2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Nissan Rogue
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 arrives with compelling style and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), aiming for driver engagement, delivering 187 hp from its naturally aspirated engine, rated for 26 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Rogue counters with superior efficiency and a power advantage, boasting 201 hp and an impressive 32 combined MPG, though it typically defaults to Front Wheel Drive (FWD). The Mazda’s stance is taut and purposeful at 185.8 inches long, appealing to those who prioritize road feel. The Rogue, slightly shorter but taller at 66.5 inches, offers a practical edge, alongside slightly more cargo space at 31.6 cu ft versus the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft. While the CX-50 starts near $29,900, the Rogue undercuts it marginally at $29,090, presenting an immediate efficiency-versus-engagement conflict.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue is the clear commuter choice, achieving 32 combined MPG, which is significantly better than the CX-50's 26 MPG rating.
2026 Nissan Rogue
With marginally better cargo capacity at 31.6 cu ft and superior fuel economy for daily errands, the Rogue offers a more practical family footprint.
2026 Mazda CX-50
Despite lower output, the CX-50's standard AWD system and 6-speed automatic transmission are generally preferred for spirited driving dynamics over the Rogue's FWD/CVT setup.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue offers 14 more horsepower and a 6 MPG efficiency gain while having a lower starting MSRP of $29,090 compared to the CX-50's $29,900.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability right off the base trim level.
- You prefer the familiar, engaging feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You prioritize the CX-50's more grounded dimensions (185.8 inches length) for parking or garage fitment.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, leveraging its 36 Highway MPG rating.
- You want the punchier performance provided by 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the lowest starting price, as the Rogue begins at $29,090 versus the CX-50's $29,900.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Nissan Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 183.0" |
| Width | 75.6" | 72.4" |
| Height | 63.5" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 185 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
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) | 24/30 MPG | 29/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 381.6/477.0 mi. | 420.5/522.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 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-50 and 2026 Nissan Rogue.
What is the biggest performance difference between the 2026 CX-50 and the 2026 Rogue?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue boasts significantly more output, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the standard 2026 Mazda CX-50 offers 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, making the Rogue quicker in a straight line.
Is the Mazda CX-50 better for long-distance commuters regarding fuel costs?
No, the Nissan Rogue is substantially more economical for commuters, achieving 32 combined MPG compared to the CX-50's 26 combined MPG, resulting in a 6 MPG advantage on the highway.
Does the CX-50 come standard with AWD, unlike the Rogue?
Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment across its lineup. The 2026 Nissan Rogue typically comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, with AWD often being an optional upgrade on specific trims.
Which vehicle offers more interior utility for hauling cargo?
They are closely matched, but the 2026 Nissan Rogue holds a slight edge with 31.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 trails slightly, offering 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.
Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Nissan Rogue are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying ownership costs regarding fuel type.
How do the vehicle sizes compare, especially regarding width?
The Mazda CX-50 is slightly longer at 185.8 inches, but the Nissan Rogue is noticeably narrower, measuring 72.4 inches wide versus the CX-50's 75.6 inches, which might aid maneuverability in tight urban settings.
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