2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

$40,050 · Crossover

$36,400 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the $3,650 MSRP gap, with the Pathfinder starting at $36,400 versus the Explorer’s $40,050. However, the Explorer delivers a measurable performance advantage, boasting 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Pathfinder’s 284 hp and 259 lb-ft. This power translates into a slight fuel economy edge for the Explorer, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the Pathfinder’s 23 MPG combined, despite both utilizing regular unleaded fuel. Dimensionally, the Explorer is marginally longer at 198.8 inches and offers superior utility with 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Pathfinder’s 16.6 cu ft. The Pathfinder counters with slightly taller stature at 70.9 inches, potentially aiding ingress/egress.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The lower MSRP of $36,400 for the Pathfinder makes it the financially sounder choice for daily commuting needs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer provides 1.6 cubic feet more maximum cargo capacity (18.2 cu ft vs. 16.6 cu ft), beneficial for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer leads significantly in power output with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Pathfinder’s 284 hp and 259 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder offers a compelling blend of utility and respectable power at a $3,650 lower initial cost.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, needing the 300 hp and 310 lb-ft torque figures.
You require the slightly larger 18.2 cu ft cargo capacity for regular hauling.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration is a mandatory or preferred drivetrain layout.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

Maintaining the lowest possible entry price is crucial, saving $3,650 at MSRP.
You prefer the traction benefits inherent to a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard configuration.
You seek a marginally taller stance at 70.9 inches for driver visibility or access.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Nissan Pathfinder
Length	198.8"	197.7"
Width	78.9"	77.9"
Height	69.9"	70.9"
Wheelbase	119.1"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated 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
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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 @ 5500 rpm	284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 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	10-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	370.0/499.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	58.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Manual
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	35.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	59.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	56.3 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	255/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Nissan
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 Explorer and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.

Which crossover has better highway fuel economy?

The 2025 Ford Explorer edges out the Pathfinder slightly, achieving 29 MPG Highway compared to the Pathfinder's 27 MPG Highway. Both achieve 20 MPG in the City cycle.

What is the difference in drivetrain configuration?

The Explorer comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), while the Pathfinder utilizes a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) base configuration. Both employ automatic transmissions (10-speed for Explorer, 9-speed for Pathfinder).

How much more power does the Explorer offer over the Pathfinder?

The Explorer produces 16 more horsepower (300 hp vs. 284 hp) and significantly more torque, delivering 310 lb-ft compared to the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft.

Is the cost savings of the Pathfinder substantial enough to offset the lower horsepower?

The Pathfinder saves $3,650 upfront, which is substantial. However, the Explorer offers 1.6 MPG better combined efficiency (24 MPG vs 23 MPG) and more torque, impacting performance and potential long-term running costs differently.

Are both vehicles similar in exterior dimensions?

Yes, they are closely matched in footprint, with the Explorer being 1.1 inches longer (198.8 in) but the Pathfinder being 1.0 inch taller (70.9 in vs 69.9 in).