2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

$30,100 · Crossover

$36,400 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the efficient, compact CR-V and the spacious, powerful Pathfinder can be tough. If your primary concern is keeping running costs low, the 2025 Honda CR-V starts at a compelling $30,100, significantly undercutting the Pathfinder's $36,400 MSRP. The CR-V rewards frugal drivers with an impressive 30 combined MPG, compared to the Pathfinder’s 23 MPG, which translates to fewer stops at the pump. However, performance seekers will immediately notice the 94 horsepower gap; the Pathfinder boasts 284 hp versus the CR-V's 190 hp. While the CR-V is more maneuverable at 184.8 inches long, the larger Pathfinder offers substantially more interior volume overall, even if its dedicated cargo space is smaller at 16.6 cu ft versus the CR-V's 39.3 cu ft. Your daily routine dictates which set of compromises—fuel economy versus raw power—is the right fit.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda CR-V

The CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating, leading to lower operational costs over long distances.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

Despite the lower cargo figure listed, the Pathfinder's significantly larger exterior dimensions (197.7 inches long) suggest superior overall passenger room for growing families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder is the clear choice for driving fun, thanks to its substantial lead in power, generating 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers substantially better fuel economy (30 MPG vs 23 MPG) while having a massive $6,300 lower starting price.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

You want to save over $6,000 upfront, with an MSRP of $30,100.
Fuel economy is a priority, leveraging the CR-V's 34 highway MPG rating.
You prefer a more compact vehicle, as the CR-V is 12.9 inches shorter in length than the Pathfinder.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You frequently haul heavy loads or need quicker acceleration, utilizing the Pathfinder's 284 hp engine.
You appreciate the refinement of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You need greater highway passing power delivered by 259 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Nissan Pathfinder
Length	184.8"	197.7"
Width	73.5"	77.9"
Height	66.2"	70.9"
Wheelbase	106.3"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Honda	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/476.0 mi.	370.0/499.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	58.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Manual
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	35.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	59.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	255/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.

Is the higher power of the Pathfinder worth the lower fuel economy?

That depends on your priorities; the Pathfinder offers 94 more horsepower (284 hp vs 190 hp), but you will pay for it at the pump, returning only 23 combined MPG compared to the CR-V's 30 combined MPG.

How big is the price difference between the two crossovers?

There is a substantial $6,300 price gap, with the 2025 Honda CR-V starting at $30,100 and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder starting at $36,400.

Which vehicle is better equipped for maximizing cargo on road trips?

While the Pathfinder is physically larger overall, the CR-V provides significantly more dedicated storage space, offering 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.

Are the driving dynamics very different between these two FWD models?

Yes, the Pathfinder feels much stronger due to 259 lb-ft of torque, while the CR-V relies on a CVT for its 190 hp, making the CR-V feel geared more toward smooth, efficient driving.

Do these vehicles use the same type of fuel?

Both the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline, which is a point of parity between the two models.

How much taller is the Pathfinder compared to the CR-V?

The Pathfinder is noticeably taller, standing at 70.9 inches high, which is 4.7 inches taller than the CR-V's height of 66.2 inches, giving the Pathfinder a more imposing stance.