2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The new design featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were signature elements of the Rogue. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum trim boasted a 19-inch machined-finish wheel design and additional black exterior trim, including an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and the Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown color option.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. The CX-90's exterior featured lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement contributed to a low, long, athletic look. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather with contrast stitching. However, the ergonomics were criticized, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, which allowed it to vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. This engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, outperforming competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, and the suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality. The Rogue was available with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo model was powered by a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an option for 340 horsepower using premium gas. The power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but drivetrain noise and impact harshness were noticeable.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with differences mainly in legroom compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The Rogue provided 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations. The Rogue also featured a power liftgate and a motion-activated liftgate on higher trims. The center console offered additional storage space, though accessing it could be awkward.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating. The third row was best suited for children, and the CX-90's long rear doors facilitated loading and unloading. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin, and a sizable glove compartment. The CX-90 offered 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Nissan Connect Services to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was subpar, but Mazda planned to introduce a new Google Built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top safety scores from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings in various crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance with automated lane centering.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, though it had some limitations in certain driving conditions.