2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The primary fiscal divergence between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder (car1) and the 2025 Toyota Highlander (car2) is the $3,920 MSRP difference, with the Pathfinder starting at $36,400 versus the Highlander's $40,320. Performance metrics reveal the Pathfinder generates more peak power at 284 horsepower, while the Highlander leads significantly in torque with 310 lb-ft compared to the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Highlander, achieving a 25 MPG combined rating versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Pathfinder is larger, measuring 197.7 inches long and 70.9 inches high, exceeding the Highlander's 194.9-inch length and 68.1-inch height. Cargo capacity shows a marginal advantage for the Pathfinder at 16.6 cubic feet over the Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet, despite the price disparity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers superior fuel efficiency with 25 MPG combined versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG combined, lowering daily operating costs.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder offers a larger footprint, being 2.8 inches taller and providing a marginal advantage in cargo capacity at 16.6 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque provides superior pulling capability compared to the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder undercuts the Highlander's MSRP by $3,920 while delivering 19 more horsepower.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- Budget sensitivity is paramount, as the $36,400 MSRP is $3,920 less than the competing model.
- Higher peak horsepower is preferred, as the Pathfinder produces 284 hp against the Highlander's 265 hp.
- Maximum ingress height is desired, given the Pathfinder's 70.9-inch overall height compared to 68.1 inches for the Highlander.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximizing low-end pulling power is a priority, supported by the Highlander's segment-leading 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Better city and highway cruising efficiency is required, evidenced by the Highlander's 22/29 MPG ratings.
- A slightly shorter vehicle length (194.9 inches) is necessary for tight garage fitment.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Pathfinder | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 194.9" |
| Width | 77.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 70.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 112.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/499.5 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.9 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 | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 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. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.3 in. | 57.2 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.5 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 59.6 in. | 58.7 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 | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/60R18 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Toyota Highlander.
Which crossover is more powerful based on the provided specifications?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder (car1) produces a higher peak horsepower figure at 284 hp, utilizing a 9-speed automatic transmission. However, the 2025 Toyota Highlander (car2) generates significantly more torque, rated at 310 lb-ft versus the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft.
How much does the MSRP difference translate to in fuel savings over a year?
The Highlander costs $3,920 more upfront but delivers a 2 MPG combined advantage (25 MPG vs. 23 MPG). While exact savings depend on driving habits, the higher efficiency helps mitigate the initial price gap over long-term ownership.
Are the size differences between the Pathfinder and Highlander significant for parking?
The difference is slight but measurable; the Pathfinder is 2.8 inches longer (197.7 vs 194.9 inches) and 2.8 inches taller (70.9 vs 68.1 inches). These variances might matter in extremely constrained urban parking scenarios.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling cargo?
The Pathfinder holds a minor lead in stated cargo capacity, offering 16.6 cubic feet compared to the Highlander’s 16.0 cubic feet, based on the specified measurements.
Do these vehicles require premium gasoline?
Both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which contributes positively to their overall running costs.
How does the transmission affect the driving experience in these two models?
The Pathfinder utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which theoretically allows for smoother steps between gears for efficiency. The Highlander employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which is one gear less than its competitor.
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