Head-to-head
2026 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Nissan Pathfinder
The Honda Pilot edges it, 95.9 to 90.4, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, performance. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on safety and price.
A
2026 Honda Pilot
The 2026 Honda Pilot is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Pilot FWD, is EPA-rated at 22 mpg c…
vs
A2026 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2026 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 …
Verdict · default weights
2026 Honda Pilot
Slight edgeThe Honda Pilot edges it, 95.9 to 90.4, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, performance. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on safety and price.
Tech & comfort 2026 Honda Pilot leads by 49
Safety 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads by 6.3
Price 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads by 5.7
| Category · weight | 2026 Nissan Pathfinderoverall 90.4 | 2026 Honda Pilotoverall 95.9 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 94.3 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 95.3 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 97.3 | 91 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 92.9 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 99.4 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 51 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 90.4 | 95.9 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Nissan Pathfinder: base trim SV FWD · Honda Pilot: base trim Sport 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 2026 Honda Pilot wins
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (51 points against 26 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 29.
- It gives rear passengers 32.5 in of legroom against 28.
Where the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (15 against 29 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 92).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 8 seats.
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 | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $39,990 | $42,395 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 3,498 cc | 3,471 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 VQ35DD | V6 |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | Fuel Injection |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 24-Valve | DOHC 24-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 284 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 20 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 4.34 | 4.167 |
| Transmission speeds | 9 | 10 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in | 7.3 in |
| Overall height | 70.9 in | 71 in |
| Overall length | 198 in | 200 in |
| Overall width | 77.9 in | 78.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 114 in | 114 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 80.5 cu-ft | 87 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 45 cu-ft | 48.5 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 16.6 cu-ft | 18.6 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 165 cu-ft | 158 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 42.3 in | 40.5 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.6 in | 40.2 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.8 in | 39.3 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 44.3 in | 41 in |
| Second-row legroom | 35.5 in | 40.8 in |
| Third-row legroom | 28 in | 32.5 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,348 lbs | 4,336 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,348 lbs | 4,336 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,063 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link independent | Multi-Link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Dual-pinion electric power steering | Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 37.4 ft | 37.8 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 350 mm | 351 mm |
| Front brake type | Vented Disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | Electronic |
| Rear brake diameter | 330 mm | 330 mm |
| Rear brake type | Vented Disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 20 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | forged alloy |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 255/60R18 | 255/50 R20 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM | HondaLink |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 60.8 in | 61.9 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 59.6 in | 61.7 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 58.4 in | 59.5 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
170 features · differences first, then sharedSafety30 differ · 48 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow | — | std |
| Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection | std | — |
| Driver Attention Monitor | — | std |
| Second row side-impact supplemental air bags | std | — |
| Trailer Sway Control | std | — |
| 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions | — | std |
| Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure | — | std |
| Auto High-Beam Headlights | — | std |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Child-Proof Rear Door Locks | — | std |
| Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) | — | std |
| Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake | — | std |
| Front & Mid Row Outer 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System | — | std |
| Front sonar system | std | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | std |
| Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention | std | — |
