Head-to-head
2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Ford Explorer edges it, 91.9 to 87.3, on tech & comfort, performance, fuel & range. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on safety.
F
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer RWD, is EPA-rated at 24 …
vs
A2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Pathfinder 2WD, is EPA-rated …
More Ford Explorer head-to-heads More Nissan Pathfinder head-to-heads Every Explorer vs Pathfinder model year
Verdict · default weights
2025 Ford Explorer
Slight edgeThe Ford Explorer edges it, 91.9 to 87.3, on tech & comfort, performance, fuel & range. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on safety.
Tech & comfort 2025 Ford Explorer leads by 38.2
Safety 2025 Nissan Pathfinder leads by 20.6
Performance 2025 Ford Explorer leads by 8.2
| Category · weight | 2025 Ford Exploreroverall 91.9 | 2025 Nissan Pathfinderoverall 87.3 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 96.3 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 72.8 | 93.4 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 97.5 | 95.3 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 91.8 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 61.8 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 91.9 | 87.3 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Ford Explorer: base trim Active RWD · Nissan Pathfinder: base trim S FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Ford Explorer wins
- It lists 31 standard driver-assist features against 22.
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (34 points against 21 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It turns out 310 lb-ft of torque against 259.
Where the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder answers
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 92 against 43).
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (58 against 109 filed with NHTSA).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
52 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $36,400 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 2,261 cc | 3,498 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 | 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC 24-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 284 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | — | 20 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 23 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | — | 27 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.58 | 4.334 |
| Transmission speeds | 10 | 9 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.6 in | 7.1 in |
| Overall height | 69.6 in | 70.9 in |
| Overall length | 199 in | 198 in |
| Overall width | 78.9 in | 77.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 119 in | 114 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 85.8 cu-ft | 80.5 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 46 cu-ft | 45 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.6 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 153 cu-ft | 165 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.7 in | 42.3 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40.5 in | 39.6 in |
| Third-row headroom | 38.9 in | 37.8 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 43 in | 44.3 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39 in | 35.5 in |
| Third-row legroom | 32.2 in | 28 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 4,325 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,303 lbs | 4,325 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 5,900 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | independent | Independent strut |
| Rear suspension type | independent | Multi-link independent |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power-Assisted Steering | Dual-pinion electric power steering |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 38.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 350 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | Vented Disc |
| Parking brake type | electric | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 330 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | Vented Disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | aluminum | alloy |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P255/65R18 | 255/60R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.9 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | FordPass Connect | NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 62.1 in | 60.8 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 61.9 in | 59.6 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 54.6 in | 58.4 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
119 features · differences first, then sharedSafety23 differ · 38 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Cruise Control | std | — |
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection | std | — |
| Evasive Steering Assist | std | — |
| Intelligent Lane Intervention | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | std |
| Hill Descent Control™ (4WD Models) | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) on Second and Third Row Outboard Seating Positions | std | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | std | — |
| Second row side-impact supplemental air bags | — | std |
| Auto High-Beam Headlamps | std | — |
| Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| Curve Control | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold | std | — |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ (standard ADAS suite including Intersection Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Dynamic Brake Support) | std | — |
| Perimeter Alarm | std | — |
| Post-Collision Braking | std | — |
| Rear Automatic Braking | — | std |
| Rear Door Alert | — | std |
| Rear sonar system | — | std |
| Safety Canopy® Rollover Sensor | std | — |
| Side-Wind Stabilization | std | — |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | std | — |
| Traction Control System | — | std |
| Intelligent Forward Collision Warning | std | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | std | std |
| Driver and front passenger seat side-impact supplemental air bags | std | std |
| Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensors | std | std |
| RearView Monitor | std | std |
| Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows | std | std |
| Intelligent Driver Alertness | std | std |
| Trailer Sway Control | std | std |
| Anti-lock Braking System Number of wheels/channels/sensors: 4/4/4 | std | std |
| Blind Spot Warning | std | std |
| Driver and front passenger knee supplemental air bags | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist/Hill Hold Control | std | std |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | std | std |
| Immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy-Fill Tire Alert | std | std |
Infotainment17 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start System | opt | — |
| 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (connects up to 10 devices) | std | — |
| FordPass Connect™ – Remotely start, lock and unlock vehicle | std | — |
| Audio – Six (6) Speakers | std | — |
