2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a stylish, upscale 3-row SUV like the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and a dependable all-rounder like the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder often comes down to prioritizing refinement versus outright utility. The CX-90 starts higher at $38,045 but offers superior efficiency, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG combined. Performance is closer than expected, with the Pathfinder edging out slightly in horsepower at 284 hp compared to the Mazda's 280 hp, though the CX-90 boasts significantly more torque at 332 lb-ft versus 259 lb-ft. The Pathfinder is the taller vehicle at 70.9 inches (vs. 68.2 inches for the Mazda) and offers more cubic feet of cargo space (16.6 cu ft vs. 14.9 cu ft). For drivers focused on lower running costs and premium driving dynamics, the CX-90 presents a compelling case, despite its slightly higher entry price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90's better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG makes it the more economical choice for daily driving.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder offers a practical advantage with greater cargo capacity at 16.6 cu ft and a taller stance.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90’s substantial torque advantage (332 lb-ft vs. 259 lb-ft) promises a more engaging driving feel.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder provides a lower initial cost of ownership at $36,400, making it the better budget entry point.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You prioritize better fuel efficiency, as the CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined versus 23 MPG for the Pathfinder.
- You appreciate low-end power, given the CX-90's much higher torque rating of 332 lb-ft.
- You prefer a standard All-Wheel Drive system over the Pathfinder's base Front Wheel Drive configuration.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You need maximum available storage, as the Pathfinder delivers 16.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to 14.9 cu ft.
- You are looking for the lowest starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, listed at $36,400.
- You prefer the slightly taller profile for easier entry/exit, standing at 70.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 197.7" |
| Width | 78.5" | 77.9" |
| Height | 68.2" | 70.9" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 114.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/28 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 370.0/499.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 35.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 255/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.
Which vehicle is more powerful, the 2025 CX-90 or the 2025 Pathfinder?
While the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder technically has slightly more horsepower at 284 hp, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 boasts significantly more torque with 332 lb-ft compared to the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft, which often translates to better acceleration feel in daily driving.
How much more expensive is the entry-level Mazda CX-90?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 starts at an MSRP of $38,045, making it $1,645 more expensive than the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, which has a starting price of $36,400.
Is there a significant difference in gas mileage between these two crossovers?
Yes, the CX-90 offers better efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG, while the Pathfinder is rated at 23 MPG combined. Specifically, the Mazda gets 24 city/28 highway MPG versus the Pathfinder's 20 city/27 highway MPG.
Which SUV offers more room for luggage behind the third row?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder wins on cargo space in this configuration, offering 16.6 cubic feet of room behind the third row. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers 14.9 cubic feet in the same configuration.
What are the primary differences in drivetrain setup?
The standard setup for the CX-90 is All-Wheel Drive, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Pathfinder defaults to Front Wheel Drive, although it also uses a shiftable automatic transmission, featuring 9 speeds.
If I plan on taking frequent road trips, which car has the better highway fuel range potential?
The Mazda CX-90 is slightly better for long trips due to its superior highway rating of 28 MPG, compared to the Pathfinder’s 27 MPG highway rating. Both use regular unleaded fuel.
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