2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$36,400 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the traditional dependability of the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the modern efficiency of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid presents a classic trade-off: space versus savings. The Pathfinder, starting at an MSRP of $36,400, offers substantial size with a 197.7-inch length and boasts 284 horsepower from its regular unleaded engine. Conversely, the Tucson PHEV, priced higher at $40,075, champions efficiency with a combined 35 MPG rating, benefiting from 32 miles of electric-only range. While the Pathfinder delivers more bulk and torque (259 lb-ft), the Tucson wins on economy, offering a significant 12 MPG advantage over the Pathfinder's 23 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Pathfinder’s 16.6 cu ft cargo capacity lags far behind the Tucson’s generous 31.9 cu ft, forcing buyers to decide if sheer passenger/cargo volume matters more than minimizing trips to the gas station.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is the clear winner for daily commuting due to its superior 35 combined MPG and 32 miles of electric-only driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The larger Pathfinder provides significantly more physical space, evidenced by its 197.7-inch length compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches, which often translates better for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Tucson's 268 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a higher initial cost, the Tucson's massive fuel savings and impressive cargo capacity suggest better overall utility value, even with the $3,675 price premium.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You prioritize raw engine power and need the higher 284 horsepower output.
You prefer the familiar, larger footprint of a traditional SUV (197.7 inches long).
You want to save $3,675 upfront, as the Pathfinder starts at a lower MSRP of $36,400.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is paramount, allowing you to achieve 35 combined MPG.
You need maximum flexibility, utilizing the 32 miles of all-electric driving range.
You require significantly more storage space, as the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Pathfinder	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	197.7"	182.7"
Width	77.9"	73.4"
Height	70.9"	66.3"
Wheelbase	114.2"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	268 hp
Torque	259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	271 lb-ft
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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/499.5 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Front Head Room	42.3 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	58.3 in.	54.5 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	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/60R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

Is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV significantly smaller than the Pathfinder?

Yes, the Tucson is noticeably smaller; it measures 182.7 inches long and 66.3 inches high, whereas the Pathfinder is 197.7 inches long and 70.9 inches high, resulting in the Pathfinder offering a bigger exterior presence.

How much more fuel efficient is the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid?

The Tucson offers a considerable advantage with 35 combined MPG, beating the Pathfinder's 23 combined MPG by 12 MPG, which translates to substantial long-term savings.

Which vehicle offers better cargo hauling capabilities?

The 2026 Tucson is the clear cargo winner, providing 31.9 cu ft of space, which is nearly double the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft of capacity.

If I drive mostly on the highway, which car performs better?

The Pathfinder has slightly better highway numbers at 27 MPG (highway) compared to the Tucson's 35 MPG (combined), but the Tucson's 32 miles of electric range could keep many short trips entirely gas-free.

Do both SUVs run on the same type of gas?

Fortunately, yes, both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling choices.

Is the Pathfinder significantly more powerful than the Tucson PHEV?

The Pathfinder is technically more powerful, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, slightly eclipsing the Tucson's 268 horsepower, though the Tucson generates slightly more torque at 271 lb-ft.