Compare the2026 Nissan PathfinderVS 2026 Mazda CX-90

The Pathfinder Platinum has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The CX-90 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

Both the Pathfinder and the CX-90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Nissan Pathfinder is safer than the Mazda CX-90:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Nissan Pathfinder is safer than the Mazda CX-90:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are almost 2 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Pathfinder’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Pathfinder third among upper midsize SUVs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The CX-90 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 56 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 26th, below the industry average.

The Pathfinder has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Nissan Pathfinder, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the CX-90.

For better stopping power the Pathfinder’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-90:

The Pathfinder’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-90 are solid, not vented.

The Pathfinder has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The CX-90 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For better maneuverability, the Pathfinder’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the CX-90’s (37.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The Nissan Pathfinder may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 600 pounds less than the Mazda CX-90.

The Pathfinder is 3.1 inches shorter than the CX-90, making the Pathfinder easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Pathfinder has 6.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-90 (148.5 vs. 141.6).

The Pathfinder has 2.6 inches more front headroom, 2.6 inches more front legroom, 2.1 inches more front hip room, 3.6 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, .8 inches more rear hip room, 1.5 inches more rear shoulder room, .9 inches more third row headroom, 3 inches more third row hip room and 5.1 inches more third row shoulder room than the CX-90.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Pathfinder’s middle and third row seats recline. The CX-90’s third row seats don’t recline.

The Pathfinder’s cargo area provides more volume than the CX-90.

The Pathfinder’s cargo area is larger than the CX-90’s in almost every dimension:

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Pathfinder. The CX-90 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Maximum trailer towing in the Mazda CX-90 is limited to 5000 pounds. The Pathfinder offers up to a 6000 lbs. towing capacity.

The Pathfinder’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-90’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Nissan Pathfinder has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the infotainment. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the CX-90 Premium.

Compared to traditional radio, the Nissan Pathfinder’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-90 Premium.

The Pathfinder is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Nissan Pathfinder outsold the Mazda CX-90 by 84% during 2025.