Nissan Z vs Mazda CX-90
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Nissan Z starts from $76,160 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-90 opens at $74,385. That makes the Mazda CX-90 the more affordable entry point by $1,775.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $83,776 and $81,824 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-90 by roughly $3,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan Z features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-90 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan Z stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and Bose audio that you will not find on the Mazda CX-90. The Mazda CX-90 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Z uses a Petrol producing 298kW and 475Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The Nissan Z has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 254kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Z is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Z measures 4,380mm long on a 2,550mm wheelbase, 740mm shorter than the Mazda CX-90 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,078/year for the Nissan Z and $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-90.
Estimated annual total: $3,078 (Nissan Z) vs $2,337 (Mazda CX-90). The Mazda CX-90 saves you roughly $741 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Z) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Z if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Nissan Z and Mazda CX-90 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-90 will save you roughly $741 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan Z and Mazda CX-90?
The Mazda CX-90 is the cheapest at $74,385 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Z by $1,775.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-90 uses the least fuel at 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Z makes the most power at 298kW. The Nissan Z is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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