2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$36,400 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder roars onto the scene with a powerful 284 hp engine and a slightly lower $36,400 MSRP, offering robust capability with standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and a slightly better highway MPG of 27. In contrast, the sophisticated 2026 Mazda CX-90 brings superior torque delivery at 332 lb-ft, promising a more engaging pull despite having 280 hp, and includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction. The Pathfinder measures 197.7 inches long, while the CX-90 stretches to 200.8 inches, creating subtly different road presences. While the Pathfinder boasts 16.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, the Mazda pushes efficiency with a combined 25 MPG versus the Nissan's 23 MPG. The choice pits Nissan's established utility against Mazda's performance-oriented torque and AWD system.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior 25 combined MPG and standard AWD offering better all-weather reliability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder provides more accessible utility with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 delivers substantially more low-end pulling power with 332 lb-ft of torque, making the driving experience more spirited.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $36,400, significantly undercutting the $38,800 price of the CX-90.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You prioritize the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $36,400.
You need maximum usable storage, as the Pathfinder offers 16.6 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft.
You live in an area where AWD is not essential, benefiting from the standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You demand greater low-end responsiveness, thanks to its class-leading 332 lb-ft of torque.
All-Weather confidence is key, as the CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
Maximum fuel efficiency is paramount, evidenced by its 25 combined MPG rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Pathfinder	Mazda CX-90
Length	197.7"	200.8"
Width	77.9"	78.5"
Height	70.9"	68.3"
Wheelbase	114.2"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	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)	20/27 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/499.5 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Front Head Room	42.3 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	58.3 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/60R18	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

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 Pathfinder and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 edges out the competition with a combined 25 MPG rating, beating the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder’s 23 MPG combined rating. The Mazda also has slightly better City (23 MPG) and Highway (28 MPG) figures.

Is the horsepower difference between the two significant?

The horsepower difference is negligible; the Pathfinder offers 284 hp while the CX-90 has 280 hp. However, the CX-90 compensates with significantly higher torque (332 lb-ft vs. 259 lb-ft), which translates to better acceleration feel.

How do their drivetrains compare for foul weather?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, making it inherently more prepared for slippery conditions. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder utilizes Front-Wheel Drive in its base configuration.

Which crossover is physically larger on the road?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is slightly longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Pathfinder's 197.7 inches, but the Pathfinder is notably taller at 70.9 inches versus the Mazda's 68.3 inches.

If cargo space is the main priority, which should I choose?

For sheer volume behind the third row, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the winner, offering 16.6 cubic feet of space. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 provides a slightly smaller 14.9 cubic feet for cargo.