2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,470 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the tried-and-true comfort of the 2025 Nissan Murano and the robust new offering from Mazda, the 2026 CX-90, can be tough. If sheer power is a concern, the CX-90 immediately pulls ahead with 280 hp and a substantial 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. However, the Murano offers better efficiency, netting 23 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG, despite its slightly smaller footprint (192.9 inches long). Interestingly, the larger 200.8-inch CX-90 actually sacrifices utility, offering only 14.9 cu ft of cargo space, while the Murano provides a much more useful 32.9 cu ft behind the rear seats. Pricing is close, with the Murano starting at $40,470 and the CX-90 starting lower at $38,800, making fuel economy and cargo volume the main practical trade-offs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano wins for daily commuting due to its slightly better combined MPG rating of 23 compared to the CX-90's 25, despite the CX-90 technically having better city/highway splits.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano is the clear winner for families needing space because it offers 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 appeals more to enthusiasts with its superior output of 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, marking a 39 hp advantage.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers better baseline performance (280 hp) and standard AWD at a lower starting MSRP of $38,800 versus the Murano's $40,470.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prioritize maximum practical storage, as the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer a slightly smaller vehicle for easier urban navigation, with a length of 192.9 inches.
You want to stick with the familiar Nissan platform and 9-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You want significantly more power right out of the gate, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied weather conditions.
You want the lowest entry price, as the CX-90 starts at $38,800, saving you $1,670 over the Murano.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Mazda CX-90
Length	192.9"	200.8"
Width	78.0"	78.5"
Height	67.9"	68.3"
Wheelbase	111.2"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	265/55R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
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 Nissan Murano and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 noticeably faster than the 2025 Nissan Murano?

Yes, the CX-90 is significantly punchier, offering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which is a 39 hp advantage over the Murano's 241 hp.

Which vehicle is better for hauling gear, the Murano or the CX-90?

The 2025 Nissan Murano is the clear choice for cargo; it provides 32.9 cubic feet of space, more than double the 14.9 cubic feet offered by the larger 2026 Mazda CX-90.

How do the fuel economies compare between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-90 has a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 25 MPG combined (23 City/28 Highway) compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined (21 City/27 Highway).

Why is the Mazda CX-90 standard with All-Wheel Drive when the Murano is FWD?

The CX-90 includes AWD as standard, which is a benefit for traction, while the Murano comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) in its listed configuration.

How do the starting prices line up for the base models?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 undercuts the Nissan Murano on price, starting at $38,800 while the Murano begins at $40,470.

Are the transmissions similar between the two vehicles?

They utilize different setups; the Murano uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the CX-90 is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.