2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Reviewed

If you're shopping for a capable, stylish and adventure-ready SUV, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Toyota Highlander are both solid picks. These three-row midsize crossovers offer space, power and safety, but approach things with a different flair. Whether you’re hauling hockey gear, road-tripping, or simply commuting with comfort, here’s how these two stack up side by side so you can confidently choose what’s right for your lifestyle.

Power That Pulls Its Weight

The Pathfinder comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander features a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 264 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Both models use automatic transmissions—a nine-speed in the Pathfinder and an eight-speed in the Highlander—with AWD as standard across the featured trims for confident traction year-round.

Real-World Fuel Numbers

On paper, the Highlander is slightly more fuel-efficient with 11.0 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway, averaging 9.9 L/100 km combined. The Pathfinder isn’t far behind, with 11.7 L/100 km city and 9.3 L/100 km highway, for a 10.6 L/100 km combined rating. Both are strong performers, but the Highlander leans a touch greener while the Pathfinder balances power and versatility.

Space for the Crew

The Pathfinder offers cargo space ranging from 470 litres to 1,274 litres, while the Highlander provides slightly more flexibility, from 453 litres to 1,371 litres. Both offer three rows of seating, comfortable captain’s or bench seat options, and folding third-row functionality to handle everything from groceries to camping gear with ease.

Comfort Where It Counts

Inside, the Pathfinder keeps you cozy with tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather seating, and heated front seats, plus the Rock Creek trim brings in all-terrain tires and off-road-ready vibes. The Highlander offers cloth and synthetic leather combos, captain’s chairs, and three-zone climate control too. Both SUVs also come with a standard sunroof, remote start, and a list of modern must-haves.

Smart Tech, Seamlessly Built In

In the tech department, the Highlander includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Pathfinder’s 8.0-inch display also supports smartphone integration, but takes things further with 360-degree camera views, standard on trims like Rock Creek. Both come with adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and hands-free liftgates to make daily life a breeze.

Safety Comes First

Nissan arms the Pathfinder with 10 airbags, advanced driver-assist tech, and ProPILOT Assist on select trims. The Highlander is equipped with 8 airbags, Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, and top-tier crash safety scores. Both aim high on protection, but the Pathfinder brings a bit more onboard for those prioritizing confidence on every journey.

Discover Your Perfect SUV at 401 Dixie Nissan

Choosing between the Highlander and the Pathfinder really comes down to what fits your day-to-day best. If rugged capability, power, and modern tech are high on your wishlist, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder might just be your match. Visit 401 Dixie Nissan to take a closer look, test drive the lineup in Ontario, and experience the difference for yourself.