Introduction
Some SUVs are triple-dog-dare worthy, and two definitely made the nice list, offering plenty of comfort, style, and performance in a holiday-ready package. Take a peek at the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Nissan Rogue, two compact crossover SUVs you should keep an eye on. Whether you’re dreaming of a red Mazda or a snow-white Rogue, both are ready to carry gifts, roast beast, and maybe even rescue a lamp shaped like a leg (fragile, of course).
So grab some hot cocoa, bundle up, and let’s see which one will be parked in your driveway this year. Keep reading as we compare the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Nissan Rogue in this compact crossover SUV Christmas story to help you decide which SUV offers comfort, style, and performance for your seasonal adventures and beyond in River Valley.
Key Takeaways
- The new 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been redesigned and now provides more interior space for passengers with a longer, wider body.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has larger displays than the competition, including a new 15.6-inch touchscreen, paddle shifters, and more.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the perfect compact SUV that fits your budget with innovative safety features and more.
Let’s Compare: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Nissan Rogue
Before the latest redesign, the Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan Rogue were nearly identical in size. The new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is now longer and wider than previous CX-5 models and the 2026 Nissan Rogue. The updated 2026 Mazda CX-5 interior offers more space for passengers in every row, with extra legroom and headroom.
While both the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Nissan Rogue feature large digital displays, Bluetooth, wireless phone charging, and more, choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 if you want a compact crossover with a 15.6-inch touchscreen display, paddle shifters, and the Bose sound system included in more trims in the lineup.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a larger, more powerful engine than the Nissan Rogue, with a slightly better towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which means you can tow a small trailer or a small camper. Something to consider is how well-received previous models are by experts like Car and Driver and J.D. Power, ranking them among the best compact SUVs, right under the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.
Which compact crossover SUV gets better gas mileage?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a larger compact crossover SUV with a bigger engine and weighs more than the 2026 Nissan Rogue, so when it comes to better gas mileage, it’s actually a close call. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a larger fuel tank and, on average, has an expected EPA fuel economy of at least 30 MPG on the highway and 26 MPG in the city, compared to the 35 MPG you might get in the Nissan Rogue on the highway.
Which compact crossover SUV fits my budget?
If you’re ready for a compact crossover SUV with a longer, wider frame that offers more interior space for both front and rear passengers, along with large digital displays, including a 15.6-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity for streaming and more, then go for the all-new, redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5.
The new 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers more interior space than ever before, along with innovative driver assistance and safety features, including Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Hill Launch Assist, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-Keep Assist, and more, earning previous models recognition from the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick.
Best Compact with More Space
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been redesigned with more interior and exterior space. Featuring innovative features and a luxurious interior cabin with the comfort and convenience you expect in every ride, along with safety and driver assistance technology that provides peace of mind, the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the perfect compact SUV. Visit Cogswell Mazda today and test drive the new 2026 CX-5. From our Cogswell Motors family to yours: Happy Holidays!