2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, priced at $75,000, presented a blend of luxury and subtlety. The RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, with its unique Incognito paint and orange brake calipers, stood out slightly but remained largely unremarkable in appearance. Despite its massive grille and sculpted rear, the RX's design was not particularly striking. The interior, however, offered a modern ambiance with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls varied in user-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in snowy conditions near Mount Rainier, showcased its rugged capabilities. The Rock Creek trim, equipped with Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard AWD, handled the terrain with ease. Redesigned in 2022, the Pathfinder featured a bold front end and practical design elements like a metal roof rack and trailer hitch. Inside, the Rock Creek trim offered a mix of leatherette and cloth upholstery with bright orange accents, providing comfort and practicality for adventurous outings.

The Lexus RX Hybrid lineup offered three models: the RX 350h with 246 hp, the RX 450h+ PHEV with 304 hp, and the RX 500h with 366 hp. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, delivered impressive acceleration but lacked fuel efficiency, averaging 20.9 mpg. Despite its power, the RX 500h's driving experience was somewhat disconnected, with limited road feedback and occasional drivetrain hesitation.

The Nissan Pathfinder, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 284 hp in most trims, while the Rock Creek trim offered 295 hp. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Rock Creek's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the transmission cooler. The Pathfinder's soft suspension favored comfort over handling precision, making it suitable for light off-roading but less composed on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city and 23 highway.

The Lexus RX Hybrid focused on comfort and cargo space, offering 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 46.2 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though some areas lacked refinement. The RX's seats were comfortable but not ideal for long drives, and the climate system was noisy.

The Nissan Pathfinder excelled in practicality, accommodating a ski trip with four adults and gear. It offered 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with three-zone climate control and flexible seating arrangements. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing child seats.

The Lexus RX Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital panel and a 14-inch touchscreen with Lexus Interface, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, some expected features were optional, and the steering wheel controls were distracting. The Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, but occasional glitches occurred.

The Nissan Pathfinder's tech felt dated compared to competitors. It featured an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL and Platinum trims offered a 13-speaker Bose system and navigation. While user-friendly, the Pathfinder's tech lacked the modern appeal of rivals.

The Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. It received a five-star NHTSA rating but a Poor rating from IIHS for frontal impact. The optional surround-view camera was a valuable addition.

The Nissan Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It included a robust set of ADAS features, with adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist available on higher trims. Traffic sign recognition was standard on SL and Platinum trims.