| FordPass Connect™ – Locate parked vehicle | std | — |
| Steering wheel Bluetooth® controls | — | std |
| 8-inch color display with multi-touch display | — | std |
| 9-speed automatic with manual shift mode paddle shifters | — | std |
| 911 Assist® | std | — |
| AM/FM, 6 speakers | — | std |
| Ford Digital Experience – 13.2" Color LCD Touchscreen in IP Center-Stack with Alexa Built-In, Google Assistant/Maps/Play, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Wireless Compatibility | std | — |
| Ford Power-Up Software Update Capability | std | — |
| NissanConnect® featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | — | std |
| SiriusXM® satellite radio with advanced audio features | — | std |
| SiriusXM® Travel Link™ with 3 years of service | — | std |
| SiriusXM® with 360L (3-month prepaid subscription) | std | — |
| USB Ports: First Row – One (1) "A" and One (1) "C" in Media Bin and Two (2) "C" in Center Floor Console; Second Row – Two (2) "C" and Third Row – Two (2) "C" | std | — |
| Steering wheel Audio Controls | std | std |
Convenience7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Door Intelligent Access (Lock/Unlock) with Push-Button Start | std | — |
| Battery Saver | std | — |
| Power liftgate | std | — |
| SecuriCode® Keyless Entry Keypad | opt | — |
| Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO) | opt | — |
| Manual opening and closing liftgate | — | std |
| Powerpoints (12V) – three (3) | std | — |
Climate2 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Particulate Air Filter | std | — |
| Second Row HVAC Controls | opt | — |
| Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control | std | std |
Seating9 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power driver's seat | std | — |
| 3-passenger, 60/40 split bench, flat folding (second row) | — | std |
| Front seats Heated | std | — |
| 6-way manual driver's seat | — | std |
| 10-way power passenger seat | opt | — |
| 6-way manual passenger seat | — | std |
| Captain's chairs with attached armrests (second row) | std | — |
| Nissan EZ Flex® Seating System featuring LATCH AND GLIDE® tip-up third-row access technology | — | std |
| Third Row 50/50 Split-Fold-Flat (Manual) | std | — |
| Cloth seating material | std | std |
Interior11 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Steering Wheel | opt | — |
| 12.3-inch TFT meter display | std | — |
| 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display | — | std |
| Compass | std | — |
| Fine Vision electroluminescent meter display | — | std |
| Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® | std | — |
| Rotary Gear Shift Dial | std | — |
| Satin Black interior trim | — | std |
| Sun visors with extender and vanity mirror, illuminated | std | — |
| Overhead Console with Sunglasses Storage | std | — |
| Trip Computer | std | — |
| Manual day/night interior rearview mirror | std | std |
| Manual tilt/telescoping steering | std | std |
| Carpeted Floor Mats: Bench Seat (4-pc set) | std | std |
Exterior15 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic moonroof, one-touch power tilt/sliding glass with shade | opt | — |
| 18-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels | — | std |
| Active Grille Shutters | std | — |
| Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler | std | — |
| LED Fog Lamps with Skid Plate Elements, Front – Silver-Painted | opt | — |
| LED Signature Lighting (Front Fascia) | opt | — |
| LED Taillamps with Amber Turn Signals | std | — |
| Outside mirrors Heated | std | — |
| Roof-Rack Side Rails | std | — |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | std | — |
| Auto on/off headlights (ambient light sensitive, linked to front wipers) | — | std |
| Rear-Window Defroster and Washer | std | — |
| Body-Color Rear Spoiler | std | — |
| Splash guards | — | std |
| Temporary spare tire (under body) – T165/90D18 | — | std |
| LED headlights (low and high beam) | std | std |
| LED daytime running lights | std | std |
| Privacy glass – Rear door windows, rear quarter window fixed, liftgate window | std | std |
Powertrain5 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligent 4WD | opt | std |
| 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector | std | — |
| Front engine FWD drive configuration | — | std |
| 5-position Drive Mode Selector | — | std |
| Electronic shift-by-wire drive selector | — | std |
| Idle stop/start system | std | std |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) | std | — |
| Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars | std | — |
| Independent Front and Rear Suspension | std | — |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 54.1-liter luggage box storage compartment with hinged lid under cargo floor, cargo area light | — | std |
| Class III Trailer Tow Package | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPFord Explorer
Safety Signal 43 F
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 22 · 1 critical · 2 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 109 · 8 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (23), Service Brakes (20), Unspecified (19)
Top recalls
- critical Power Train 25V164000 · 269 vehicles
- high Seats 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 26V159000 · 561 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
- high Trailer Hitches 25V687000 · 1,412 vehicles
Nissan Pathfinder
Safety Signal 92 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 58 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (16), Service Brakes (11), Engine (10)
Top recalls
- high Service Brakes, Hydraulic 25V173000 · 1,430 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Nissan PathfinderS FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $36,400 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 8 trims | $36,400 – $50,640 9 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Explorer RWD | Pathfinder 2WD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 24 | 23 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,800 | $2,900 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Ford Explorer or the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
The Ford Explorer edges it, 91.9 to 87.3, on tech & comfort, performance, fuel & range. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Ford Explorer scores 91.9 and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder 87.3. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Ford Explorer or the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
2025 Ford Explorer: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 22 recalls (2 filed with no repair available). 2025 Nissan Pathfinder: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 1 recall. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
Where the 2025 Ford Explorer wins: it lists 31 standard driver-assist features against 22, lists more comfort and tech equipment (34 points against 21 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and turns out 310 lb-ft of torque against 259. Where the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder answers: it has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 92 against 43) and has drawn fewer owner complaints (58 against 109 filed with NHTSA). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.