2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Comparison Overview
The battle for mid-size crossover dominance pits the luxurious command of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade against the rugged practicality of the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. The Palisade immediately thrills with a punchier 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, offering a marginally stronger pull from its 8-speed automatic gearbox, despite a slightly thirstier 22 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the Pathfinder, starting at a lower MSRP of $36,400 versus the Palisade's $37,200, nips ahead in efficiency, achieving 23 MPG combined courtesy of its refined 9-speed automatic. While the Palisade is a touch wider at 77.8 inches, the Pathfinder stands taller at 70.9 inches, suggesting a more imposing stance. Both vehicles ride on similar footprints, with the Palisade offering marginally more cargo space at 18 cu ft compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft, setting the stage for a close fight based on prioritization of power versus economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG compared to the Palisade's 22 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade slightly edges out the Pathfinder by offering more maximum cargo capacity at 18 cubic feet versus 16.6 cubic feet.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
Enthusiasts will appreciate the Palisade’s higher output of 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which outperforms the Pathfinder's 284 hp and 259 lb-ft.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder secures the value win by having a lower starting MSRP of $36,400 compared to the Palisade's $37,200.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You prioritize raw performance, taking advantage of the Palisade's 291 horsepower.
- You need the maximum usable space, as it provides 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the more conventional and robust feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You prioritize efficiency, capitalizing on the Pathfinder’s 23 MPG combined rating.
- You are seeking a slightly lower entry price point with an MSRP of $36,400.
- You prefer the marginally taller profile, as the Pathfinder measures 70.9 inches in height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 197.7" |
| Width | 77.8" | 77.9" |
| Height | 68.9" | 70.9" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 114.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.2/488.8 mi. | 370.0/499.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.1 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.1 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Manual |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 35.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.7 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 255/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.
Which vehicle uses less fuel for daily driving?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the more fuel-efficient choice, achieving 23 MPG combined (20 City/27 Highway). The 2025 Hyundai Palisade trails slightly with a combined rating of 22 MPG (19 City/26 Highway).
Is the performance difference between the Palisade and Pathfinder significant?
While both are strong, the Palisade has a clear edge in power, generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Pathfinder offers 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Palisade is slightly stronger in acceleration tests.
How does the starting price compare for these two crossovers?
The Nissan Pathfinder presents better entry value with an MSRP of $36,400. The Hyundai Palisade starts slightly higher, positioned at $37,200 for the base model.
Which crossover offers more room for luggage?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade provides more dedicated storage, boasting 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder holds 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space, making the difference about 1.4 cubic feet.
Are there noticeable differences in their transmissions?
Yes, the Pathfinder uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic, potentially offering smoother shifting for efficiency. The Palisade utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which contributes to its slightly higher torque output rating.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle mandates premium fuel for optimal performance; both the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool