2025 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

$38,995 · SUV

$36,400 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the rugged 2025 Ford Bronco and the family-friendly 2025 Nissan Pathfinder often boils down to prioritizing off-road capability versus on-road efficiency. If your primary concern is fuel economy for the daily grind, the Pathfinder pulls ahead significantly, boasting a combined 23 MPG compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG, and it happily sips regular unleaded instead of requiring premium. However, for those chasing adventure, the Bronco offers superior power figures with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with a unique 7-speed manual transmission—a clear enthusiast draw. The Pathfinder, while less potent, is notably longer at 197.7 inches, suggesting more interior room for cargo (though surprisingly, the Bronco offers 20.6 cu ft versus the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft in the provided specs). The $38,995 Bronco demands a premium over the Pathfinder's $36,400 starting price, making the efficiency trade-off a key consideration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder wins for commuters due to its better fuel efficiency, achieving 23 MPG combined on regular fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder offers a more traditional crossover layout and better economy, which usually suits family logistics better than the Bronco's rugged focus.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, plus the engaging 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder offers a lower MSRP of $36,400 and superior fuel economy (23 MPG combined) using cheaper fuel, making it better overall value for typical driving.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You prefer the engagement of a 7-speed manual transmission over an automatic.
You need the robust capability implied by its four-wheel drive system and higher torque (325 lb-ft).
You prefer the smaller footprint, measuring only 173.7 inches in length, for tighter maneuvering.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

Saving money at the pump is important, given its 4 MPG advantage (23 combined MPG).
You prefer to use regular unleaded gasoline rather than the recommended premium fuel for the Bronco.
You need a slightly wider stance for stability, as the Pathfinder is 77.9 inches wide compared to the Bronco's 75.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco	Nissan Pathfinder
Length	173.7"	197.7"
Width	75.9"	77.9"
Height	71.9"	70.9"
Wheelbase	100.4"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	2	3
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5700 rpm	284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Transmission Type	7-speed manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	front wheel drive
4WD System Type	Part Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.2/354.9 mi.	370.0/499.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	58.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Manual

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	35.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.8 in.	59.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.3 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	16 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/70R16	255/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Bronco and Pathfinder?

The difference is substantial for daily driving; the Pathfinder achieves 23 MPG combined, whereas the Bronco manages only 19 MPG combined. This 4 MPG gap means more frequent, and potentially costlier, stops for the Bronco owner, especially since the Bronco recommends premium fuel.

Which vehicle offers more power for passing maneuvers?

The 2025 Ford Bronco is the more powerful choice, producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. This is noticeably higher than the Pathfinder's 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque.

Is the 2025 Ford Bronco difficult to park compared to the Pathfinder?

The Bronco is considerably shorter than the Pathfinder; it measures 173.7 inches long, while the Pathfinder stretches to 197.7 inches. While the Bronco is slightly narrower and taller, its shorter length generally aids in fitting into standard parking spaces.

What transmission differences should I expect between these two SUVs?

The Bronco comes standard with a rugged 7-speed manual transmission, offering direct driver control. Conversely, the Pathfinder utilizes a modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing a smoother and more hands-off driving experience.

Despite the body styles, which vehicle has better cargo space?

Based on the provided specifications, the 2025 Ford Bronco actually offers more listed cargo capacity at 20.6 cubic feet compared to the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's 16.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Is the lower MSRP of the Pathfinder justified by its running costs?

Yes, the Pathfinder's $36,400 MSRP is lower than the Bronco's $38,995, and this saving is amplified by lower fuel expenses since it uses regular unleaded and achieves 23 MPG versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.