The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder® and 2026 Toyota Highlander each deliver impressive comfort, flexibility, and confidence for your modern adventures. Featuring three rows of seating, advanced innovations, and versatile space for both passengers and cargo, these SUVs are ideally suited to your growing family’s needs. To help narrow your search, the team at Southlake Nissan has provided this detailed 2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander comparison highlighting the features and capabilities that set them apart.
Explore our inventory to find a selection of Pathfinder models for sale at our Nissan dealership near Chesterton, IN. To get behind the wheel, schedule a test drive. Have questions for our team? Reach out to our experts in Merrillville, IN, online or by phone at (219) 947-1600.
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Beyond passenger comfort and technology, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 Toyota Highlander deliver the strength needed for everyday driving and weekend adventures. The Pathfinder offers one standard 3.5L V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and two-wheel drive (2WD) capability. The adventure-oriented Pathfinder Rock Creek® model adds extra horsepower and rugged enhancements, while four-wheel drive (4WD) capability helps the Pathfinder venture beyond paved roads. Additionally, you can achieve up to 27 highway MPG and a 6,000-pound towing capacity in the Pathfinder.
The Highlander offers two distinct powertrain choices — a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine or a 2.5L hybrid engine, both paired with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission (ECT), while the hybrid engine pairs with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). The Highlander also makes up to 35 highway MPG with its hybrid engine and can tow up to 5,000 pounds with its gas engine.
See the accompanying comparison of engine specifications.
| Model | 2026 Nissan Pathfinder | 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek | 2026 Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.4L turbo four-cylinder | 2.5L hybrid (permanent magnet synchronous motors) | |
| Horsepower | 284 HP | 295 HP | 265 HP | 243 combined HP |
| Torque | 259 lb.-ft. | 270 lb.-ft. | 310 lb.-ft. | 175 lb.-ft. |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | AWD | AWD |
| Transmission | Nine-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic ECT | ECVT | |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 21 / 27 | 20 / 23 | 21 / 28 | 35 / 35 |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 6,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. | |
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Both the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 Toyota Highlander are equipped to keep passengers comfortable and connected. Standard amenities across both models include a ten-way power driver’s seat and tri-zone automatic climate control, and each offers enhanced comfort on higher trim levels, including ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient interior lighting. The Pathfinder offers exclusive interior accents and rugged design elements on the Rock Creek trim.
The Pathfinder provides an impressive digital interface, including a standard 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® display, a NissanConnect® 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and Wi-Fi® hotspot capability. Both SUVs come standard with wireless smartphone integration and Bluetooth® for effortless connectivity. If you value high-quality audio, the Pathfinder offers a 13-speaker Bose® premium sound system on higher trims, while the Highlander offers an 11-speaker JBL® audio system.
Shared interior and technology features:
Standard
Included on higher trims
Exclusive Pathfinder interior and technology features:
Standard
Included on higher trims
Exclusive Highlander interior and technology features:
Standard
Included on higher trims
Designed to accommodate your lifestyle, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 Toyota Highlander offer versatile cabin designs. Both three-row SUVs come standard with a second-row bench for a maximum eight-passenger capacity. You can also opt for seven-passenger seating in higher trim levels on either model when you choose the second-row captain’s chairs configuration. The Pathfinder helps simplify rear-seat access through a convenient EZ FLEX® seating system and can accommodate up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. The Highlander offers up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded.
See the accompanying comparison of size and cargo specifications.
| 2026 Nissan Pathfinder | Model | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 197.7 in. | Exterior Length | 194.9 in. |
| 114.2 in. | Wheelbase | 112.2 in. |
| Seven or eight | Seating | Seven or eight |
| 148.5 cu.-ft. | Passenger Volume | 139.5 cu.-ft. |
| 42.3 / 39.6 / 37.8 in. | Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 39.6 / 39.4 / 36.1 in. |
| 44.3 / 35.5 / 28 in. | Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 42 / 38.7 / 28 in. |
| 80.5 / 45 / 16.6 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume Behind First/Second/Third Row | 84.3 / 48.4 / 16 cu.-ft. |
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Modern driver assistance technology helps you stay aware on the go in the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 Toyota Highlander. Each SUV comes equipped with a collection of standard safety systems that monitor surrounding traffic, including Nissan Safety Shield® 360 in the Pathfinder and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ in the Highlander. Additionally, each model offers enhanced visibility on higher trims with a 360-degree camera.
