2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Canadian trim levels included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with pricing ranging from $48,846 to $67,886. The test vehicle in the U.S., equivalent to the mild hybrid’s Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the Canadian MSRP to $67,286. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal created a compelling interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to a low, long, athletic look.

Inside, the CX-90 continued its premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its price, the cabin felt convincingly upscale. However, design-related complaints included a confusing electronic shifter, an awkwardly placed hazard flasher button, and the lack of touchscreen operation for Mazda Connect infotainment functions. The climate panel’s temperature-adjustment switchgear was also counterintuitive. Despite these issues, the 2025 CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to most midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested during a snowstorm, came equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, which was available on all Canadian models. The Rock Creek trim, with its adventurous look, featured 18-inch beadlock-style wheels and a V-Motion grille with mesh pattern and contrasting trim. The Pathfinder's redesign for the 2022 model year introduced a more assertive front end, protective cladding, and a stylishly slanted C-pillar. The Rock Creek trim further enhanced its rugged appearance with a metal roof rack and exposed trailer hitch.

Inside, the Pathfinder offered cloth seats on the S and SV trims, while the Rock Creek featured leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange “Rock Creek” logos. The SL trim provided full leather seats, and the Platinum trim upgraded to quilted semi-aniline leather. Heated front seats, steering wheel, outboard mirrors, and washer nozzles were standard in Canada, with the Platinum trim adding ventilation. The Pathfinder's interior was generally comfortable, with solid material quality, though not cutting-edge in terms of technology.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version, standard on GT-P and Signature trims, delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power flowed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Fuel economy ratings were 9.3 L/100 km combined for the standard engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The plug-in hybrid offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted.

The CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially shortly after engine start-up. Unwanted engine surge and acceleration were experienced, and vibrations resonated through the second-row captain’s chairs. The taut suspension was firm and communicative, but opting out of the 21-inch wheels might offer a softer ride. Switching from Sport to Normal mode resulted in smoother driving and highlighted Mazda's dynamic character.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The Rock Creek trim received a boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft with premium fuel. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, offering decisive shifts and unobtrusive operation. The Platinum and Rock Creek trims featured a transmission oil cooler, elevating their maximum towing capacity to 2,720 kilograms. The Pathfinder's soft suspension provided a comfortable ride on bumpy roads but felt floaty on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 11.9 L/100 km city, 10.0 highway, and 11.1 combined, with other trims slightly more efficient.

The Pathfinder offered seven drive modes, including Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut, and Tow, with hill descent control standard. Snow mode provided necessary traction during testing, adjusting power delivery, throttle response, and transmission shift points to maximize traction.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in Signature trim. The three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin, and front-seat ventilation was nearly as ineffective as the air conditioning. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests and side window shades. However, seat-track travel was limited, and loading children in close quarters could be challenging due to the long rear doors.

The CX-90 offered 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,155 litres with the third row folded, and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the split centre armrest, and stingy door panel storage.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder provided ample interior space despite offering less cargo capacity than some rivals. During a three-day ski trip, it comfortably accommodated four adults and their gear. The Pathfinder offered 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and 2,279 litres with both rows down. The SV and Rock Creek trims featured a power liftgate.

The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with three-zone climate control and supportive seats. The Rock Creek's driver’s seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat had six-way manual adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were available only in the Captain’s Chairs trim. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed the middle seat to slide and tip forward with a car seat in place, facilitating third-row access.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. Other trims used traditional gauges and smaller screens. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with an older interface and smaller screens. The S, SV, and Rock Creek trims had an 8-inch screen, while the SL and Platinum featured a 9-inch screen. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system on the Platinum. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless projection available only on the 9-inch screen for Apple devices. Voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with navigation available only on the SL and Platinum trims. A 12.3-inch TFT driver-information display was standard on the Platinum, with a head-up display exclusive to this trim.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the audible warning systems were intrusive.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder also earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash testing and rollover evaluation. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and ProPilot Assist. Traffic sign recognition was standard on the SL and Platinum trims.