Nissan offers a lineup of SUVs, including its best-selling compact crossover, the Rogue. First-quarter 2023 sales prove the Rogue’s popularity, which surpasses rivals like the Mazda CX-5. What makes Nissan’s SUV more desirable? Let’s look at some of its high points compared to the CX-5. 

The Nissan Rogue is outselling the Mazda CX-5 this year

First-quarter 2023 numbers show the Nissan Rogue’s popularity. From January through March, Nissan sold 76,499 Rogue units. That’s up 30,000 units from the 45,235 sold in the first quarter of 2022. 

The Mazda CX-5 isn’t having the same experience this year. In Q1 2022, the brand sold 50,653 CX-5 units, surpassing the Rogue. However, in Q1 2023, the CX-5 saw only 38,727 units sold, down almost 12,000 from last year. 

The Rogue is the second-best-selling compact SUV so far this year after the Toyota RAV4, with 84,704 units moved in Q1 2023. Just behind the Rogue in first-quarter sales is the Honda CR-V with 67,241, according to GoodCarBadCar. 

Here are some reasons why the Rogue might be having a better 2023 than the CX-5:

The 2023 Nissan Rogue has a more powerful base engine than the 2023 Mazda CX-5

One of the biggest differences between the two base models is the engine. The standard 2023 Nissan Rogue packs a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder producing 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This SUV can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. 

The base-model Mazda CX-5 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It mates with a six-speed automatic transmission. That setup lets the CX-5 go from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.7 seconds — over a second slower than the Rogue. 

However, Mazda offers a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder harnessing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. But it costs quite a bit more than what the standard Rogue provides. 

The Nissan Rogue boasts better fuel economy ratings than the Mazda CX-5

The engine in the 2023 Nissan Rogue works to balance performance and efficiency. This model achieves an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. 

The 2023 CX-5 gets significantly less. Expect 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. 

The Rogue also has more cargo space than the Mazda CX-5

Another difference between the two SUVs is cargo volume. Slightly longer than the 2023 Mazda CX-5, the 2023 Nissan Rogue provides 36.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. With the back row folded, cargo capacity increases to 74.1 cubic feet. 

The Nissan also offers a unique Divide-N-Hide feature, allowing users to store items in cubby holes. For instance, drivers can hold a gallon of milk at the side of the cargo floor to prevent it from sliding around and allowing for more storage space in the main area, U.S. News reports.

The Mazda CX-5 has much less space. Its below-average cargo capacity is one of this SUV’s most significant drawbacks. It provides 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the back row folded down. That’s almost 15 cubic feet less than what the Rogue offers. 

Despite the 2023 Mazda CX-5’s value and refinement, the 2023 Nissan Rogue is outselling its rival so far this year. That could be for various reasons, including fuel economy, power, and cargo capacity.