2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$36,400 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary disparity between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Pathfinder starting at $36,400, resulting in an $8,870 saving over the Highlander's $45,270 entry point. Performance metrics show the Pathfinder generating a higher 284 horsepower compared to the Highlander's 265 hp, although the Highlander counters with superior torque at 310 lb-ft versus the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency is nearly identical, with the Highlander achieving a slightly better combined MPG of 24 versus the Pathfinder's 23, reflected in marginally better city (21 vs 20 MPG) and highway (28 vs 27 MPG) ratings. Dimensionally, the Pathfinder is notably larger, measuring 197.7 inches in length and 70.9 inches in height, while the Highlander is equipped standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the Pathfinder's Front Wheel Drive (FWD) baseline.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Highlander offers superior fuel economy with 24 combined MPG and standard AWD, beneficial for varied commuting conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder provides greater exterior presence and slightly more power (284 hp vs 265 hp) while saving $8,870 upfront.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander produces significantly more torque at 310 lb-ft, which generally translates to better acceleration feel than the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder offers $8,870 in immediate savings while delivering 19 more horsepower than its competitor.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

The budget is a primary concern, as the Pathfinder saves $8,870 on MSRP.
Higher peak horsepower (284 hp) is prioritized over peak torque.
Maximum exterior dimensions, such as its 197.7-inch length, are desirable for road presence.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is a mandatory feature for the vehicle's operation.
Maximum pulling power is needed, evidenced by the 310 lb-ft torque rating.
Slightly better efficiency is desired, boasting 24 combined MPG versus 23 MPG.

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	2
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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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.	375.9/501.2 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Front Head Room	42.3 in.	39.6 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	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger 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.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	58.4 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	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Wheel Finish	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
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 Highlander.

What is the key performance difference between the 2025 Pathfinder and 2026 Highlander?

The 2025 Pathfinder produces a higher peak horsepower figure at 284 hp, whereas the 2026 Highlander dominates in torque output with 310 lb-ft. This suggests the Highlander may feel stronger when towing or accelerating from lower speeds due to its increased torque rating.

How does the fuel economy compare between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Highlander edges out the Pathfinder slightly, achieving 24 combined MPG (21 City/28 Highway) compared to the Pathfinder's 23 combined MPG (20 City/27 Highway). While the difference is minor, the Highlander is marginally more efficient.

Is the standard drivetrain significantly different between the models?

Yes, the standard configuration heavily diverges: the 2025 Pathfinder is FWD, while the 2026 Highlander comes equipped with AWD. This is a crucial specification for buyers prioritizing traction in adverse weather.

Which vehicle offers better utility based on provided cargo space and size?

Cargo space is nearly identical, with the Pathfinder offering 16.6 cu ft to the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft. However, the Pathfinder is larger overall in length (197.7 inches vs 194.9 inches) and height (70.9 inches vs 68.1 inches).

What justifies the nearly $9,000 price difference between the two vehicles?

The $8,870 MSRP difference likely reflects the Highlander's standard inclusion of AWD and its higher torque output. Buyers of the Pathfinder gain substantial savings while sacrificing AWD and 19 lb-ft of torque.

Do both models use regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Toyota Highlander specify regular unleaded fuel as their required type, which helps keep long-term running costs predictable for both powertrains.