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Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Pathfinder - It's Rugged vs. Roady! Which One Is The New Crossover King?
The
Toyota Highlander and the
Nissan Pathfinder are two of the most popular three-row SUVs, offering practicality, performance, and comfort. Both models cater to families and adventurers, but they have unique strengths. Here's a detailed breakdown of how they compare across key factors:
Toyota Highlander Known for reliability and a smooth ride, the Highlander is a versatile family SUV.
Key Dimensions
Length : 194.9 inchesWidth : 76.0 inchesHeight : 68.1 inchesGround Clearance : 8.0 inchesTrunk Space : 16 cubic feet (behind 3rd row), 84.3 cubic feet (max). Performance
Engine : 2.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 or Hybrid (2.5L Inline-4 with Electric Motor).Horsepower : 265 hp (gas) / 243 hp (hybrid).Torque : 310 lb-ft (gas).Towing Capacity : 5,000 lbs (gas), 3,500 lbs (hybrid). Fuel Efficiency
Gas Engine : 22 MPG city / 29 MPG highway.Hybrid : 36 MPG city / 35 MPG highway. Pricing
Base Price : $37,500–$51,000 (depending on trim and hybrid option). Maintenance and Insurance
Annual Maintenance : ~$400–$600.Insurance Costs : Moderate, varies by driver profile. Key Features
Interior : Premium materials, 12.3-inch infotainment screen (higher trims).Safety : Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, etc.).Tires : 18-inch or 20-inch alloys.Seating Capacity : Up to 8 passengers. Pros
Excellent reliability and resale value.
Efficient hybrid option.
Comfortable ride quality.
Cons
Smaller cargo space behind the third row compared to competitors.
Less powerful engine compared to some rivals.
Nissan Pathfinder The Pathfinder blends rugged styling with modern family-friendly features.
Key Dimensions
Length : 197.7 inchesWidth : 77.9 inchesHeight : 70.9 inchesGround Clearance : 7.1 inchesTrunk Space : 16.6 cubic feet (behind 3rd row), 80.5 cubic feet (max). Performance
Engine : 3.5L V6 (gas).Horsepower : 284 hp (gas) or 259 hp (Hybrid).Torque : 259 lb-ft.Towing Capacity : Up to 6,000 lbs. Fuel Efficiency
Gas Engine : 21 MPG city / 27 MPG highway. Pricing
Base Price : $36,500–$49,500. Maintenance and Insurance
Annual Maintenance : ~$450–$650.Insurance Costs : Slightly above average for its class. Key Features
Interior : Functional, with an optional 12.3-inch display and digital gauges.Safety : Nissan Safety Shield 360 (includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, etc.).Tires : 18-inch or 20-inch alloys.Seating Capacity : Up to 8 passengers. Pros
Strong towing capacity.
Larger dimensions offer more passenger space.
User-friendly tech interface.
Cons
Less fuel-efficient than the Highlander Hybrid.
Ride quality can feel firm on rough roads.
Comparison Table
Feature Toyota Highlander Nissan Pathfinder Base Price $37,500–$51,000 $36,500–$49,500 Powertrain Gas or Hybrid Gas (V6) Horsepower 265 hp / 243 hp (hybrid) 284 hp Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs / 3,500 lbs (hybrid) 6,000 lbs Fuel Economy (city/hwy) 22/29 MPG (gas) / 36/35 MPG (hyb) 21/27 MPG Trunk Space 16–84.3 cubic feet 16.6–80.5 cubic feet Ground Clearance 8.0 inches 7.1 inches Seating Capacity Up to 8 Up to 8 Safety Features Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ Nissan Safety Shield 360 Annual Maintenance ~$400–$600 ~$450–$650 Tire Sizes 18-inch or 20-inch alloys 18-inch or 20-inch alloys
Which Should You Choose? Choose the Toyota Highlander if :
You value long-term reliability and resale value.
Fuel efficiency is a priority (opt for the hybrid).
You prefer a smoother ride and advanced safety tech.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if :
You need a higher towing capacity.
You want a more rugged design and larger passenger space.
You prioritize engine performance over efficiency.
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