Mazda CX-50 86·Nissan Rogue 71on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $1,636 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,636 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Nissan Rogue counters with better mileage (32 vs 27 mpg combined).
Go with the Mazda CX-50 for the better long-term value; consider the Nissan Rogue if you prioritize better gas mileage.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-50 vs. Nissan Rogue
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-50 versus 2026 Nissan Rogue.
Metric
Mazda CX-50
Nissan Rogue
MotiveGrid Score
86
71
Cost of Ownership
90
82
Powertrain
67
59
Driver Assistance
32
0
Livability
60
56
Safety
99
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$42,687
$44,323
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,631
$14,923
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,187
$10,263
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,535
$9,640
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$2,490
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,499
$4,377
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$880
Starting Price
$29,900
$29,090
Horsepower
187 hp
201 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
32 mpg
Cargo volume
31.4 cu ft
31.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$29,090
MSRP
$29,090
Mo · 5yr
$739
$44,323 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Mazda CX-50 scores higher overall.
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
Nissan Rogue
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-50
90
Rogue
82
Winner: CX-50
$1,636 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-50
67
Rogue
59
Winner: CX-50
+8 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-50
32
Rogue
0
Winner: CX-50
+32 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-50
60
Rogue
56
Winner: CX-50
+4 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-50 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,636 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Nissan Rogue still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Nissan Rogue
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-50
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-50
Better safety rating
Highway driver
Mazda CX-50
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Nissan Rogue
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Mazda CX-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,687 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
Nissan Rogue
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$739
$44,323 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$739/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-50 comes out about $1,636 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
