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HomeComparePathfinder vs Highlander
Head-to-head

2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander edges it, 91.5 to 87.3, on fuel & range, safety. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 3.4 and it flips.

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2026 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 …

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2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …

Verdict · default weights

2026 Toyota Highlander

Slight edge

The Toyota Highlander edges it, 91.5 to 87.3, on fuel & range, safety. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 3.4 and it flips.

Fuel & range2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 33.6
Performance2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads by 34.5
Safety2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 9.7
Category · weight2026 Nissan Pathfinderoverall 87.32026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 91.5
Pricew 4no datano data
Fuel & rangew 366.4100
Safetyw 490.3100
Space & cargow 210087.5
Performancew 210065.5
Tech & comfortw 3no datano data
Warrantyw 2no datano data
Overall87.391.5

Nissan Pathfinder: model-level data · Toyota Highlander: model-level data. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.

Raise the performance weight from 2 to 3.4 and the answer flips.

Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
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Specifications side by side

Trim-level specs appear here once the manufacturer's press kit is on file for both vehicles. EPA and NHTSA data are compared above.
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Safety record

NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAP

Nissan Pathfinder

Safety Signal100 A
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls0
Owner complaints9 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutElectrical System (2), Unspecified (2), Visibility (2)

Top recalls

No recalls on file.

Toyota Highlander

Safety Signal100 A
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls0
Owner complaints2 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutBack Over Prevention (1), Visibility/Wiper (1), Power Train (1)

Top recalls

No recalls on file.

Ownership

EPA, manufacturer warranty
Nissan PathfinderToyota Highlander
Price
Price range across trims
PowertrainsGASHEV, GAS
EPA configuration comparedPathfinder 2WDHighlander Hybrid AWD
Combined mpg / MPGe2335
EPA annual fuel cost$2,700$1,800
EV range
Basic warranty
Powertrain warranty
Roadside assistance

Common questions

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Which is better, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander edges it, 91.5 to 87.3, on fuel & range, safety. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 3.4 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Highlander scores 91.5 and the 2026 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 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

2026 Nissan Pathfinder: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.