base trim, every CX-5 offers dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats for ultimate comfort in all weather. Upper trims also have ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

Like the CX-5, the 2023 Nissan Rogue seats five passengers and offers a comfortable experience. In the front seats, passengers have 41.5 inches of legroom, while back-seat passengers get 38.5 inches. Cloth-trimmed seats come standard in the Nissan Rogue, though some models have optional or standard leatherette and leather-trimmed upholstery. Dual-zone temperature control comes standard in all but the base trim, but you’ll have to add a package or purchase a higher trim to get heated front seats. Heated rear seats are only available as an option on the Rogue Platinum.

Cargo Space

Whether you choose the CX-5 or the Rogue, you’ll have plenty of space in the back to run errands in Orange County or take a road trip up the California coastline. In the 2023 CX-5, you’ll get up to 30.8 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats upright. When you have larger items to transport, you can fold the back seats down flat to get up to 59.3 cubic feet of cargo volume.

In the 2023 Nissan Rogue, you’ll have up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the back seats. For heavier jobs, you can fold down the rear seats to access up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

Entertainment and Technology Features

Every 2023 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a 10.25-inch touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to access your music, podcasts, and other phone apps easily. In the base trim, you’ll get dual front USB inputs, and all other trims offer rear USB ports so everyone can stay charged while on the go. In the CX-5 S Select and above, a six-speaker audio system comes standard, and the three upper trims feature a premium Bose 10-speaker surround sound system for enhanced clarity.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue comes standard with a smaller 8-inch touch screen and standard Apple CarPlay integration or Android Auto capability. A larger 9-inch touch screen is available on the Rogue SL and standard on the Rogue Platinum. The base trim comes with two USB ports, while other models offer four ports to connect your devices. The Rogue SV and above offer a six-speaker audio system, while the top-level Rogue Platinum features a Bose premium audio system.

Towing Capacity

If you plan to use your SUV to tow a jet ski, motorcycle, or small trailer, you may prefer the Mazda CX-5. This compact SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. In comparison, you can safely tow up to 1,500 pounds with the 2023 Nissan Rogue.

Find a 2023 Mazda CX-5 in Orange County, California

While both the CX-5 and the Rogue are standouts in the small SUV field, you simply can’t go wrong when you choose a Mazda. With standard all-wheel drive, innovative technologies, and advanced safety and driver-assistance features, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is the perfect vehicle for many families. If you’re interested in taking one for a test drive, stop by our dealership in Orange County. At Capistrano Mazda, we have one of the largest selections of brand-new CX-5s and other Mazda vehicles in the Southern California region. Contact us today for more information.