Mazda CX-9 vs Nissan Patrol
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Nissan Patrol

$86,990 - $148,990

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2021 Mazda CX-9

2025 Nissan Patrol

By Justin Hilliard

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

V8, 5.6L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.4L/100km (combined)

14.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

New 10.25-inch display
Seven-seater's versatility
Comfortable ride

That V8
Very comfortable on-road
Very capable off-road

Dislikes

Expensive AWD option
Six-seater's compromises
Older ANCAP safety rating

Fuel bills
Update adds nothing in terms of performance
Exhaust caps may cop damage off-road

2021 Mazda CX-9 Summary

The second-generation Mazda CX-9 may have been on sale in Australia for nearly five years now, but it remains the second best-selling large SUV using unibody construction (as opposed to old-school, off-road-focused body-on-frame).

That said, it is getting on a bit, so Mazda’s given it an update with a twist for 2021, hoping to inject a little bit more life into its flagship model.

And when we say twist, we mean it. After all, who would’ve thought there’d ever be a six-seat CX-9? Well, we’ve checked it out to see if it’s the version we needed all along. Read on.

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2025 Nissan Patrol Summary

The entire 2025 Nissan Patrol range – including the Ti-based, Premcar-boosted Warrior – has undergone a cabin update.

Changes include a new bigger touchscreen multimedia system, wireless charging and an off-road monitor.

The same V8 engine remains across the range so there are no changes to power and torque.

So, do these cabin tech updates make any kind of significant difference to the Warrior package?

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mazda CX-9 2025 Nissan Patrol

Verdict

The CX-9 is still a great option for families looking for a large SUV, even if it is starting to show its age as new rivals continue to launch with newer technologies.

That said, the availability of a luxury-focused six-seat configuration (Azami LE AWD) for the first time might be enough to convince some buyers to give it further consideration.

But for others who need the versatility of seven seats, this is still the CX-9 we’ve all come to know and love – but just a little bit better – particularly in its best-selling Azami AWD form.

Verdict

The Nissan Patrol Warrior is a very capable 4WD, it’s a refined, comfortable all-rounder with plenty of potential as a touring vehicle.

PremCar’s work here – as on the Navara – has made a good 4WD even better.

All of that conversion work, engineering upgrades and fitment of accessories is the kind of sensible work an experienced 4WDer would apply via the aftermarket. The bonus here is that it’s all factory-backed and covered by a 10-year/300,000km warranty, albeit with conditions.

If you can cope with the fuel bills, this big V8 4WD remains a refreshingly old-school style of off-roader – relying more on sheer grunt than touchy tech – and the latest round of cabin updates has added more appeal to what is already a very appealing vehicle.

Mazda CX-9 vs Nissan Patrol What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-9 vs Nissan Patrol
What's the difference?