2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander often comes down to prioritizing immediate cost savings versus maximizing passenger and cargo space. The Pathfinder presents a tempting entry point with an MSRP of only $36,400, significantly undercutting the Grand Highlander’s $41,360 price tag—a difference of $4,960. While the Pathfinder offers slightly more horsepower at 284 hp compared to the Toyota’s 265 hp, the Grand Highlander compensates with superior low-end grunt, boasting 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Nissan's 259 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Toyota is physically larger and more accommodating, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft. Fuel economy is closely matched, with the Toyota nudging ahead slightly at 24 combined MPG versus the Pathfinder's 23 combined MPG, making both relatively efficient for their size.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the winner here due to its lower starting MSRP of $36,400, which results in lower monthly payments for daily driving.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander wins for families because it offers a substantial 20.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 284 hp output, even though the Grand Highlander has more torque at 310 lb-ft.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Car1 provides better immediate value by saving buyers $4,960 upfront while still delivering competitive performance metrics.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You want to save nearly $5,000 immediately, as the Pathfinder starts at $36,400.
- You prefer the slightly higher peak horsepower figure of 284 hp.
- You appreciate the refined shifting experience provided by the 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum hauling capability is essential, given its best-in-class 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You value better low-end responsiveness, as shown by its superior 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You want slightly better fuel efficiency, boasting 24 combined MPG compared to Car1's 23.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Pathfinder | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 201.4" |
| Width | 77.9" | 78.3" |
| Height | 70.9" | 70.1" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 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 | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/499.5 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How much more spacious is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander than the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
The Grand Highlander offers significantly more usable space for luggage or gear. It provides 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the third row, beating the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft by a full 4 cubic feet.
Which vehicle saves me more money initially?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the clear upfront budget winner. Its MSRP starts at $36,400, making it $4,960 less expensive than the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander which begins at $41,360.
Does horsepower or torque matter more for these crossovers?
The Pathfinder leads in peak horsepower with 284 hp, suggesting better high-speed performance, but the Grand Highlander excels in torque (310 lb-ft vs 259 lb-ft), which is typically better for pulling weight or navigating city traffic.
Are there major differences in fuel type or economy?
No major differences; both vehicles run on regular unleaded fuel. The Toyota edges out the Nissan slightly on efficiency, netting 24 combined MPG compared to the Pathfinder's 23 combined MPG.
How do their physical dimensions compare on the road?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is longer, measuring 201.4 inches end-to-end compared to the Pathfinder's 197.7 inches. However, the Pathfinder is slightly taller at 70.9 inches versus the Toyota's 70.1 inches.
What about the transmissions? Are they similar?
They use different setups: the Pathfinder utilizes a more complex 9-speed shiftable automatic, while the Grand Highlander uses a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
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