2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder lies in power output, where the Pathfinder delivers a substantial 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. This 81 hp advantage is coupled with a $4,565 lower MSRP for the Pathfinder at $36,400 versus the NX's $40,965. Fuel economy heavily favors the smaller Lexus, achieving 28 combined MPG (26 city/33 highway) versus the Pathfinder's 23 combined MPG. However, the Pathfinder compensates with greater physical presence, being 14.2 inches longer and considerably wider and taller. While the Lexus offers 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, the larger Pathfinder only provides 16.6 cu ft, indicating a trade-off between efficiency/maneuverability and raw size.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The 2025 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG fuel economy rating.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the better family vehicle due to its substantially larger exterior dimensions, specifically its 14.2-inch length advantage over the Lexus.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder appeals more to enthusiasts with 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the NX's 203 hp.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers better measurable value, starting at $36,400 versus the NX's $40,965 MSRP.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing fuel stops, given its 28 combined MPG versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG.
- You prefer a more compact footprint for urban navigation, as the NX is 14.2 inches shorter than the Pathfinder.
- You prefer the 8-speed automatic transmission setup over the Pathfinder's 9-speed.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- Maximum engine output is necessary, evidenced by its 284 hp and 259 lb-ft torque figures.
- Budget is constrained, as the Pathfinder's $36,400 MSRP undercuts the NX by $4,565.
- You require a larger physical vehicle, as the Pathfinder is notably taller at 70.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 197.7" |
| Width | 73.4" | 77.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 70.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 114.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 370.0/499.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| 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 | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 35.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 255/60R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.
Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The 2025 Lexus NX provides better fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG (26 city/33 highway). Conversely, the larger 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is rated for 23 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway).
How much more powerful is the Pathfinder compared to the NX?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is significantly more powerful, generating 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. This represents an 81 hp and 75 lb-ft advantage over the 2025 Lexus NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft.
What is the price difference between the two crossovers?
The starting MSRP shows a measurable gap, with the 2025 Lexus NX priced at $40,965, making it $4,565 more expensive than the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder starting at $36,400.
Does the larger Pathfinder offer more usable storage space?
Despite its larger overall dimensions, the 2025 Lexus NX actually offers superior stated cargo capacity at 22.7 cubic feet, compared to the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's 16.6 cubic feet.
Are both vehicles comparable in size and footprint?
No, the Pathfinder is significantly larger; it measures 197.7 inches long and 70.9 inches high, dwarfing the NX which sits at 183.5 inches in length and 66.1 inches in height.
Which vehicle uses a different transmission or fuel type?
Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel, but the Pathfinder employs a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the NX uses an 8-speed automatic.
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