Shared standard safety features:
Exclusive Pathfinder safety features:
Standard
Included on higher trims
Exclusive Highlander safety features:
Standard
Included on higher trims
The Southlake Nissan team near Chesterton, IN, is here to help you find your ideal Nissan Pathfinder for sale. See our detailed model review for performance specifications, exterior color options, and highlights. Additionally, our interior overview gives you a look at cabin amenities, while our Pathfinder trims guide compares each model’s standard features.
If you have any questions for our Nissan dealership in Merrillville, IN, please contact us online or call us at (219) 947-1600.
If you’re planning your next family getaway, you know that a roomy, feature-packed SUV makes all the difference. Consider the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder® and 2025 Toyota Highlander when looking at your options. Each three-row SUV is designed with space, versatility, and everyday convenience in mind. Ready to see which suits your needs best? The Southlake Nissan team has crafted this 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander comparison to help you explore each model’s highlights and make your decision.
Find your ideal Pathfinder for sale at our Nissan dealership near Chesterton, IN. Browse our available finance and lease offers to find a deal that aligns with your budget. Take a closer look at the Pathfinder when you schedule a test drive. Have questions for our team in Merrillville, IN? Contact us online or call us at (219) 947-1600.
Step inside the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota Highlander, and you’ll find exceptionally comfortable cabins designed to appeal to all who enter. Both SUVs offer options like climate-controlled front seats and heated outboard rear seats, while tri-zone automatic climate control lets everyone set their preferred temperature. Available second-row sunshades add extra comfort for passengers on sunny days.
Forward-thinking tech features make every drive easier and more enjoyable in the 2025 Pathfinder and 2025 Highlander. Wireless smartphone connectivity and charging help keep devices powered without the clutter in either model. For easy access to essential apps and navigation, both SUVs come standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an additional 9-inch touchscreen option on the Pathfinder and a 12.3-inch option on the Highlander. For a rich, clear audio experience on every journey, the Pathfinder offers a 13-speaker Bose® system, while the Highlander features an 11-speaker JBL® system.
Hit the road with confidence in the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota Highlander. The Pathfinder offers a single potent engine with multiple powertrain options, depending on the configuration. If you opt for the Rock Creek® trim, you can tap into enhanced power, perfect for pursuing off-road adventures. Additionally, the Pathfinder is equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission, as well as standard 4×2 (rear wheel) or available 4×4 capabilities.
The Highlander offers two available 2.4L four-cylinder engines — one turbocharged gas option and one hybrid. The gas engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid engine is paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). This model also offers impressive flexibility with a standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or an available all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
Experience impressive towing prowess in either model. Whether you’re towing a trailer, boat, or weekend gear, the Pathfinder can handle up to 6,000 pounds, while the Highlander manages up to 5,000 pounds.
See the accompanying chart for a comparison of engine specifications.
|
2025 Model |
Nissan Pathfinder |
Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek |
Toyota Highlander |
|
|
Engine |
3.5L six-cylinder |
2.4L turbo four-cylinder |
2.4L hybrid four-cylinder |
|
|
Horsepower |
284 HP |
295 HP |
265 HP |
243 net HP |
|
Torque |
259 lb.-ft. |
270 lb.-ft. |
310 lb.-ft. |
175 lb.-ft. |
|
Transmission |
Nine-speed automatic |
Eight-speed automatic |
eCVT |
|
|
Drivetrain |
4×2 / 4×4 |
4×4 |
FWD / AWD |
AWD |
|
Standard MPG (City/Hwy) |
20 / 27 |
20 / 23 |
22 / 29 |
35 / 35 |
|
Max. Towing Capacity |
6,000 lbs. |
5,000 lbs. |
3,500 lbs. |
|
Want a companion with flexibility that adapts to your family’s needs? The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander offer a versatile interior with seating for seven or eight passengers. Both models give you the choice of second-row captain’s chairs, which provide easier access to the third row and a more spacious, individual seating experience, or a traditional second-row bench to maximize passenger capacity. The Pathfinder exclusively offers an EZ FLEX® seating system, making it simple to fold, tumble, and slide the second-row seats for quick entry to the third row.
Need to optimize cargo solutions? Both models allow you to configure the space to your needs with folding rear seats. When both rear rows are folded, the Pathfinder offers up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and the Highlander can accommodate up to 84.3 cubic feet.
