2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Dodge Durango
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder bursts onto the scene, offering robust V6 power with 284 hp and a practical 23 MPG combined, built around efficiency and accessibility with its FWD configuration. Conversely, the 2026 Dodge Durango dials up the excitement, boasting a stronger 295 hp engine and a performance-oriented RWD layout, though this comes at the cost of fuel economy, achieving only 20 MPG combined. The Durango leans into muscle with slightly higher torque at 260 lb-ft compared to the Pathfinderβs 259 lb-ft. While the Pathfinder starts lower at an MSRP of $36,400, the Durango positions itself slightly above at $38,995. Both are substantial crossovers, but the Pathfinder focuses on maximizing mileage in a larger 197.7-inch package, while the Durango offers marginally more utility with 17.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.
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.
2026 Dodge Durango
The 2026 Dodge Durango offers a fraction more utility with 17.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.
2026 Dodge Durango
The 2026 Dodge Durango appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 295 hp output and rear-wheel-drive setup.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder presents better value with a lower starting MSRP of $36,400.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You prioritize maximum efficiency and want a combined 23 MPG rating.
- Keeping the initial purchase price down is crucial, as the MSRP starts at $36,400.
- You prefer the stable, established dynamics of a front-wheel-drive crossover for daily driving.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- You desire more outright power with 295 horsepower readily available.
- Rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics are preferred for a more engaging experience.
- You need the slight edge in cargo volume, offering 17.2 cubic feet behind the seats.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Pathfinder | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 200.8" |
| Width | 77.9" | 75.8" |
| Height | 70.9" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 119.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | β | β |
| Lane Departure Warning | β | β |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | β | β |
| Driver Attention Alert | β | β |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Head Airbags | β | β |
| Third Row Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| Headlight Delay-Off | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Brake Drying | β | β |
| Brake Preparation System | β | β |
| Rear Folding Headrests | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | β | β |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 18/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/499.5 mi. | 442.8/615.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 24.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | β | β |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Electric Power Steering | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Rear Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Cruise Control | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Rear Cupholders | β | β |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Rear Door Pockets | β | β |
| Overhead Console with Storage | β | β |
| Front Seatback Storage | β | β |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | β | β |
| Three Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | β | β |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | β | β |
| Leather Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Heated Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | β | β |
| Cargo Floor Mats | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Satellite Radio | β | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | β |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | β | β |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | β | β |
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.3 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.3 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | β | β |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | β |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | β | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | β | β |
| Driver Seat Heating | β | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | β | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 59.6 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Reclining Rear Seats | β | β |
| Folding Center Armrest | β | β |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | β | β |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | β |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/60R18 | 265/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | β | 18 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | β | β |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | β |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 Dodge Durango.
Which crossover offers better acceleration capabilities?
The 2026 Dodge Durango will generally feel punchier off the line, generating 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, noticeably exceeding the Pathfinder's 284 hp and 259 lb-ft.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the two models?
The Pathfinder is the clear efficiency winner, achieving 23 MPG combined, whereas the Durango returns 20 MPG combined, a difference of 3 miles per gallon for the average driver.
Is the Pathfinder or the Durango larger on the exterior?
The 2026 Dodge Durango is slightly longer at 200.8 inches versus the Pathfinder's 197.7 inches, although the Pathfinder is slightly wider at 77.9 inches.
What does the difference in drivetrain mean for the typical driver?
The Pathfinder uses FWD, which is often preferred for consistent traction in light snow, while the Durango's RWD layout typically offers better balanced handling dynamics when driven enthusiastically.
How do the starting prices compare between the Pathfinder and the Durango?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder starts significantly lower at $36,400 MSRP compared to the 2026 Dodge Durango's $38,995 MSRP.
Are the transmissions similar in operation?
Both utilize shiftable automatics, but the Pathfinder features a 9-speed transmission, potentially offering smoother ratio changes than the Durangoβs 8-speed unit.
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