Nissan Patrol vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?

Nissan Patrol

$86,990 - $148,990

2025 price

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Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Nissan Patrol

2026 Mazda CX-5

By Marcus Craft

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

V8, 5.6L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

14.4L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Dislikes

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

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

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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2026 Mazda CX-5 Summary

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here, promising to be bigger, better and bolder, with fresh styling, sharper handling and more technology. But in a market where hybrid power is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, has Mazda left the CX-5 at a disadvantage? I’ve spent a week with the Evolve grade to find out for you.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-5?

Deep dive comparison

2025 Nissan Patrol 2026 Mazda CX-5

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.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 Evolve kicks some goals and with its comfortable on-road handling, robust safety equipment and practical interior, it’s still a solid choice for families looking for a mid-sized SUV. The only thing it’s missing is a hybrid powertrain, which would make this already well-rounded package even more compelling.

Nissan Patrol vs Mazda CX-5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Nissan Patrol vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?