Head-to-head
2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander edges it, 94.8 to 89.1, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, safety. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on price and performance.
A
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 …
vs
A2026 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 …
More Nissan Pathfinder head-to-heads More Toyota Highlander head-to-heads Every Pathfinder vs Highlander model year
Verdict · default weights
2026 Toyota Highlander
Slight edgeThe Toyota Highlander edges it, 94.8 to 89.1, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, safety. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on price and performance.
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 34.4
Price 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads by 12.2
Tech & comfort 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 13.3
| Category · weight | 2026 Nissan Pathfinderoverall 89.1 | 2026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 94.8 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 87.8 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 65.6 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 90.8 | 92.7 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 96.3 | 97.5 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 95.9 | 94.8 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 86.7 | 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 | 89.1 | 94.8 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Nissan Pathfinder: base trim SV FWD · Toyota Highlander: base trim XLE AWD. 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 Toyota Highlander wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 15 filed with NHTSA).
- It costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,900 against $2,900).
- It is rated 35 combined against 23 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
Where the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder answers
- It lists 29 standard driver-assist features against 12.
- It starts $5,580 lower ($39,990 against $45,570 base MSRP).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- A Safety Signal of 100.
- 28 in of rear legroom.
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
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $39,990 | $45,570 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 3,498 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 VQ35DD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 24-Valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 284 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 20 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 23 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 4.34 | 3.329 |
| Transmission speeds | 9 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 70.9 in | 68.1 in |
| Overall length | 198 in | 195 in |
| Overall width | 77.9 in | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 114 in | 112 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 80.5 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 45 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 16.6 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 165 cu-ft | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 42.3 in | 41.2 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.6 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.8 in | 36.1 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 44.3 in | 42 in |
| Second-row legroom | 35.5 in | 38.7 in |
| Third-row legroom | 28 in | 28 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,348 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,348 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,063 lbs | 5,970 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent strut | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link independent | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Dual-pinion electric power steering | Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 37.4 ft | 18.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 350 mm | 338 mm |
| Front brake type | Vented Disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 330 mm | 338 mm |
| Rear brake type | Vented Disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | alloy |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 255/60R18 | P235/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM | Toyota Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 60.8 in | 59 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 59.6 in | 58.7 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 58.4 in | 55 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
114 features · differences first, then sharedSafety23 differ · 32 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection | std | — |
| Intelligent Forward Collision Warning | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger seat side-impact supplemental air bags | std | — |
| Intelligent Lane Intervention | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | std | — |
| Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensors | std | — |
| RearView Monitor | std | — |
| Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows | std | — |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | — | std |
| Second row side-impact supplemental air bags | std | — |
| Backup camera with projected path | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger knee supplemental air bags | std | — |
| Front sonar system | std | — |
| Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention | std | — |
| Intelligent Cruise Control | std | — |
| Intelligent Driver Alertness | std | — |
| Junction Assist | std | — |
| ProPILOT Assist | std | — |
| Rear Automatic Braking | std | — |
| Rear Door Alert | std | — |
| Rear sonar system | std | — |
| Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Trailer Sway Control (TSC) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | std | std |
Infotainment18 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) | — | std |
| Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, USB media port, four USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | opt |
| 12.3-inch color display with multi-touch display; NissanConnect® featuring wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ | std | — |
| 2 first-row illuminated USB-C charge ports | std | — |
| 2 second-row illuminated USB-C charge ports | std | — |
| 6-speaker audio system | — | std |
| 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist | — | std |
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | — | 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 | — |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) updates | — | std |
| Paddle shifters | std | — |
| Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light | opt | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports | — | std |
| SiriusXM® satellite radio with advanced audio features | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility | std | std |
Convenience7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection | — | std |
| Remote engine start | std | — |
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic and liftgate functions; and remote illuminated entry | — | std |
| Nissan Intelligent Key® with programmable settings | std | — |
| Power liftgate | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | — | std |
| Two 12V outlets | — | std |
Climate0 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Three-zone automatic climate control with air filter, separate second-row control panel, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers, and second- and third-row vents | std | std |
Seating10 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support | — | std |
| 7-passenger seating with second-row fold-down captain's chairs and fold-down inboard armrests, adjustable headrests and two cup holders mounted on the floor; and 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | std |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | opt |
| 8-way power with 2-way lumbar (driver's seat) | std | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Cloth seating | std | — |
| Nissan EZ Flex® Seating System featuring LATCH AND GLIDE® tip-up third-row access technology | std | — |
| Passenger seat 6-way manual | std | — |
| SofTex®-trimmed front- and second-row seats; heated front seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support; 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| 3-passenger, 60/40 split bench, center armrest with cupholders, flat folding | std | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | std | std |
| Heated front seats | std | std |
Interior12 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated tilt/telescopic leather-trimmed steering wheel | opt | — |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener | — | std |
| 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) with odometer, trip/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, AWD torque distribution (AWD models only), cruise control guide, audio details, hands-free incoming call notices, telephone information | — | std |
| 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display | std | — |
| Fine Vision electroluminescent meter display | std | — |
| Piano Black interior trim | std | — |
| Second-row sunshades | — | std |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and painted door trim | — | std |
| Manual day/night interior rearview mirror | std | — |
| Manual tilt/telescoping steering | std | — |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Seatback pockets – front driver and passenger seats | std | — |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | std | std |
Exterior19 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close | opt | std |
| 18-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels | std | — |
| Black grille with gray accents | std | — |
| Body-colored bumpers | std | — |
| Heated outside mirrors | std | — |
| Heated power outside mirrors | — | std |
| High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on front side windows | — | std |
| LED fog lights | — | std |
| LED taillights | — | std |
| Outside mirrors – manual folding | std | — |
| Outside mirrors with turn signal indicators | — | std |
| Premium Paint | opt | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | — | std |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | — | std |
| Semi-gloss satin badging | std | — |
| Silver-painted roof rails | — | std |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | — | std |
| Auto on/off headlights (ambient light sensitive, linked to front wipers) | std | — |
| Front and rear mudguards | opt | std |
| LED projector headlights | std | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | std | std |
| Temporary spare tire/wheel | std | std |
Powertrain4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| 5-position Drive Mode Selector (2WD) | std | — |
| Idle stop/start system | std | — |
| Transmission oil cooler (for towing) | opt | — |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Tow hitch – Class III | opt | — |
| 54.1-liter luggage box storage compartment with hinged lid under cargo floor, cargo area light | 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.
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 4 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Back Over Prevention (1), Visibility/Wiper (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Nissan PathfinderSV FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,990 (base trim) | $45,570 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $39,990 – $51,790 7 trims | $45,570 – $54,975 7 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Pathfinder 2WD | Highlander Hybrid AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 23 | 35 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,900 | $1,900 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 2 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander edges it, 94.8 to 89.1, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, safety. The Nissan Pathfinder is ahead on price and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Highlander scores 94.8 and the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 89.1. 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 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder starts lower — $39,990 against $45,570, a gap of $5,580 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 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.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 15 filed with NHTSA), costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,900 against $2,900), and is rated 35 combined against 23 (EPA mpg or MPGe). Where the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder answers: it lists 29 standard driver-assist features against 12 and starts $5,580 lower ($39,990 against $45,570 base MSRP). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars, a Safety Signal of 100, and 28 in of rear legroom.