2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. Trim levels ranged from Select to Premium Plus, with prices spanning from $39,575 to $59,480. The test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim and Soul Red paint, had an MSRP of $51,450. Its exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. The sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement over the rear axle contributed to its athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and upscale switchgear, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. Ergonomic issues included a confusing electronic shifter and non-touchscreen infotainment, but overall, the CX-90 exuded sophistication.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a high beltline and a tall grille, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and unique front fascia. The Armada's side profile appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. Lava Red accents adorned the PRO-4X, while other trims featured chrome. The Armada's round wheel arches suited the Platinum and Platinum Reserve trims, while the PRO-4X added rugged black cladding. The rear showcased C-shaped LED taillights and a fashionable lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes varied from 18 to 22 inches, with the PRO-4X featuring unique all-terrain tires. Inside, the Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X offered premium interiors with leather seats and contrasting stitching, creating a luxurious cabin ambiance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain fell short of its design and materials, with the turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The i-Stop function aimed to enhance fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Noise and impact harshness were noticeable, detracting from the upscale impression. The taut suspension provided a firm ride, and switching between driving modes revealed the CX-90's dynamic character.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the GT-R, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous seven-speed, with rear-wheel drive or Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive options, except for the 4WD-only PRO-4X. The PRO-4X featured 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and skid plates. The adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, offered improved ground clearance and approach angles. The Armada's 4WD models included hill-descent control and an off-road information display. Towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and blind-spot warning. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering provided engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X excelled in challenging conditions, with Mud/Rut mode and adaptive suspension raising the SUV for better clearance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior climate control struggled to cool the cabin quickly, despite the unseasonably cool California summer. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. However, front-seat ventilation was less effective. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with adjustable armrests and window shades. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. The CX-90's electronic shifter didn't enhance storage space, with limited options in the center console and door panels. Cargo space measured 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down, which was small for the segment.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad, except in the base SV trim. The Armada Platinum Reserve boasted "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort but feeling deep without a thigh extender. Front-row power adjustment varied by trim, with heated and cooled seats available on higher trims. The second row offered captain's chairs or a bench, while the third row featured a 60/40-split bench with power folding. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second, and 97.1 in total. Headroom and legroom varied with the sunroof, with front-row legroom increasing to 43.8 inches. The Armada's passenger space fell short compared to American rivals but surpassed Toyota's offering.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while the native Mazda Connect platform required console controls. Mazda's voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, 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 helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, 12.3 inches on the SV and SL trims, and 14.3 inches on higher trims. The screens were housed together, sitting lower in the dash but remaining visible. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional from the SL trim level. The base SV featured a six-speaker sound system, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System was standard on higher trims. The Klipsch system impressed with its audio quality, appealing to audiophiles.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, though it had some limitations in certain conditions. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, with effective lane-keeping technologies and a communicative blind-spot monitoring system.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with varying levels of advanced driver-assistance technologies. The SV and PRO-4X trims included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering steering assistance, while higher trims offered ProPILOT Assist 1.1 and 2.1, with hands-free highway-driving assist. The ProPILOT Assist 2.1 impressed with its smooth adjustments but required occasional driver input. Nissan Safety Shield 360 was standard, offering features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included a surround-view camera or 3D Around View Monitor, with an Invisible Hood View and Front Wide View for enhanced visibility. The Intelligent Around-View camera proved useful in navigating tight spaces.