Introduction
When it comes to bringing cheer to the whole family in an SUV, comfort and space are at the top of the wish list. You want three rows of seats with convenience and ample room throughout the interior, which means considering a full-size crossover SUV like the new 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the mid-size crossover SUV, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.
Whether you're packing for a road trip to the grandparents' house or just traveling through River Valley, these two three-row SUVs promise sleigh-worthy style and capability. Let’s unwrap which one delivers the most joy per mile this holiday season. Keep reading as we compare the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Nissan Pathfinder to highlight their comfort, performance, and space for the entire family, between a full-size crossover SUV and a mid-size crossover SUV.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is considered one of the top three-row SUVs by experts like Car and Driver.
- Both the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder are three-row SUVs recently recognized by the IIHS as Top Safety Picks+ choices.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium trim and above require premium unleaded fuel for best performance.
Let’s Compare: 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a full-size crossover SUV and is larger than the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, which is a mid-size crossover SUV. Both have three rows of seats for seven to eight passengers, depending on the trim, but look to the 2026 Mazda CX-90 for more interior space for passengers and cargo.
Both lineups also feature trims with interiors lined with premium materials, including heated leather seats, comfort and convenience in every row, and advanced technology for increased driver focus and safety. The Mazda CX-90 ranks higher among experts like Car and Driver as one of their top picks, even placing the Mazda CX-90 above the Honda Pilot. The IIHS recognized the Mazda CX-90 and the Nissan Pathfinder as 2025 Top Safety Pick+ choices, earning good ratings for crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and seat belts and child restraints.
Another one of the differences you will see between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is what's powering each model. The Mazda CX-90 has an e-SKYACTIV-G 3.3L Turbo Inline 6-cylinder engine with a rear-biased, i-ACTIV AWD combined with a mild hybrid electric motor and some trims tuned for higher horsepower. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium and above higher-performance trims require premium unleaded fuel with a higher octane of at least 91. The Nissan Pathfinder is not a hybrid, but it has a larger 3.5L 6-cylinder engine.
Which three-row crossover SUV gets the best gas mileage?
If you’re looking for a three-row SUV with impressive gas mileage, check out the Mazda CX-90 with a driving range of 462 miles. Compared to the Nissan Pathfinder, you’ll get better gas mileage, a longer driving range, and spend less on average on fuel costs. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 should deliver similar EPA fuel economy as previous models, with at least 28 MPG on the highway and 24 MPG in the city.
Which three-row crossover SUV is right for me: the full-size or the mid-size?
If you’re looking for a three-row SUV with impressive fuel economy, seating for seven to eight passengers with optional captain's chairs, foldable third-row seats for versatility, heated leather seats, and a mix of convenience and luxury in every row, then the full-size 2026 Mazda CX-90 is an excellent choice for you and your family.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers excellent handling, elegant accents inside and out, a luxurious interior with heated leather seats, a Bose sound system, wireless charging, USB ports, 12V power outlets, a panoramic sunroof for stunning views, and a comfortable ride with connectivity for seamless streaming from your devices and more with built-in Amazon Alexa.
Other 2026 Mazda CX-90 features you can look forward to include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, an Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition, three-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Auto Speed Limit Assist, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, Paddle Shifters, Push Button Start, carpeted floor mats, heated steering wheel, and driver and safety assistance features to help increase driver focus while reducing collisions and speeding.
The Only Mild Hybrid Three Row SUV
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the only full-size three-row mild hybrid SUV powered by gasoline with impressive fuel efficiency. Drive the 2026 Mazda CX-90, ranked among the best three-row SUVs on the road, safely rated, and fun to drive. Visit Cogswell Mazda today and enjoy driving the new 2026 Mazda CX-90 year after year with the luxury, comfort, and space your family wants every season. From the Cogswell Motors family to yours: Happy Holidays!