| Intelligent Cruise Control | std | — |
| Intelligent Driver Alertness | std | — |
| Junction Assist | std | — |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row Passenger-Side), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row All) | — | std |
| Post-Collision Braking System | — | std |
| ProPILOT Assist | std | — |
| Rear Automatic Braking | std | — |
| Rear sonar system | std | — |
| Rearview Camera Washer | — | std |
| Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) | — | std |
| Seat Belt Reminder for all Seating Positions | — | std |
| Traffic Jam Assist | — | std |
| Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) | — | std |
| Cross Traffic Monitor | std | std |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | std | std |
| Advanced Front Airbags | std | std |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | std | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) | std | std |
| Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines | std | std |
| SmartVent® Front Side Airbags | std | std |
| Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor | std | std |
| Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Information System (BSI) | std | std |
| Front Knee Airbags | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist | std | std |
| Rear Seat Reminder | std | std |
| Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor | std | std |
| Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control | std | std |
| Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control | std | std |
| Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist and Location and Pressure Indicators | std | std |
Infotainment21 differ · 23 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10.2-Inch Digital Instrument Cluster | — | std |
| 12.3-inch color display with multi-touch display; NissanConnect® featuring wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ | std | — |
| 12.3-Inch Color Touchscreen | — | std |
| 2 first-row illuminated USB-C charge ports | std | — |
| 2 second-row illuminated USB-C charge ports | std | — |
| 245-Watt Audio System with 9 Speakers, including Subwoofer | — | std |
| 3.0-Amp USB Type-C Charging Port - 2nd Row (2 Ports) | — | std |
| 3.0-Amp USB Type-C Charging Port - Front Console (1 Port) | — | std |
| 3.0-Amp USB Type-C Smartphone / Audio Interface - Front Console (1 Port) | — | std |
| CabinTalk® In-Car PA System | — | std |
| Google built-in (includes 3-Years Unlimited Data Plan for In-Vehicle Apps) | — | std |
| HD Radio™ | — | std |
| HondaLink® | — | std |
| HondaLink® Subscription Services | — | std |
| NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM® with automatic collision notification, emergency call and stolen vehicle locator, customizable alerts, dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts; 5G Wi-Fi hotspot | std | — |
| Radio Data System (RDS) | — | std |
| SiriusXM® satellite radio with advanced audio features | std | — |
| Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC) | — | std |
| Wireless Android Auto™ Compatibility | — | std |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® Compatibility | — | std |
| Wireless Phone Charger (Qi) | opt | — |
| Wi-Fi® Hotspot Capability | std | std |
| 10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10AT) with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and Paddle Shifters | std | std |
Convenience11 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | — | std |
| 12-Volt Power Outlet (Front) | — | std |
| Capless Fuel Filler | — | std |
| Nissan Intelligent Key® with programmable settings | std | — |
| One-Touch Turn Indicators | — | std |
| Power Door and Tailgate Locks | — | std |
| Power Lift Tailgate | — | std |
| Power liftgate | std | — |
| Power Windows with Auto-Up / Down All 4 Windows | — | std |
| Programmable Remote Entry | — | std |
| Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® (Front Door and Tailgate) | — | std |
| Key Fob Activated Remote Engine Start | std | std |
Climate1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-Seat Heater Ducts | — | std |
| Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control System with Humidity Control, Air Filtration | std | std |
Seating12 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's seat 8-way power with 2-way lumbar | std | — |
| 40 / 20 / 40 Split, Flat-Folding 2nd-Row Seats | — | std |
| 60/40 Split, Flat-Folding 3rd-Row Bench Seat | — | std |
| Adjustable Seat-Belt Anchors (Front Row) | — | std |
| Cloth seating | std | — |
| Front Passenger's Seat with 4-Way Power Adjustment | — | std |
| Head Restraints at all Seating Positions | — | std |
| Nissan EZ Flex® Seating System featuring LATCH AND GLIDE® tip-up third-row access technology | std | — |
| On-Demand In-Trunk Seat Storage | — | std |
| One-Touch Flat-Folding 2nd-Row Seats | — | std |
| Passenger seat 6-way manual | std | — |
| 3-passenger, 60/40 split bench, center armrest with cupholders, flat folding | std | — |
| Heated Front Seats | std | std |
| Driver's Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment, including 2-Way Power Lumbar Support | std | std |
Interior21 differ · 21 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Steering Wheel | opt | — |
| 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display | std | — |
| Beverage Holders (Front Row-4 / 2nd-Row-6 / 3rd-Row-4) | — | std |
| Cargo Area Light (LED) | — | std |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Seatback Pockets | — | std |
| Fine Vision electroluminescent meter display | std | — |
| Floor Mats | — | std |
| Garment Hooks (2nd row, 2 total) | — | std |
| Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls | — | std |
