A mid-size SUV is just the thing for families with a real need for cargo capacity and performance. Plus, automakers like Nissan have even wised up to drivers' expectations for driver assistance technology, making for some of the best-equipped utes in history.
Drivers in Charlottesville who want to know the differences between the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2017 Mazda CX-9 should check out our one-to-one comparison to see which comes out ahead in safety and performance:
Safety and Tech
Nissan Pathfinder
All trims of the 2018 Pathfinder - including the S, SV, SL, and Platinum - come standard with Nissan's Advanced Drive-Assist Display, a RearView Monitor, Bluetooth hands-free tech, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System. The Nissan SUV is also available with a Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent AroundView Monitor, Rear Sonar System, and Intelligent Cruise Control.
The 2018 model hasn't been evaluated by safety organizations yet, but the 2017 Pathfinder was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and received a best-possible 5-Star Overall Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Mazda CX-9
The 2018 CX-9 comes in four trims, including the Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. The CX-9 Sport is equipped with a rearview camera, Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control, and Bluetooth hands-free technology. Upper trims add a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support, and Lane Keep Assist.
While the 2017 CX-9 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, the Mazda SUV has not been evaluated by the NHTSA.Â
Performance
Nissan Pathfinder
The 2018 Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Xtronic Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission, making 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan SUV comes standard with front-wheel drive and available with all-wheel drive, and has a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.
EPA estimates indicate that Pathfinder FWD models get 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, while AWD models get 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway.
Mazda CX-9
Under the hood, the CX-9 has a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain makes 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and has a towing capacity of just 3,500 pounds.
According to EPA estimates, FWD models get 22 MPG city and 28 MPG highway while AWD models get 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. This gives the CX-9 a slight edge on the Pathfinder in terms of efficiency, but the Nissan has substantially more power, making it a better fit for Virginians who live in hilly or mountainous regions.Â
Pricing
Nissan Pathfinder
Starting at $30,790 MSRP
Mazda CX-9
Starting at $31,520 MSRP