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Suv face-off: nissan rogue vs. mazda cx-50 – features, performance, and value unveiled

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The CX-50, on the other hand, gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the standard 2.
  • The Rogue comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
  • However, the CX-50 offers a more comprehensive range of standard features, including all-wheel drive, a larger touchscreen, and a more advanced suite of safety features.

The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, with new and exciting models emerging to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers. In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, two formidable contenders stand out: the Nissan Rogue and the Mazda CX-50. Both vehicles boast a compelling blend of features, performance, and style, making them worthy adversaries in this head-to-head comparison.

Design and Styling

The Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-50 present distinct design philosophies. The Rogue exudes a modern and sleek aesthetic, with sharp lines and a bold grille. In contrast, the CX-50 embraces a more rugged and adventurous look, featuring a muscular stance and rugged exterior accents. Both SUVs offer a spacious and well-appointed interior, with premium materials and comfortable seating.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the Nissan Rogue offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 horsepower. The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower, with a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 256 horsepower available as an option. Both vehicles offer a smooth and responsive driving experience, with the CX-50 providing slightly better handling dynamics thanks to its more precise steering and sportier suspension.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Nissan Rogue holds a slight advantage. The base Rogue with the 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The CX-50, on the other hand, gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the standard 2.5-liter engine. However, the CX-50’s optional turbocharged engine offers a more impressive 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Technology and Features

Both the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-50 are well-equipped with advanced technology and features. The Rogue comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. The CX-50 offers a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a more intuitive infotainment interface, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

Safety

Safety is a top priority for both Nissan and Mazda. The Rogue and CX-50 have both earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles offer a wide range of standard and available safety features, including airbags, stability control, and automatic emergency braking.

Off-Road Capability

While both the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-50 are primarily designed for on-road driving, the CX-50 offers slightly better off-road capabilities. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a higher ground clearance, making it more capable of handling rough terrain and inclement weather. The Rogue, on the other hand, offers optional all-wheel drive and a lower ground clearance, making it more suitable for light off-road adventures.

Price and Value

The Nissan Rogue starts at a lower price point than the Mazda CX-50, with a base MSRP of $26,590. The CX-50, on the other hand, starts at $28,025. However, the CX-50 offers a more comprehensive range of standard features, including all-wheel drive, a larger touchscreen, and a more advanced suite of safety features.

Final Verdict: Nissan Rogue vs Mazda CX-50

The Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-50 are both excellent compact SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Rogue offers a lower price point, better fuel economy, and a more spacious interior. The CX-50, on the other hand, provides better handling, more advanced technology, and slightly better off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What People Want to Know

Q1: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A1: The Nissan Rogue offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower, while the Mazda CX-50 offers a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower.

Q2: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A2: The Nissan Rogue with the 2.5-liter engine has better fuel economy than the Mazda CX-50 with the standard 2.5-liter engine.

Q3: Which vehicle has a more intuitive infotainment system?
A3: The Mazda CX-50 has a more intuitive infotainment interface with a larger touchscreen and a more user-friendly layout.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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