Nissan Pathfinder vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The design drew inspiration from the classic Seville, featuring a long wheelbase, short tail, and wide track. The front end was adorned with vertical light bars and a solid grille, creating a dramatic light show when unlocking the car. The Sport trim, with its dark triangular motif and 22-inch wheels, added to its imposing presence. Inside, the LYRIQ showcased Cadillac's attention to detail with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a unique steering wheel. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder presented a rugged and adventurous look, especially in the Rock Creek trim. Tested in snowy conditions, it came equipped with Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard all-wheel drive, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. The Pathfinder's design was assertive, with a V-Motion grille and stacked LED lighting elements. The Rock Creek trim featured a metal roof rack and exposed trailer hitch, emphasizing its utility. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a mix of leatherette and cloth upholstery with bright orange stitching. While the interior was comfortable and functional, it lacked the cutting-edge technology found in some competitors.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, excelling on the interstate with its calm and poised demeanor. It featured two powertrain options: a single rear motor with 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional dual-motor setup producing 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Despite its impressive power, the LYRIQ's acceleration and regenerative braking were dialed back for a more relaxed driving experience. However, its handling was hindered by its weight, resulting in understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The LYRIQ's range was estimated at 314 miles for rear-wheel drive and 307 miles for all-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque in most trims, with the Rock Creek trim offering 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Pathfinder's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the right equipment. While the Pathfinder excelled in off-road conditions, its soft suspension resulted in a floaty ride on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek trim was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, with other 4WD trims offering slightly better efficiency.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in terms of build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray were notable issues. The glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited storage space. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo capacity was limited, with 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, while not offering the largest cargo capacity in its class, provided ample interior space for passengers and luggage. During a ski trip with four adults, it comfortably accommodated all occupants and their gear. With the third row folded, cargo space expanded to 45 cubic feet, and with both rows down, it reached 80.5 cubic feet. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with three-zone climate control and supportive seats. The Rock Creek trim featured captain's chairs and a removable center console, enhancing versatility.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering a touch-enabled interface for various functions. While it lacked augmented reality, the instrument cluster and infotainment system were clear and user-friendly. The available Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's technology lagged behind some competitors. Its infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated compared to newer models. The Pathfinder offered an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in higher trims, with limited wireless projection capabilities. The SL and Platinum trims featured a 13-speaker Bose system and additional USB ports. While the Pathfinder's tech was user-friendly, it lacked the advanced features found in some rivals.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of writing. However, it came equipped with standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were available on higher trims, enhancing safety and convenience.