2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs the Competition

The Highlander’s path to the 3-row mid-size category differs from the Pathfinder’s. It first appeared as a 2001 model. To a loose degree, it was a Camry station wagon, though it shared no sheet metal or interior design with the sedan. For years, it was the brand’s only 3-row crossover offering until the recent introduction of the Grand Highlander. Today’s Highlander is a fourth-generation model that first appeared in 2020. It is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive configurations. There is also a hybrid model featuring essentially the same engine.

• The Pathfinder’s entry price is $36,650, compared to $39,820 for the base 2WD Highlander. The most price-compatible Pathfinder with the base Highlander is the $39,390 SV FWD model.
• The Pathfinder’s standard 3.5-liter V6 generates 284 horsepower, while the Highlander’s 2.4-liter turbo inline-4 produces 265 horsepower.
• The Pathfinder offers an extra gear ratio to maintain the engine at its optimal RPM with a 9-speed automatic transmission, in contrast to the 8-speed automatic in the Highlander.
• The Pathfinder offers a larger overall cabin (165.1 cubic feet vs. 157.8), emphasizing increased interior space (148.5 cubic feet vs. 141.8).
• The Pathfinder and Highlander alternate in legroom advantages, with the Pathfinder offering more front legroom (44.3 vs. 42.0 inches) and the Highlander providing more for the second row (35.5 vs. 38.7 inches), while both exhibit 28.0 inches for the third row.
• The Pathfinder’s greater width provides approximately an inch more shoulder room in the first and second rows and 3.4 additional inches in the third row (58.4 vs. 55.0 inches).
• The Pathfinder offers a higher maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds compared to the Highlander’s 5,000 pounds.
• The Pathfinder SV has 10-way power seat adjustments compared to 8 for the Highlander.
• Standard features (unless otherwise noted) on the Pathfinder SV, which are not available on the base model but are included on the more expensive Highlander, include:
  • Remote start
  • Heated front seats
  • Blind Spot alert
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Flat-folding third row seat
  • Available second row captain’s chairs
• The Pathfinder earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Highlander received the slightly lower TOP SAFETY PICK designation.
• Both models earned an Overall 5-Star rating from the NHTSA.

The Traverse debuted as a 2009 model and became Chevrolet’s large 3-row crossover. Originally powered by a 3.6-liter V6, the current third-generation model now uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4. The Traverse is one of the largest models in this category, and the latest design features the “High Brow” front end that emulates Chevrolet’s pickup trucks.

• The entry-level Traverse LT FWD starts at $40,700. The Pathfinder SV with FWD is the most price-compatible trim with the base Traverse.
• While the Traverse’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is more powerful than the Pathfinder’s V6, it doesn’t provide the predictable linear throttle response of a normally aspirated engine nor the smoothness that comes from an extra pair of cylinders.
• The Pathfinder offers an additional gear ratio with its 9-speed transmission compared to the Traverse’s 8-speed automatic.
• Seven inches shorter and ten inches narrower, the Pathfinder has a smaller footprint to make it more maneuverable in city driving and parking.
• The Pathfinder has a higher ground clearance than the Traverse (7.1 vs. 6.8 inches).
• Both models can accommodate eight passengers, although only the Pathfinder offers standard seating for eight.
• When seating three in the third row, the Pathfinder provides more shoulder room (58.4 vs. 57.7 inches).
• Standard features on the Pathfinder SV but not on the price-compatible but still more expensive Traverse include:
  • Dual front knee airbags
  • Drive mode selector
  • Driver attention alert system
  • Sliding second row seat to adjust legroom between second and third row passengers.
  • Reclining second row seats
  • Hill holder control
  • Trailer stability control
• The Pathfinder earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) while the Traverse earned the slightly lower TOP SAFETY PICK designation.
• Both models earned an Overall 5-Star rating from the NHTSA.

The Mazda CX-90 is a recent entry into the mid-size 3-row category, having its debut for the 2024 model year. More than just an update of the CX-9 that Mazda previously had in this segment, the CX-90 sits on an all-new platform with a rear-wheel drive and longitudinal layout, though all-wheel drive is standard. It also marks the first use of a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6, the brand plans for all its larger vehicles. Mazda also has a plug-in hybrid version of this drivetrain. The CX-90’s starting MSRP of $38,045 is very close to that of the $38,400 Pathfinder S when equipped with AWD.

• The Pathfinder’s V6 edges out the CX-90 in horsepower (284 vs. 280), though it does have more peak torque (259 lb-ft vs. 332).
• The Pathfinder also weighs less than the CX-90, with the S AWD model weighing in at 4,484 lb. compared to the CX-90 at 4,735 lb.
• The naturally aspirated Pathfinder can be expected to provide a more linear throttle response than Mazda’s turbocharged engine.
• The Pathfinder offers an additional gear ratio with its 9-speed transmission compared to the CX-90’s 8-speed automatic.
• The Pathfinder provides more cubic feet of cargo space in all configurations:
  • All seats up: 16.6 vs. 14.9
  • 3rd-row seat down: 45.0 vs. 40.0
  • 2nd and 3rd row seats down: 80.5 vs. 74.2
• Four inches shorter and seven inches narrower, the Pathfinder’s smaller footprint makes it more maneuverable in city driving and parking.
• Despite being narrower overall, the Pathfinder has more inches of shoulder room in the first (60.8 vs. 59.2), second (59.6 vs 58.1), and third rows (58.4 vs. 53.3).

Honda’s mid-size 3-row Pilot crossover first appeared in late 2002 as a 2003 model. Its styling has evolved from straight-edged and boxy to curvy and back again. Much more consistent is the drivetrain, which has always utilized a 3.5-liter V6, although it has increased in power from 240 to 285 horsepower over the years. The model shares its platform with the Odyssey minivan, Ridgeline pickup, and Acura MDX, which also carries the Honda brand outside of North America. The 2025 model is the fourth-generation Pilot, which debuted in the 2023 model year.

• The entry-level Pilot is the Sport FWD, starting at $40,700. Priced at $39,390, the upgraded Pathfinder SV with FWD is the most price-competitive trim.
• Both models feature normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engines, resulting in very similar power figures: 284 horsepower versus 285 and 259 foot-pounds of torque compared to 262.
• The fuel mileage for the two models is also similar. However, the Pathfinder has the advantage at 20/27/23 compared to 19/27/22.
• The Pathfinder boasts a significantly higher towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, compared to the Pilot’s 3,500 pounds.
• The Pathfinder is equipped with Trailer Stability Control, which is unavailable on the Pilot Sport.
• The Pathfinder also has a higher maximum payload (1,560 vs. 1,340 lb.).
• The Pathfinder SV has your back with standard blind spot alert and rear parking sensors, which are not available on the Pilot Sport.
• A Wi-Fi hotspot is standard on the Pathfinder but not on the Pilot.
• Both models have an overall 5-star rating from NHTSA and have earned the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation from IIHS.