Mazda CX-5 vs. Nissan Pathfinder
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Pathfinder contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan Pathfinder.
When we compare the Mazda CX-5's and the Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-5's and the Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Pathfinder is a better car than the Mazda CX-5.
Pricing: A used 2024 Mazda CX-5 ranges from $28,687 to $40,393 while a used 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is priced between $37,204 to $53,428. For a new model, the Mazda CX-5's price is between $30,611 and $40,595, with the Nissan Pathfinder priced between $38,360 and $54,340.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda CX-5 loses 36.2 percent of its value and the Nissan Pathfinder loses 52.7 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-5 retains 16.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Pathfinder.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.2 out of 10 while the Nissan Pathfinder's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 5 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Nissan Pathfinder being ranked 7 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Nissan Pathfinder the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Pathfinder an advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda CX-5’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Nissan Pathfinder base engine makes 284 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Pathfinder, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Mazda CX-5, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan Pathfinder have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Nissan Pathfinder has the better rating with a Top Safety Pick+ award compared to the Mazda CX-5’s Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$30,611 - $40,595
Starting MSRP:
$29,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$38,360 - $54,340
Starting MSRP:
$36,650
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,021
Price Range:
$28,687 - $40,393
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,320
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
20,339
# Good or Great Deals:
206
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$45,204
Price Range:
$37,204 - $53,428
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,463
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
17,189
# Good or Great Deals:
445
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,943
Depreciation %:
37.3%
Resale Value $:
$18,357
Residual Value %:
62.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$19,605
Depreciation %:
53.5%
Resale Value $:
$17,045
Residual Value %:
46.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-5
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
23.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Pathfinder
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
44.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 56Ranking
1 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Nissan Pathfinder Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
37 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Summary Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.
Summary Review
The three-row Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new model features a more boxy facade, additional standard safety features, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium interior that can now seat up to eight passengers. This much-needed makeover of the aging Pathfinder, after nearly a decade, will better position the midsize SUV in this competitive segment.
Pros and Cons
- Dynamic driving experience
- Near-luxury interior design and materials
- Available 250-hp turbo engine on newer models
- No hybrid available
- Fuel economy lags class leaders
- Non-turbo models could use more power
Pros and Cons
- “Right-sized” for this three-row segment (not huge, but certainly not small)
- Selectable modes to optimize optional AWD system
- Impressive suite of standard safety features
- Intuitive touchscreen infotainment system
- No green (hybrid/electric) version available
- Handling can be lackluster
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Signature
Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Platinum, Rock Creek, S, SL, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
185 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
259 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
30 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
164.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3783 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4317 lbs
Width:
77.9 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
197.7 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica / Eternal Blue Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic / Platinum Quartz Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
White
Rhodium White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Not available
White
Glacier White
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
