2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

$36,400 · Crossover

$44,815 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder roars in with a traditional 284 hp V6 punch and a robust 197.7-inch frame, offering straightforward capability for $36,400. Meanwhile, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid enters with sophisticated technology, boasting 302 hp and an incredible 38 combined MPG, even if its starting MSRP is $44,815. The Pathfinder favors brute force and space, though its 23 combined MPG trails the RAV4's PHEV efficiency dramatically. The RAV4 Hybrid shrinks its footprint to 180.9 inches but nearly doubles the Pathfinder's utility with 33.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft. For buyers prioritizing electrifying daily commuting efficiency and performance fusion, the RAV4 PHEV leads the pack, while the Pathfinder retains appeal for those needing dependable, non-hybrid V6 power on a tighter initial budget.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid offers 42 miles of all-electric range, drastically cutting fuel costs for daily driving compared to the Pathfinder's 23 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 PHEV provides significantly more storage with 33.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, double the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 PHEV generates higher peak output with 302 hp, offering a more potent performance experience than the Pathfinder's 284 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder starts $8,415 cheaper than the Toyota, making it the superior choice for budget-conscious buyers upfront.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You must keep the initial purchase price low, as the Pathfinder starts at $36,400.
You prefer the predictable shifting nature of a 9-speed automatic transmission.
You need the larger overall physical footprint of a 197.7-inch long crossover.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is paramount, with the RAV4 PHEV achieving 38 combined MPG.
You demand maximum utility, evidenced by 33.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the instant torque and efficiency from the plug-in hybrid system, delivering 42 miles of pure EV range.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Pathfinder	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Length	197.7"	180.9"
Width	77.9"	73.0"
Height	70.9"	67.0"
Wheelbase	114.2"	105.9"

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	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	302 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

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	40/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/499.5 mi.	580.0/522.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	14.5 gal.
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	94 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	42 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	36
Charging Time (240V)	—	4.5 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
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.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	58.3 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	47.7 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	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/60R18	225/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

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	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the main trade-off when choosing between the two crossovers?

The primary trade-off involves initial cost versus long-term running costs. The Pathfinder is $8,415 less expensive upfront, but the RAV4 PHEV saves substantial money over time due to its superior 38 combined MPG and 42 miles of electric range.

How significant is the power difference, and what drives it?

The RAV4 PHEV is more powerful, producing 302 hp compared to the Pathfinder's 284 hp. This difference, coupled with the RAV4's AWD standard drive type, suggests a more engaging drive for enthusiasts.

Is the Nissan Pathfinder significantly larger than the Toyota RAV4 PHEV?

Yes, the Pathfinder is substantially larger, measuring 197.7 inches in length and 70.9 inches in height, compared to the RAV4's 180.9 inches in length and 67.0 inches in height.

Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling cargo?

The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vastly outperforms the Pathfinder in cargo capacity, offering 33.5 cu ft versus the Pathfinder's small 16.6 cu ft.

Do both vehicles use premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding extra costs at the pump for either vehicle.

What drivetrain differences affect daily driving feel?

The Pathfinder uses a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission paired with FWD, while the RAV4 PHEV employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD, leading to smoother, potentially more refined power delivery in the Toyota.