The average price for a new car is flirting with $50,000. That’s a steep number for many shoppers. Luckily for you, a more affordable alternative could be a compact SUV. Beyond the value equation, shoppers looking for space, comfort, and practicality would do well to look into this vehicle class.
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Nissan Rogue are tempting entries in this popular segment. Both vehicles boast the latest safety features and a sleek, refined design. The SUVs are functional for those looking for practicality and easy manners, and they begin at prices well below that $50K mark mentioned above.
Here’s how these two compare against each other.
2025 Mazda CX-50


The Mazda CX-50 enters its third year in 2025, making it a still-fresh entry in its segment. The CX-50 offers a capable, rugged feel to Mazda’s lineup of vehicles. Features like all-wheel drive (AWD), black wheel cladding, and 18-inch all-terrain wheels make it more adventurous and off-road capable than its CX-5 sibling. For 2025, the new, more efficient CX-50 Hybrid joins the lineup. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 starts at $31,720, including destination fee.
Mazda CX-50 Highlights
New updates: In addition to a hybrid powertrain now being available for the CX-50, the 2025 model year sees the model gain features such as a rear seat alert, vehicle exit warning, forward collision warning system with nighttime pedestrian detection, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Adventurous abilities: The CX-50 is designed to be adventurous when the pavement ends. This SUV has an appealing duality — it functions well in the city but is eager to hit the trail for a good time. This would make an excellent vehicle for those looking for adventure and feeling outdoorsy.
Standard AWD: Mazda has designed the new CX-50 with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a dedicated off-road mode. Its i-Activ system actively controls torque distribution and can detect the slightest change in wheel speed to prevent wheel slippage. The Nissan Rogue also offers all-wheel drive, but it costs extra.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-50 models for sale near you.
2025 Nissan Rogue


The Nissan Rogue has been the bestselling compact SUV for the brand for years. Efficient on fuel and spacious enough for friends and family, this model makes an ideal choice for any trip. Nissan’s latest redesign came for the 2021 model year, giving it up-to-date technology, a comfortable interior, and lots of practicality. for 2025, the Rogue gets more adventurous thanks to the new Rogue Rock Creek edition, plus more tech options such as an enhanced 360-degree camera system and ProPilot Assist 2.1, a hands-free driving system for use on compatible roads. The 2025 Nissan Rogue starts at $30,620, including destination fee.
Nissan Rogue Highlights
Google built-in: Infotainment systems can be a vital component for today’s drivers. Standard on the SL trim and Platinum this year is Google Built-in. With the command of your voice and a 12.3-inch HD color touchscreen, the new infotainment system seamlessly integrates well-known Google apps, such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more on Google Play, into the Rogue’s infotainment system.
Rock Creek edition: The Rogue answers its own call of the wild with this new, more off-road-oriented variant. It includes standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, tubular roof rack, and standard 360-degree camera system.
Connected tech: The available NissanConnect Services includes a 3-year trial. The telematics feature is standard on SV grade and higher and works with the MyNISSAN smartphone app. On equipped vehicles, features include remote door lock/unlock, remote engine start/stop, vehicle health report, and emergency calling.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Rogue models for sale near you.
Similarities
These two compact SUVs have similar starting prices, can accommodate up to five passengers, feature their good looks, and offer the latest safety and driver assistance features. They include a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Pricing
New 2025 MAZDA CX-50 Prices
$31,720 |
$30,501 |
|||
$33,070 |
$31,416 |
|||
$35,420 |
$33,610 |
|||
$38,920 |
$37,269 |
|||
$42,220 |
$40,387 |
|||
$42,720 |
$40,883 |
|||
$44,720 |
$42,913 |
New 2025 Nissan Rogue Prices
$30,620 |
$29,278 |
|||
$32,360 |
$30,942 |
|||
$36,810 |
$34,557 |
|||
$37,480 |
$35,193 |
|||
$40,910 |
$39,752 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-50 vehicles and New 2025 Nissan Rogue vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
2025 Mazda CX-50 | 2025 Nissan Rogue | |
Popular Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 201 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 225 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT automatic |
Fuel Economy | 24 city/30 highway/27 combined mpg | 30 city/37 highway/33 combined |
Also Available | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder; hybrid | AWD |
Specs | ||
Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 106.5 inches |
Overall Length | 185.8 inches | 183.0 inches |
Width | 80.8 inches | 72.4 inches |
Height | 63.5 inches | 66.5 inches |
Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 35.4 feet |
Headroom, Front | 39.1 inches | 41.1 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 39.2 inches |
Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.5 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 39.8 inches | 38.5 inches |
Shoulder Room, Front | 55.9 inches | 57.1 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 55.9 inches |
Cargo Volume | 31.4/56.3 cubic feet | 36.5/74.1 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Nissan Rogue are strong contenders in the compact SUV segment. These vehicles are practical enough to carry a young family and still small enough to slip into city parking spaces easily.
The Mazda CX-50 is the more outdoorsy of the two, comes with AWD as standard, and can be optioned with a potent turbocharged engine. The Nissan Roque has more cargo space, is more efficient, and has handy wide-opening rear doors. The traits you prioritize will help you determine which one of these solid contenders belongs in your driveway.