Best Cars · head-to-head

Mazda CX-5 (2026) vs Nissan Rogue (2026)

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Nissan Rogue (2026) is cheaper at $29490. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Mazda CX-5 (2026) or Nissan Rogue (2026)?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Nissan Rogue (2026) is the cheaper at $29490.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Mazda CX-5 (2026) Nissan Rogue (2026)
US price $29990 $29490
BrandMazdaNissan
Released20262026
Body style compact SUV compact SUV
Mpg combined 26 32
Horsepower 187 201
Drivetrain AWD FWD
Seats 5 5
Cargo cuft
Powertrain 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic 1.5L inline-3 turbocharged, CVT AV-S8
Release 2026 2026

Sources — Mazda CX-5 (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Nissan Rogue (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Mazda CX-5 (2026) and Nissan Rogue (2026)?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Mpg combined: Mazda CX-5 (2026) 26 vs Nissan Rogue (2026) 32
  • Horsepower: Mazda CX-5 (2026) 187 vs Nissan Rogue (2026) 201
  • Drivetrain: Mazda CX-5 (2026) AWD vs Nissan Rogue (2026) FWD
  • Powertrain: Mazda CX-5 (2026) 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic vs Nissan Rogue (2026) 1.5L inline-3 turbocharged, CVT AV-S8

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Mazda CX-5 (2026)

Two whitelisted outlets reviewed the redesigned 2026 CX-5. Both praise the roomier cabin, upscale materials and retained fun-to-drive handling, while faulting the dropped turbo, modest acceleration and the loss of physical controls. Only Car and Driver ran instrumented numbers (0-60 in 8.0 sec, 173-ft braking, 0.83 g skidpad); MotorTrend's first drive was hands-on but unmeasured. (2 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Retains engaging, fun-to-drive handling and Mazda driving character; Roomier rear seat and larger cargo area after the redesign; Upscale, class-above interior materials.

Flagged: Loss of physical switchgear, especially the volume knob; No turbo option; modest, unremarkable acceleration from carryover 2.5L; Mediocre / mid-pack fuel economy (26 mpg combined).

Nissan Rogue (2026)

Two whitelisted testers reviewed the 2026 Rogue; both praise its comfortable, compliant ride and roomy, well-packaged interior, and both flag a laggy infotainment system. They diverge sharply on overall merit: Car and Driver measured an 8.0-sec 0-60, rates it 7.5/10 and ranks it #16, calling its dynamics 'blah'; MotorTrend scores it 9.4/10 and ranks it #2. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)

Praised: Comfortable, compliant, soft ride; Spacious interior with abundant storage and competitive cargo room; Responsive, efficient turbo three-cylinder powertrain.

Flagged: Laggy / mediocre infotainment system; Intrusive road and tire noise at highway speed; Bland, unengaging driving dynamics.

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