See the accompanying chart for a comparison of size and cargo specifications.
|
2025 Nissan Pathfinder |
Model |
2025 Toyota Highlander |
|
197.7 in. |
Exterior Length |
194.9 in. |
|
114.2 in. |
Wheelbase |
112.2 in. |
|
Seven or eight |
Seating |
Seven or eight |
|
148.5 cu.-ft. |
Passenger Volume |
141.8 cu.-ft. |
|
42.3 / 39.6 / 37.8 in. |
Headroom (First/Second/Third Row) |
41.2 / 39.4 / 36.1 in. |
|
44.3 / 35.5 / 28 in. |
Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) |
42 / 38.7 / 28 in. |
|
80.5 / 16.6 cu.-ft. |
Cargo Volume Behind First/Third Row |
84.3 / 16 cu.-ft. |
Drive with confidence in the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota Highlander, both equipped with advanced safety technology to help support you on every drive. The Pathfinder comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a six-feature suite designed to enhance focus and control on the road. The Highlander features Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which offers a variety of helpful driver assistance tools. The Pathfinder goes a step further with ProPILOT Assist, helping to ease the stress of long drives and making highway travel smoother and more relaxed.
Experience performance at its peak in the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. With up to 6,000 pounds of maximum towing capabilities and an off-road-specific powertrain, this SUV is prepared to serve a variety of needs when adventure calls. Additionally, the Pathfinder is crafted to prioritize peace of mind with intelligent systems that adapt to the conditions around you, promoting better focus and awareness of the road ahead.
If you want to optimize your time exploring the cityscapes, the 2025 Toyota Highlander offers a more compact body with all the benefits of a three-row SUV. Additionally, you can make the most of your time on the road with its impressive efficiency; when equipped with the hybrid powertrain, the Highlander can achieve up to 35 city and 35 highway MPG.
Curious if the Nissan Pathfinder is the right fit for you? See how it measures up against the competition. Our helpful comparison guides outline features from performance and safety to interior comfort and innovation.
Embark on your next adventure in an eight-passenger SUV that offers everything your family craves for an elevated drive. While many options are available for your consideration, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder® and 2024 Toyota Highlander are two impressive SUVs engineered with your needs in mind. Find out which one speaks to you with this 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander comparison created by the experts at Southlake Nissan. If you think the Pathfinder is the right choice for you, further your research with our Nissan Pathfinder review.
Discover your preferred Pathfinder trim in our inventory, and pair it with an available lease or finance offer. Questions? Contact our Merrillville, IN, dealership online or by phone at (219) 947-1600.
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder and 2024 Toyota Highlander sport sturdy, athletic exterior designs and excellent functionality. Each model features premium LED exterior lighting — including daytime running lamps — to help you remain visible on the road, day or night. Additionally, you’ll find available roof rails that offer extra storage options while on the move. The Pathfinder and Highlander each offer a hands-free, motion-activated liftgate that provides easy access to the cargo area.
For those who love to explore the rugged terrain, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek® trim is an excellent choice. This trim exclusively comes equipped with all-terrain tires, making it easier for you to navigate rough roads.
As you venture along the road ahead, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder and 2024 Toyota Highlander provide a host of exceptional interior features to ensure a comfortable journey. You can upgrade to premium features such as climate-controlled front seats and heated outboard rear seats on either model for optimal relaxation. Additionally, the Pathfinder and Highlander come standard with tri-zone automatic temperature control, allowing passengers to customize their comfort to their liking. Enhance back-seat-traveler comfort even further with second-row sunshades, available on either SUV.
Discover cutting-edge technology in the 2024 Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander. Advanced features like wireless smartphone connectivity and wireless charging help reduce cord clutter and enhance convenience in either model. Plus, you can access various driving essentials and apps through a premium infotainment touchscreen — 8- or 9-inches on the Pathfinder and 8- or 12.3-inches on the Highlander. Experience high-quality sound with an available premium Bose® audio system with 13 speakers inside the Pathfinder or an 11-speaker JBL® premium audio system on the Highlander.
