The 2024 Ford Explorer and 2024 Nissan Pathfinder are long-time representatives of the 3-row midsize SUV segment. In earlier versions, each helped establish SUVs as practical higher-riding alternatives to sedans, wagons, and minivans.
The Explorer and Pathfinder remain common sites on city streets and highways because of their commanding view of the road, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and roomy cabins.
Curious about how they compare? You’re in the right place because we’re about to examine the highlights of these two SUVs.
2024 Ford Explorer
The 2024 Ford Explorer rolls into another model year, with the only notable change being Ford’s decision to drop an available hybrid powertrain from the consumer lineup. Pricing starts at $38,455, including delivery charges, and there are eight trims: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum.
The Explorer is notable for having one of the most potent base engines offered in a midsize SUV. Under its hood is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard; AWD is optional, except in the off-road-ready Timberline trim, where AWD is standard.
Ford Explorer Highlights
Strong twin-turbo V6: For added kick, Ford has fitted a twin-turbo V6 to the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models. With 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, this engine gets the Ford Explorer down the road in a hurry. It also uncorks the maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds.
Adventurous Timberline model: A recent trend is to make SUVs a little more SUV-like in appearance and off-road adeptness. With this in mind, the Ford Explorer Timberline has AWD, all-terrain tires, underbody steel skid plates, upgraded shocks, and a limited-slip differential. Externally, you can spot it thanks to its gray-colored front grille, black-painted alloy wheels, and red trim that works into the lower front grille.
More interior space: The Ford Explorer has more third-row legroom and cargo space than the Nissan Pathfinder, an essential consideration in a family SUV.
10.1-inch touchscreen: The regular 8-inch touchscreen is perfectly fine, though we like the larger graphics, pinch-to-zoom functionality, and split-screen mode of the 10.1-inch touchscreen available in upper trims.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models near you.
2024 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $38, slightly lower than its Ford rival. It has five trims — S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum — and, like the Explorer, a second-row bench is standard.
Except for the Rock Creek, every Pathfinder trim gets down the road via a 284-hp 3.5-liter V6 coupled to a 9-speed automatic. Unlike the Ford Explorer, front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, while AWD is available, except in Pathfinder’s off-road version, Rock Creek, which has standard AWD.
Nissan Pathfinder Highlights
Removable second-row console: This removable second-row center console is fun and functional. It’s between the available dual captain’s chairs and provides extra storage. Or, if you prefer a clearer central path to the third row, it can be removed and stowed in an underfloor storage area under the rear cargo floor.
Rock Creek model: The Rock Creek is the only Pathfinder with a more powerful 295-hp version of this SUV’s 3.5-liter V6. You get standard AWD, an off-road suspension, water-repellant synthetic leather seating surfaces, all-terrain tires, improved transmission cooling, and a roof rack. It also offers 6,000 pounds of towing capacity. This SUV is comparable to the Ford Explorer Timberline.
ProPilot Assist: This highway driving aid employs the adaptive cruise control system to control lane centering, acceleration, braking, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. It helps reduce some of the stress of longer drives and is standard on all but the base trim.
EZ flex seating: Another clever cabin feature, with one touch, the middle-row seats collapse and slide forward to make it less of a gymnastic event for anyone relegated to the third row. Trust us, they work great.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Pathfinder models near you.
Similarities
The Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder have a lot to offer SUV shoppers who need flexible seating capacity and cargo space. They’re about equal in fuel economy and only a few hundred pounds apart when talk turns to max towing capacity. And let’s not forget that they both scored Top Safety Pick+ status in crash and safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Conclusion
The Explorer is a smart pick in a very competitive midsize SUV segment, though this generation dates back to the 2020 model year and is overdue for a significant update. It lacks key features – such as wireless smartphone connectivity – that car shoppers expect. Higher trims also get pretty pricey.
Beyond saving a few bucks, the Pathfinder wins thanks to a more comprehensive array of tech items, interior seating versatility, and excellent towing capability.
| 2024 Ford Explorer | 2024 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Starting Price | $38,455 | $38,040 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 284 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway/24 mpg combined | 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 star | 5 star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 198.8 inches | 197.7 inches |
| Width | 78.9 inches | 77.9 inches |
| Height | 70.2 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.8 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.7 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.5 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.2 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 44.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.0 inches | 36.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 32.2 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.8 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 61.9 inches | 59.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 54.6 inches | 58.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 18.2/47.9/87.8 cubic feet | 16.6/45.0/80.5 cubic feet |
