The Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder are 3-row midsize SUVs that provide seating for up to eight, a commanding view of the road, and the added grip of available all-wheel drive (AWD).
If you choose the optional second-row captain’s chairs, you reduce the overall headcount by one. These are generally more comfortable than a bench seat and have the added benefit of creating a clearer path to the third row.
The Highlander and Pathfinder have been around for years and are some of the most well-known models in their respective vehicle segments. They face no shortage of competitors, however. Some notable rivals include the Hyundai Palisade, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot — the list could go on, but we want to get to the fun stuff.
Curious to explore the highlights of the latest Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder? Then you’ve come to the right place.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is offered in five trims: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. A mainstay in the segment, it’s powered by a 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that gets the Highlander down the road with verve. In fact, during many miles of testing, we’ve found this engine to be energetic and spirited.
For the new model year, the Highlander’s gotten just a few tweaks. The sporty XSE trim now comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a Sport Mode startup screen. Pricing starts at $40,970, including factory-to-dealer destination charges.
Toyota Highlander Highlights
Fuel economy: We love the Toyota Highlander’s still relatively new turbo 4-cylinder, which is both peppy and economical. Its EPA-rated 25 mpg combined is above average among 3-row midsize SUVs. Adding AWD drops this figure only slightly to 24 mpg. More good news: The Highlander is happy to run on a diet of regular-grade gasoline.
Cupholders galore: If you routinely drive through desert landscapes, the Toyota Highlander will make sure you’re hydrated. The fact this SUV has 14 cup holders throughout its cabin is a shining example of juice box, soda can, and sippy cup-related engineering genius.
Dual-screen layout: Higher trims come with a dual-screen layout that looks classy and proves simple to use. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen are optional on the XLE, and standard on Limited and Platinum trims. Thankfully you don’t need to shell out bundles of cash if you want tech touches like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and multiple USB ports. Those are standard, even with the base 8-inch touchscreen.
No more tailgate upper-body workout: Another nice touch is that every Highlander has a power-operated tailgate. This is great for those times when your arms are loaded with luggage or shopping bags. The Limited and Platinum trims have hands-free functionality.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Highlander models near you.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
2024 model shown
The Nissan Pathfinder remains available in five trims: S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. Like the Highlander, a second-row bench seat is standard issue. Notable items found on the entry-level Pathfinder S include wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, proximity keyless entry, tri-zone climate control, and satellite radio.
All trims, minus the Rock Creek model, come with a 284-hp 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). New for 2025 the SV and Rock Creek get a power liftgate as standard equipment. Even better, all Pathfinders enjoy Nissan’s Maintenance Care program that provides up to three scheduled oil changes in the first two years or 24,000 miles. Pricing starts at $38,460, including the destination charge.
Nissan Pathfinder Highlights
Rock Creek model: So, what makes the Rock Creek variant the exception to the other Pathfinder models? To start, it has a more potent 295-hp version of the same 3.5-liter V6. It also comes solely with all-wheel drive and is fitted with adventure gear like off-road tires, a stouter suspension system, water-repellant synthetic leather seating upholstery, a roof rack, and improved transmission cooling.
Removable second-row center console: This is a nifty little feature we’ve come to love. A removable second-row console positioned between the available dual captain’s chairs provides some extra storage space or, when removed, a central pathway to the third row.
ProPilot Assist: This system uses adaptive cruise control to take charge of lane centering, acceleration, and braking and to keep a safe distance from any vehicle ahead. It’s not a hands-free system, granted, but it does alleviate driving fatigue during long trips. It’s standard on all but the entry-level S trim.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Pathfinder models near you.
Similarities
We’ve covered pricing and the number of people you can shoehorn into these family-friendly SUVs. It should also be pointed out that the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder earn strong safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
New 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (49120)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$37,790 |
$35,809 |
|||
$40,780 |
$38,643 |
|||
$43,480 |
$41,201 |
|||
$45,880 |
$43,475 |
|||
$50,030 |
$47,408 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Toyota Highlander vehicles and New 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Toyota Highlander | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 284 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4,8900 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 22 city/29 highway/25 combined | 20 city/27 highway/23 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 (Rock Creek), 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 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 194.9 inches | 197.7 inches |
| Width | 76.0 inches | 77.9 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.1 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.0 inches | 44.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.7 inches | 35.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 28.0 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.0 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.7 inches | 59.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 55.0 inches | 58.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 16.0 cubic feet | 16.6 cubic feet |
Conclusion
We think car shoppers who need the extra passenger space and cargo volume afforded by a midsize 3-row SUV would be pleased with either the Toyota Highlander or Nissan Pathfinder. The build quality of the Highlander is particularly good, a fact that bodes well for strong resale value down the road.
We’re equally drawn to the Pathfinder’s outdoorsy side, as emphasized by the mud-lovin’ Rock Creek model. The Nissan also has a slight edge in towing capacity. When properly equipped, it maxes out at 6,000 pounds versus 5,000 pounds in the Toyota Highlander.
So with this in mind, we’d recommend taking each for a spin and taking time to experience all their comfort and tech features.