| Interior Ambient LED Lighting | — | std |
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | — | std |
| Lockable Glove Compartment | — | std |
| Multi-Functional Center Console Storage | — | std |
| Piano Black interior trim | std | — |
| Sliding Sunvisors | — | std |
| Sunglasses Holder | — | std |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column | — | std |
| Manual day/night interior rearview mirror | std | — |
| Manual tilt/telescoping steering | std | — |
| Sun visors with extender and vanity mirror, illuminated | std | — |
| Seatback pockets – front driver and passenger seats | std | — |
Exterior28 differ · 30 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function | opt | — |
| LED headlights (low and high beam) | std | — |
| 18-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels | std | — |
| Acoustic Laminate Windshield | — | std |
| Active Shutter Grille | — | std |
| Black grille with gray accents | std | — |
| Body-colored bumpers | std | — |
| Compact Spare Tire | — | std |
| Dual Gloss Black Exhaust Finishers | — | std |
| Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna | — | std |
| Gloss Black Roof Rails | — | std |
| Heated outside mirrors | std | — |
| Intermittent Rear Window Wiper/Washer | — | std |
| LED Brake and Taillights | — | std |
| LED Fog Lights | — | std |
| LED Headlights with Auto-On / Off | — | std |
| Outside mirrors – manual folding | std | — |
| Power Side Mirrors | — | std |
| Premium Paint | opt | — |
| Push-to-Release Fuel Filler Door | — | std |
| Rear Privacy Glass | — | std |
| Security System | — | std |
| Semi-gloss satin badging | std | — |
| Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers | — | std |
| Auto on/off headlights (ambient light sensitive, linked to front wipers) | std | — |
| Privacy glass – rear door windows, rear quarter window fixed, liftgate window | std | — |
| Splash Guards, Black, 4-piece | opt | — |
| Temporary spare tire (under body) – T165/90D18 | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| Rear-Window Defroster with Timer | std | std |
Powertrain11 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd-Gen Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM 4 ™) AWD System | — | opt |
| Front-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| Integrated Drive Modes | — | std |
| 10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10AT) with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and Paddle Shifters | — | std |
| 5-position Drive Mode Selector (2WD) | std | — |
| Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM) | — | std |
| Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) | — | std |
| Eco Assist™ System | — | std |
| Integrated Drive Modes | — | std |
| Transmission oil cooler (for towing) | opt | — |
| Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) | — | std |
| Idle-Stop | std | std |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) | — | std |
| MacPherson Strut Front Suspension | — | std |
| Multi-Link Rear Suspension | — | std |
| Unit-Body Construction | — | std |
Cargo4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Trailer Hitch Receiver with Rear Recovery Point (without Connector or Ball) | opt | — |
| 54.1-liter luggage box storage compartment with hinged lid under cargo floor, cargo area light | std | — |
| Cargo Area Bag Hooks | — | std |
| Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors (4 Total) | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPNissan Pathfinder
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 15 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Power Train (4), Unspecified (3), Service Brakes (3)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Honda Pilot
Safety Signal 92 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 29 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Steering (15), Unspecified (7), Seat Belts (5)
Top recalls
- high Suspension 26V424000 · 3,933 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Honda PilotSport FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,990 (base trim) | $42,395 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $39,990 – $51,790 7 trims | $42,395 – $55,195 8 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Pathfinder 2WD | Pilot FWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 23 | 22 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,900 | $3,050 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or the 2026 Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot edges it, 95.9 to 90.4, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, performance. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on safety and price. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Honda Pilot scores 95.9 and the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 90.4. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or the 2026 Honda Pilot?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder starts lower — $39,990 against $42,395, a gap of $2,405 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or the 2026 Honda Pilot?
2026 Nissan Pathfinder: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Honda Pilot: 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 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Honda Pilot?
Where the 2026 Honda Pilot wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (51 points against 26 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 29, and gives rear passengers 32.5 in of legroom against 28. Where the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (15 against 29 filed with NHTSA) and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 92). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 8 seats.