Nissan Pathfinder vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trim levels tailored to different powertrains, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ stood out with its standard panoramic glass roof and the striking Matador Red Mica paint. Most models featured 20-inch wheels, but the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels that filled the wheel wells impressively. The design retained the large spindle grille, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting that spanned the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX provided two interior color options, with the PHEV adding a Peppercorn dark brown. Ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, though the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles offered a unique touch, but some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder combined smooth and chunky design elements, with restyled front bumpers and faux vertical air intakes. The grille featured a thin chrome line intersecting the Nissan badge, while the rear lost vertical creases below the taillights. New wheel designs and a Baltic Teal paint color added to its appeal. Inside, the Pathfinder saw significant changes, including a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and a redesigned steering wheel. The interior was simple yet modern, with good materials for the price. The Platinum trim's semi-aniline leather with diamond stitching elevated its luxury feel. Overall, the Pathfinder's interior was practical and well-suited for aging gracefully.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of powertrains, with the base model delivering 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid, however, impressed with 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. Charging the battery took under three hours with a home charger. The TX provided multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gasoline modes, making it versatile for different driving needs. Drive modes like Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom allowed for further customization. The 550h+ delivered a smooth and quiet ride, with a capable AWD system that adjusted power distribution as needed. Trail Mode enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder retained its naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, or 295 hp and 270 lb-ft in the Rock Creek with premium fuel. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered lazy acceleration, and the engine sounded labored. Fuel economy reached an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined on most trims. The Rock Creek trim, tested in Tennessee, was not recommended due to its loud Toyo Open Country A/T III tires and lack of off-road enhancements. The Pathfinder's suspension was soft, allowing more lean and mid-corner wheel motions, but it excelled in straight-line comfort.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured "Latch and Glide" second-row seats, making it family-friendly. It offered generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight for taller passengers. Seating configurations varied, with captain's chairs available on upper trims. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Pathfinder included a roof rack and power liftgate, with motion activation on the Platinum trim. Visibility was good, and analog controls made daily driving easy.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues arose. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera offered a clear view, and the Advanced Park system assisted with parking. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Factory navigation was no longer offered, but the system was user-friendly and responsive. Upper trims introduced Qi2 wireless charging and advanced camera views. The SL trim gained a digital instrument panel, while the Platinum offered a head-up display and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The Pathfinder's infotainment system was clear and easy to use, with useful vehicle information readily accessible.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star NHTSA ratings, while the TX received mixed IIHS scores.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including second-row side-impact airbags and a front-center side airbag on the Platinum trim. Standard driver aids included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Pathfinder earned five-star NHTSA ratings, though it received four stars in the frontal crash test. IIHS ratings were top-notch in the side impact and small overlap front tests.