Nissan Rogue Vs. Mazda CX-7

The CX-7, which was launched in 2007, is a front-wheel drive crossover with an optional 4-wheel drive. It shares the same platform as the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. It sits on a 108.3-inch wheelbase and measures 184.1 inches long. Its curb weight is rated at 3,929 pounds.

As a compact, the Rogue is mostly set apart from the CX-7 by its weight. The Rogue is 575 pounds lighter than the CX-7 with a 3,355-pound curb weight. The Rogue's wheelbase is slightly shorter at 105.9 inches and it measures 182.9 inches long. Introduced in 2007, it's equipped either as an all-wheel or front-wheel drive.

Although classified as a mid-size, Mazda chose not to power the CX-7 with a V6 engine. Instead, Mazda chose a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that generates up to 244 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. It's the same engine used in the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 cars. It beats the Rogue in raw power, achieving 7.7 seconds in 0-60 mph. It averages 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway.

A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 170 horsepower with 175 foot-pounds of torque powers the Rogue. It clocks 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The Rogue is rated 22 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.

The CX-7 is offered in three trim levels: The base Sport, the mid-level Touring model and the upscale Grand Touring. The turbocharged engine is standard on all models. The Sport is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, a CD player and power windows and mirrors. The Touring model receives leather-trimmed seats and front seat heaters. The Grand Touring features heated exterior mirrors, leather upholstery and automatic climate control. An upgraded Bose audio system and moonroof can be ordered as extras for all three models.

The standard S and the upgraded SL are the only trim levels for the Rogue. The S version is equipped with standard air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, anti-lock brakes and a 4-speaker CD stereo system. The SL features fog lamps, roof rails, body-colored exterior mirrors, paddle-shifters, polished exhaust tip, 17-inch alloy wheels and leather seats.

Mazda received some criticism for not offering a V-6 engine in the CX-7, but the turbocharged inline-4 performs well under any circumstances. It holds its own against its chief competitor, the Nissan Murano, and outperforms the Rogue. The CX-7 starts at about $23,000. The CX-7's heavy weight also gives it better tracking ability than the Rogue. But the Rogue sells for a base price of $20,220 and performs as a family car should. It also provides mid-size sedan comfort in a compact-size cabin.