2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder roars into the fight with 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, delivering a traditional V6 punch off the line, despite its lower 23 combined MPG. Contrast this with the incredibly efficient 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, which boasts a staggering 36 combined MPG, turning fuel stops into rare events. While the Pathfinder has a starting MSRP of $36,400, the hybrid commands a premium at $44,210, reflecting its advanced powertrain and AWD capability. Furthermore, the Grand Highlander Hybrid provides superior utility, offering 20.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft. The power discrepancy favors the Pathfinder by 39 hp, but the hybrid counters with vastly better mileage and standard AWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG efficiency.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Families benefit from the Grand Highlander Hybrid's larger 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Enthusiasts will prefer the Pathfinder's higher 284 hp output and more engaging 9-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder offers substantial power at a $7,810 lower starting MSRP compared to the hybrid model.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- Maximum available horsepower (284 hp) is a priority over fuel economy.
- You want to save upfront, as the MSRP is significantly lower at $36,400.
- You prefer a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Achieving 36 combined MPG is essential for reducing running costs.
- You need maximum utility, reflected by the generous 20.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a must-have feature for variable road conditions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Pathfinder | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 201.4" |
| Width | 77.9" | 78.3" |
| Height | 70.9" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | — |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 37/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/499.5 mi. | 636.4/584.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.3 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 59.6 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
What is the primary trade-off when choosing between the 2025 Pathfinder and the Grand Highlander Hybrid?
The primary trade-off is performance versus efficiency; the Pathfinder offers 39 more horsepower (284 hp vs 245 hp) but achieves only 23 combined MPG, while the Grand Highlander Hybrid prioritizes savings with 36 combined MPG.
How much more expensive is the fuel-efficient Toyota model?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has an MSRP of $44,210, making it $7,810 more expensive than the $36,400 starting price of the Nissan Pathfinder.
Which crossover offers more passenger/cargo utility?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is the more capacious choice, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly beating the Pathfinder's 16.6 cubic feet.
Does the drivetrain configuration differ between these two vehicles?
Yes, the standard Pathfinder features front-wheel drive, whereas the Grand Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction.
Are there significant differences in engine power between the two crossovers?
The Nissan Pathfinder leads on raw power with 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, whereas the hybrid system in the Toyota produces 245 hp.
Which vehicle uses a conventional automatic transmission?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Grand Highlander Hybrid utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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