2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to carry a mature and sophisticated look into 2022. Sporting the familiar V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and an elegant floating roof, the Rogue echoed the aesthetics of its larger sibling, the Pathfinder. Its layered dash with distinct horizontal layers and an electronic gear selector lever underpin the cabin's sophisticated design. The comfortable Zero Gravity bucket seats and spacious second row reflected Nissan's commitment to passenger comfort and ergonomic excellence.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Mazda CX-30, reminiscent of a downsized CX-5 but sharing a platform with the Mazda3, exuded elegance with its upright grille and smooth fenders. The strikingly raked windshield, while contributing to a greenhouse effect on sunny days, slightly distorted taller drivers' view. Inside, the CX-30's cabin felt quiet and comfortable, boasting a mix of physical and digital displays within the instrument cluster. The non-touch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary dial, imbued a luxurious feel but came with a steep learning curve that hampered usability. Overall, the CX-30 balanced form with a touch of compromise on function.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a significant performance upgrade with a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine brought an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque compared to the previous model. Paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring wider gear ratios, the Rogue delivered improved acceleration and passing power. The new powertrain also translated to commendable fuel economy figures of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Rogue maintained a smooth ride with notable steering feel and a tight 35.4-foot turning diameter.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 came in multiple trims, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo variants significantly upped the ante, with the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine generating 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, and up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium. The six-speed automatic transmission and a Sport mode with enhanced throttle response added to the CX-30's spirited driving experience. Notably, the CX-30's responsive steering and minimal body roll made it fun to drive, though the firm suspension could feel harsh over rough city roads.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue provided ample storage and interior convenience, with various storage solutions spread throughout the cabin, including center console bins, dash cubbies, and multiple charging ports. The rear passengers benefited from additional storage in the doors and seatbacks, along with charge-only USB ports. Cargo space in the Rogue excelled, offering between 31.6 and 36.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

On the other hand, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided a more modest 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use, extending up to 45.2 cubic feet when folded down. This was average for its class but less than the Rogue's capacity. The CX-30's center console storage and front door pockets catered well to personal items, although an odd design flaw could cause the center console cover to get stuck under the rear seats. Rear seats in the CX-30 offered adequate headroom for adults on shorter trips but fell short on longer journeys due to limited space.

Nissan upgraded the Rogue's tech suite in 2021, which carried through to 2022 with substantial offerings including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay available on upper trims. The ProPilot Assist system, integrating navigation on higher trims, offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, predicting and adjusting for road conditions ahead.

Mazda’s CX-30 featured an elegantly integrated infotainment screen nestled into the dash, managed via a rotary dial rather than touch interface. While the setup added a luxury sheen akin to BMW's iDrive, it was criticized for difficult usability, particularly with touch-optimized systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating within these systems with the dial mechanism proved cumbersome, tarnishing an otherwise sophisticated tech experience.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2022 Nissan Rogue, which featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, among others. Advanced systems like ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered semi-autonomous capabilities. The Rogue achieved a four-star rating from NHTSA, while IIHS awarded the 2021 model a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 also loaded up on safety features, with its suite covering forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like front-and-rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The Mazda also impressed in safety ratings, earning five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.