2021 Mazda CX-5 v. 2021 Nissan Rogue
Mazda has been making big waves in the SUV market, and the all-new Mazda CX-5 is one of its most exciting offerings yet. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is going up against Nissan’s newest Rogue this year, and buyers have been turning out in droves for them. These are two sexy SUVs that are fun to drive and loaded with great convenience features.
With so much good to choose from, you might have a hard time choosing. But if you look closer at these two competitors, you’ll see that there is a better choice, and it’s a clear one. Here’s how the 2021 Mazda CX-5 compares to the 2021 Nissan Rogue:
Exterior Styling
Right out of the gate, the Mazda CX-5 pulls ahead of the Nissan Rogue with its elevated profile. This is a sophisticated SUV that blends elegance and style. The CX-5 displays Mazda’s signature exterior styling, with its graceful lines and its understated detailing. The front features a well-designed grille flanked by subtle chrome accents, leading into gently swooping headlights. The design flows from the gently raised hood aerodynamically over the roofline. All the details work together to create a seamless, gorgeous design.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue is a stylish SUV, but it doesn’t have near the beauty and none of the grace of the Mazda CX-5. The Rogue has a boxier profile, though its edges are more rounded off than some of its more rugged competitors. The front end is a bit snub-nosed, with a large grilled flanked by a lot of fussy details, including multiple lamps. The rear end seems to drop off, and there aren’t many details along the profile. It’s a very boxy design that may appeal to some, but it looks very rudimentary when compared to the Mazda CX-5.
Interior Styling
Both the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Nissan Rogue have two rows of seating and can seat five passengers comfortably. Interior space is about the same, with the Mazda CX-5 gaining an inch or so here, and the Nissan Rogue gaining an inch or so there. Where you’ll notice the difference is in the styling. While the Nissan Rogue has really elevated its interior style, it still lags behind the Mazda CX-5.
The interior of the Mazda CX-5 features high-quality and soft-touch materials throughout, and the console is designed for style and convenience. There is a small, head’s up display over a condensed console that includes the entertainment system. The instrument panel is large and easy to see, and the steering wheel features mounted controls for easy reach. You’ll see a similar design in the Nissan Rogue, but some of the details are just off. For example, the head’s up display is much larger, taking up too much space on the console and blocking space for air vents. The instrument panel is recessed, making it a bit harder to see. The overall style is just not at the same level as what you find in the Mazda CX-5.
Performance
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Nissan Rogue both have a 2.5-liter Inline 4 engine. However, that doesn’t mean you should expect the same drive in these two SUVs. The Mazda’s engine is slightly more powerful than the Rogue’s engine. The Mazda CX-5 gets 187 horsepower to the Rogue’s 181, and it has 186 lb-ft of torque, compared with 181 for the Rogue. That means that you’ll get a little more pep under your wheels when you’re driving, which can make even short trips more fun.
Handling is also better on the Mazda CX-5. You’ll find the SUV to have responsive handling and to move adeptly. The Mazda CX-5 also comes with an automatic transmission with overdrive, while the Nissan Rogue comes with the continuously variable transmission that is still working out the kinks (and experiencing numerous problems).
For those who want a little more power, the Mazda CX-5 is also the better choice because it offers an optional turbo-charged engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is packed with great features that make driving fun. While you’ll find some advanced features in the Nissan Rogue, the list will be much shorter than what you find in the CX-5.
Some of the features you’ll find on the CX-5 includes auto-off headlights, keyless start, remote trunk release, intermittent windshield wipers, smart device integration for the infotainment system, and a wireless cell phone hookup. These are all features that you’ll also find on the Nissan Rogue. Additional features that come standard on the 2021 Mazda CX-5 that you won’t find on the 2021 Nissan Rogue include adaptive cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain sensing windshield wipers, HD radio, a wi-fi hotspot, and an onboard hands-free communication system.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also comes with many optional features that you can’t get on the base Nissan Rogue at all. These include a luggage rack, remote engine start, and an electrochromic rearview mirror. You get a much larger slate of standard features on the base level Mazda CX-5, and you have many more options for upgrading as you like.
Choosing the Right SUV for You
We think that the choice between the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Nissan Rogue is clear, with the Mazda CX-5 offering you better performance, a more extensive list of convenience features, and superior styling. However, the choice is yours, and it will be based on your personal preferences and needs. The best thing you can do is take a test drive of these vehicles and learn what they have to offer in person.
The friendly and knowledgeable associates at Seacoast Mazda are ready to help you discover all that the 2021 Mazda CX-5 has to offer. They can answer every question and walk you through every feature. After you fall in love with the CX-5, our finance specialists will be ready to help you find the right financing offers to make the CX-5 affordable for your budget. Visit us today to discover the 2021 Mazda CX-5.