2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$38,800 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 charges forward as the performance enthusiast's choice, unleashing a potent 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque from its robust engine, making the 241 hp Nissan Murano feel reserved in comparison. The CX-90’s larger frame, measuring 200.8 inches long, suggests more imposing road presence. Conversely, the Murano appeals with superior utility; its class-leading 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity vastly overshadows the CX-90’s meager 14.9 cu ft, a crucial metric for busy families. While both offer AWD and utilize regular unleaded fuel, the CX-90 nudges ahead in efficiency with 25 combined MPG versus the Murano's 23 combined MPG. The price difference sees the CX-90 start aggressively lower at $38,800 compared to the Murano's $41,670, presenting a compelling performance bargain against the Murano's focus on practical space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers better fuel economy at 25 combined MPG, marginally reducing daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano dominates family hauling needs with its substantial 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double that of the CX-90.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 provides a decisive edge in driving excitement with its superior 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 boasts 39 more horsepower while carrying a lower starting MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize maximum horsepower and torque, as the CX-90 delivers 280 hp and 332 lb-ft.
You are budget-conscious, as the CX-90 has a lower entry price point starting at $38,800.
You appreciate a slightly more efficient daily driver, thanks to its 25 combined MPG rating.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Rear cargo space is non-negotiable, with the Murano offering an exceptional 32.9 cu ft.
You prefer the smoother shifting feel provided by the Murano's 9-speed automatic transmission.
You need the most maneuverable vehicle, as the Murano is almost 8 inches shorter in length (192.9 inches).

Key Dimensions

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

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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/28 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	392.7/504.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.7 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	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.3 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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.1 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.	56.9 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 Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	56.9 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	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	20 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Nissan Murano.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Nissan Murano?

The difference is noticeable: the CX-90 generates 280 hp, an advantage of 39 hp over the Murano's 241 hp. Furthermore, the CX-90 offers 332 lb-ft of torque, giving it superior pull compared to the Murano's 260 lb-ft.

Which crossover provides better utility for trips and groceries?

The Nissan Murano is the clear winner for hauling gear, boasting 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90's utility space is significantly smaller at only 14.9 cu ft.

Is there a substantial difference in fuel economy for commuters?

Yes, the Mazda CX-90 offers a minor edge in efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG (23 city/28 highway). The Murano trails slightly with 23 combined MPG (21 city/27 highway), though both use regular unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle offers better perceived value at its starting price?

The CX-90 represents stronger initial value because it starts $2,870 cheaper at $38,800 while delivering substantially more power. The Murano starts at $41,670, placing a higher premium on its design and interior packaging.

Are the dimensions vastly different between these two AWD crossovers?

They are similarly wide, though the CX-90 is a much longer vehicle at 200.8 inches compared to the Murano’s 192.9 inches. This extra length in the Mazda contributes to its less spacious dedicated cargo area.