Nissan Pathfinder vs Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota’s lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander and other Toyota models, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it provided a spacious interior, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in snowy conditions near Mount Rainier, showcased its capability with the Rock Creek trim. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard AWD, it handled challenging terrains with ease. Redesigned for 2022, the Pathfinder featured an assertive front end and protective cladding, with the Rock Creek trim adding unique elements like a mesh-patterned grille and stacked LED lights. Despite its rugged appearance, it was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance or skid plates. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a mix of cloth and leatherette upholstery, with heated seats available in higher trims. The Rock Creek trim included captain’s chairs and a removable center console, enhancing its practicality.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower. A 2.5-liter hybrid option provided 245 combined horsepower, while the top-tier Hybrid Max delivered 362 horsepower. Available in FWD and AWD, the Hybrid Max boasted a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander excelled in road manners, though its size made maneuvering challenging. It featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional modes for AWD models. The brakes were solid, and acceleration was adequate, especially with the turbocharged engine.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder came with a single 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower in most trims and 295 horsepower in the Rock Creek. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, offering smooth shifts. The Pathfinder’s towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the right equipment. Its soft suspension provided comfort on bumpy roads but resulted in a floaty ride on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city and 23 highway. The Pathfinder featured seven drive modes, including Snow and Mud/Rut, enhancing its traction capabilities.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its rivals, with a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase. It offered 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample head, leg, and shoulder room in every row.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller, provided ample interior space. It offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Pathfinder was comfortable, with three-zone climate control and supportive seats. The Rock Creek trim featured captain’s chairs and a removable center console, while the EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an intelligent assistant available via subscription. It included dual-device Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims came with an 11-speaker JBL stereo. Streaming audio integration and a Wi-Fi Connect package were available.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder’s tech was less impressive, with an older interface and smaller screens. It offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless projection was limited. Navigation was standard only on the SL and Platinum trims.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It had yet to be crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and ProPilot Assist. Traffic sign recognition was standard on higher trims.