2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Nissan Rogue
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 excites with its taut, engaging chassis and standard All-Wheel Drive, appealing to drivers who prioritize connection over sheer size, starting at a sharp $25,975 with 186 hp. In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Rogue immediately grabs attention with its substantial power upgrade, boasting 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, coupled with superior practicality. The Rogue dwarfs the CX-30 in size, offering 31.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mazda’s 20.2 cu ft, making it the practical powerhouse. However, the efficiency gap favors the Rogue substantially, achieving 32 combined MPG compared to the CX-30's 27 combined MPG, despite the Rogue costing $3,115 more initially. While the CX-30 relies on a conventional 6-speed automatic, the Rogue’s CVT helps maximize its 36 highway MPG rating, solidifying its appeal to the long-haul driver seeking frugality.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue offers a superior 32 combined MPG, which translates to less frequent stops at the pump for daily drivers.
2026 Nissan Rogue
With 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, the significantly larger Nissan Rogue easily accommodates family gear compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 offers a more spirited driving feel through its standard AWD and traditional 6-speed automatic, even with less horsepower.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 undercuts the Rogue by $3,115 and provides standard AWD, making its lower starting MSRP highly competitive.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, starting at just $25,975.
- You prefer the dynamic handling and feel of a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive is essential for your driving conditions, unlike the Rogue's FWD base.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- Maximum hauling capability is needed, leveraging the impressive 31.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire significantly more output, benefiting from 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.
- You value efficiency highly, as the Rogue returns an excellent 32 combined MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-30 | Nissan Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.0" | 183.0" |
| Width | 70.7" | 72.4" |
| Height | 61.4" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 104.4" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/31 MPG | 29/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.8/393.7 mi. | 420.5/522.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/65R16 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Nissan Rogue.
Which crossover is generally quicker off the line?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue holds a distinct performance advantage, generating 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Mazda CX-30 produces 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, making the Rogue the faster choice overall.
How significant is the size difference between these two crossovers?
The Nissan Rogue is substantially larger, measuring 183.0 inches long compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches in length. This size difference translates directly into greater interior space and substantially more cargo volume.
Is the lower fuel economy of the CX-30 worth its lower price?
The CX-30 gets 27 combined MPG versus the Rogue's 32 combined MPG, meaning you pay $3,115 less upfront but spend more on fuel over time. Your daily mileage will determine if the initial savings outweigh long-term fuel costs.
What are the major drivetrain differences affecting driving feel?
The CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and utilizes a traditional 6-speed automatic for a more direct feel. The Rogue is standard Front-Wheel Drive and employs a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which maximizes efficiency but may feel less engaging for spirited driving.
If I primarily drive on the highway, which one saves me more money?
The Nissan Rogue is the clear highway champion, rating 36 highway MPG compared to the CX-30's 31 highway MPG. While the Rogue costs more initially, this efficiency edge will lead to significant fuel savings on extended trips.
Can the smaller CX-30 still accommodate decent luggage?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 offers 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is adequate for groceries or weekend bags. However, the Rogue offers over 11 additional cubic feet, providing 31.6 cu ft for larger family excursions.
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