2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, standing out in the small SUV class with its graceful curves and understated style. Despite not having a redesign since 2017, its timeless design continued to impress, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV. Inside, the CX-5 offered a refined interior with quality materials and a user-friendly layout. It maintained traditional controls, favoring physical buttons and knobs over large touchscreens, which enhanced usability and comfort.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a rugged and adventurous look, especially in the Rock Creek trim. Redesigned in 2022, it featured an assertive front end and protective cladding, with the Rock Creek adding unique elements like a V-Motion grille and stacked LED lights. Inside, the Pathfinder provided a comfortable experience with cloth and leatherette options, and the Rock Creek trim included distinctive orange stitching. While not cutting-edge in technology, it offered a solid and comfortable interior.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version with 256 horsepower. Both engines came with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine provided adequate power, while the turbocharged model delivered quicker acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about six seconds. The CX-5 was known for its sporty handling, offering a confident and engaging driving experience, though it had a slightly firmer ride.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower in most trims and 295 horsepower in the Rock Creek trim. It used a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds in certain trims. The Pathfinder's ride was soft, suitable for light off-roading but less composed on twisty roads. It offered seven drive modes, including a snow mode, which enhanced traction in challenging conditions. Fuel economy was moderate, with the Rock Creek trim averaging 20.8 mpg.

The Mazda CX-5's interior was praised for its design but lacked some practicality compared to rivals. It offered 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with seats folded. While it provided decent rear legroom, competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage offered more space. The CX-5 included useful features like a power liftgate and convenient seat-folding latches.

The Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller on paper, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. It offered 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Pathfinder excelled in comfort, with three-zone climate control and adjustable seating. The Rock Creek trim featured captain’s chairs and a removable center console, enhancing versatility. Its EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing child seats.

The Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled by a center console dial. While not the largest, its placement minimized distraction. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless options in higher trims. The CX-5 included a head-up display in Premium Plus trims and above, enhancing driver information accessibility. Audio options ranged from a basic four-speaker system to a 10-speaker Bose system in the Signature model.

The Nissan Pathfinder's technology was less advanced, with an older interface compared to other Nissans. It featured an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in higher trims, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL and Platinum trims offered a 13-speaker Bose system and navigation. While user-friendly, the Pathfinder's tech felt dated compared to competitors, with limited wireless capabilities and smaller screens.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. It included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and ProPilot Assist. Traffic sign recognition was available in higher trims, enhancing safety and driver assistance.