Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Pathfinder

Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Pathfinder: Performance Capabilities

Both the Highlander and the Pathfinder are SUVs that are perfect for family adventures and everyday commutes alike. They’re both spacious enough for the whole family while also providing the oomph needed to help you conquer even the most unforgiving terrain.

When trekking over the river and through the woods, you’ll need an SUV that’s up for the challenge. Thankfully, both the Highlander and the Pathfinder are equipped with powerful engines and all-terrain capabilities, making it easier than ever to explore the world.

When it comes to towing your boat or trailer for an unplugged weekend, both SUVs are capable of pulling their weight. Of course, with the Pathfinder’s extra 1,000-pound capacity, you can load up your trailer with extra snacks and furniture.

While the Pathfinder takes the lead with towing, it’s the Highlander that shines with off-roading. Yes, both models come with optional off-roading drive trains—the Highlander offers All-Wheel Drive and the Pathfinder offers 4-wheel drive—it’s the optional Multi-Terrain Select system with the Highlander that provides its off-roading edge.

Choose among four different drive modes—MUD & SAND, ROCK & DIRT, SNOW, and NORMAL—to match the road type or weather conditions. This system makes systematic adjustments to your vehicle’s performance to help regulate wheelspin for improved traction no matter what you encounter.

The Pathfinder doesn’t offer this feature.

Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Pathfinder: MPG

When it comes to performance, both SUVs have controlled handling, plenty of power under the hood, and the capability to tow thousands of pounds. Where you’ll notice a difference is in how much gas they use on a daily basis.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has a fuel economy of 21 city/26 highway MPG. Making each gallon of gas last longer no matter where you drive, the Toyota Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 city/29 highway MPG.*

Want to really get the most out of your commute? The 2022 Highlander is also offered in a hybrid configuration, pumping its fuel efficiency up to an impressive EPA-estimated 35 city/35 highway MPG, something the Pathfinder can’t compete with.*

Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Pathfinder: Passenger & Cargo Space

The choice between the two models may come down to how often you drive around with the kids and their friends. That’s because one key difference between the Highlander vs. Pathfinder is how many passengers each model can fit inside comfortably.

Both SUVs have three rows of seating along with room for up to eight passengers. However, the third row of the Toyota Highlander is also spacious enough for more than just young children thanks to its roomy size, like with its 57 inches of hip room in the second row.

While both SUVs offer plenty of passenger space, the 2022 Highlander also gives you plenty of room to transport all kinds of items. You can fold down the back two rows to fit more cargo in the Highlander, offering a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet. The 2022 Pathfinder also lets you fold down the rear seats when packing up your SUV but doing so supplies you with just 78.9 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Pathfinder: Infotainment Systems

Inside either vehicle, you’ll also have various technology features. These include advanced infotainment systems within each SUV, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.

These features essentially allow you to personalize your ride by connecting your smartphone to the vehicle’s infotainment system.

Once connected, some functions you can perform include:

• Reading text messages
• Bringing up your maps to see current traffic conditions
• Listening to your favorite songs, podcasts, and audiobooks
• And much more

All of this will be displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen in the Toyota Highlander . The infotainment system in the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder also comes with an 8-inch touchscreen. However, the Toyota Highlander also offers a 12.3-inch touch-screen, while the Pathfinder’s largest available screen tops out at nine inches.

Both SUVs offer plenty of room. For extra headroom and shoulder room, the Pathfinder is the way to go. On the other hand, the Highlander offers extra legroom to third-row passengers and more hip room in all three rows.

While both SUVs offer plenty of passenger space, the 2021 Highlander also gives you plenty of room to transport all kinds of items. You can fold down the back two rows to fit more cargo in the Highlander, offering a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet. The 2020 Pathfinder also lets you fold down the rear seats when packing up your SUV but doing so supplies you with just 79.5 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Highlander vs Pathfinder: Safety Features

Having an SUV that’s equipped with advanced safety features can help you feel at ease while traveling around town. To ensure your utmost confidence behind the wheel, both the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Pathfinder come equipped with advanced safety suites.

With the Highlander, you’ll get Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5. With the Pathfinder, you won’t get a full safety suite like you do with the Highlander, but you’ll still get some advanced safety features that use cameras and sensors to monitor your surroundings.

The only similar feature that comes standard with both the Highlander and the Pathfinder is a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that can alert you to potential front collisions.

If you want more safety features without having to upgrade your trim level, the Highlander is what you need. This SUV also comes standard with features like:

• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Road Sign Assist

None of these features are offered with the Pathfinder.