The Rogue Platinum has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The CX-50 doesn't offer front seat center airbags.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Rogue Rock Creek's standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-50 doesn't offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the Rogue and the CX-50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all-wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Nissan Rogue is safer than the Mazda CX-50:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are almost 2 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Rogue's warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Rogue has a 150-amp alternator. The CX-50's standard 100-amp alternator isn't as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it's being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Rogue's reliability 14 points higher than the CX-50.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Rogue third among compact SUVs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The CX-50 isn't in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates' 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 56 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 26th, below the industry average.

The Rogue's 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder produces 14 more horsepower (201 vs. 187) and 40 lbs.-ft. more torque (225 vs. 185) than the CX-50's standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Rogue's 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder produces 62 lbs.-ft. more torque (225 vs. 163) than the CX-50's optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Nissan Rogue is faster than the Mazda CX-50 4 cyl.:

On the EPA test cycle the Rogue gets better mileage than the CX-50:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Nissan Rogue uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-50 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Rogue has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it's removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-50 doesn't offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Rogue's standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-50 are solid, not vented.

The Rogue stops shorter than the CX-50:

For better traction, the Rogue has larger tires than the CX-50 (235/65R17 vs. 225/65R17).

The Rogue has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle's integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The CX-50 doesn't offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For superior ride and handling, the Nissan Rogue has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-50 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Rogue has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Rogue flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-50's suspension doesn't offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Rogue Platinum handles at .84 G's, while the CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus pulls only .80 G's of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the Rogue has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-50 Hybrid Preferred (8.2 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the Rogue to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Nissan Rogue may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 pounds less than the Mazda CX-50.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Rogue Platinum is quieter than the CX-50:

The Rogue has 5.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-50 (105.4 vs. 100.3).

The Rogue has 2 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front hip room, 1.2 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 1.3 inches more rear hip room and 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-50.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Rogue's rear seats recline. The CX-50's rear seats don't recline.

The Rogue has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-50 with its rear seat up (36.5 vs. 31.4 cubic feet). The Rogue has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-50 with its rear seat folded (74.1 vs. 56.3 cubic feet).

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Rogue Rock Creek/Platinum's available liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-50 doesn't offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The Rogue Platinum's standard easy entry system glides the driver's seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-50 doesn't offer an easy entry system.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Rogue to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CX-50 doesn't offer rear side window sunshades.

Compared to traditional radio, the Nissan Rogue's standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-50 Premium/Turbo.

The Rogue is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-50 doesn't offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Nissan Rogue and the Mazda CX-50, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Rogue first among compact SUVs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner's expectations. The CX-50 isn't in the top three.

The Nissan Rogue outsold the Mazda CX-50 by over three to one during 2024.