Enjoy every moment of your next adventure in either the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder or the 2024 Toyota Highlander. Each model comes with two engine options to choose from and traction-optimizing capabilities. Find standard two-wheel drive (2WD) or available four-wheel drive (4WD) in the Pathfinder, or select standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) in the Highlander. Worry less about leaving essentials behind no matter which SUV you choose thanks to an impressive 6,000-pound towing capacity on the Pathfinder and a 5,000-pound towing capacity on the Highlander. See the accompanying charts for engine specifications.
|
2024 Nissan Pathfinder |
||
|
Engine |
3.5L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
|
Horsepower |
284 HP |
295 HP |
|
Torque |
259 lb.-ft. |
270 lb.-ft. |
|
Transmission |
Nine-speed automatic with manual mode |
|
|
MPG (City / Hwy) |
20 / 27 |
20 / 23 |
|
Max. Towing |
3,500 lbs. |
6,000 lbs. |
|
2024 Toyota Highlander |
||
|
Engine |
2.4L turbo four-cylinder |
2.5L hybrid four-cylinder |
|
Horsepower |
265 HP |
Up to 243 HP |
|
Torque |
310 lb.-ft. |
175 lb.-ft. |
|
Transmission |
Eight-speed automatic |
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) |
|
MPG (City / Hwy) |
22 / 29 |
36 / 35 |
|
Max. Towing |
5,000 lbs. |
3,500 lbs. |
Looking for a spacious and flexible vehicle to support your growing family? The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder and 2024 Toyota Highlander can accommodate up to seven or eight passengers, depending on whether you choose second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. The Pathfinder model’s EZ FLEX® seating system makes it simple to get in and out, and the third-row bench seat can be folded down in either SUV to create commodious cargo space for all your hauling needs. See the accompanying chart for size and cargo specifications.
|
2024 Nissan Pathfinder |
Model |
2024 Toyota Highlander |
|
197.7 in. |
Vehicle Length |
194.9 in. |
|
Seven or eight |
Seating |
Seven or eight |
|
148.5 cu.-ft. |
Passenger Volume |
141.8 cu.-ft. |
|
42.3 / 39.6 / 37.8 in. |
Headroom (First / Second / Third Row) |
41.2 / 39.4 / 36.1 in. |
|
44.3 / 35.5 / 28 in. |
Legroom (First / Second / Third Row) |
42 / 38.7 / 28 in. |
|
80.5 / 45 / 16.6 cu.-ft. |
Cargo Volume Behind First / Second / Third Row |
84.3 / 48.4 / 16 cu.-ft. |
Take your driving experience to the next level in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder and 2024 Toyota Highlander. The Pathfinder comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, and the Highlander offers Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, so you can drive with confidence knowing you have an extra set of eyes looking out for you. The Pathfinder also comes equipped with a number of ultra-intelligent features for even greater peace of mind, like ProPILOT Assist, so you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free commute on the open road.
If you’re looking to take every journey head-on in a refined SUV packed with sensible features and premium performance, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder® and 2023 Toyota Highlander are two great options. Both models offer outstanding versatility for your growing family as well as high-class comfort and capability no matter where you’re going — but which is right for you? The professionals at Southlake Nissan in Merrillville, IN, have crafted this comparison of the two to help you decide.
If you love the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, browse our inventory to find your favorite model, and explore new ways to save with our available finance and lease options. If you have any questions for our team, contact us online or call us at (219) 947-1600.
Ruggedly refined with a contemporary design made for the outdoors, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and 2023 Toyota Highlander are engineered to turn heads everywhere from the streets to the trails. Both the Pathfinder and Highlander offer functional available features such as premium LED exterior lighting, roof rails, and a convenient hands-free liftgate. Plus, each model offers a selection of stylish 18- or 20-inch wheel options, and passengers can take in the sights through an available panoramic moonroof in either.
Exclusively on the 2023 Pathfinder, all-terrain tires come standard on the Rock Creek trim to help simplify traversing dirt roads and muddy trails.
Whether you prefer relaxation, innovation, or both, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and 2023 Toyota Highlander share a wealth of similarities with a few unique features that set them apart. Both models come with standard three-row seating to accommodate up to eight people. Additionally, front and rear passengers have a myriad of available amenities at their disposal in either SUV, including heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, rear sunshades, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
When it comes to digital innovations, the 2023 Pathfinder and Highlander both offer high-tech elements right within arm’s reach. Opt for wireless smartphone integration and charging on either model, and a Wi-Fi® hotspot — standard on the Pathfinder — helps keep everyone in touch. Each SUV offers a premium infotainment system for access to your favorite apps as well as a visually stunning touchscreen display — 8 or 9 inches on the Pathfinder and 8 or 12.3 inches on the Highlander.
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and 2023 Toyota Highlander both offer remarkable powertrains packed with optimized fuel economy, impressive towing, and excitement for your daily drive. The Highlander offers two robust engine options, and the Pathfinder makes your choice easy with one dynamic powerhouse. Both SUVs offer seven selectable terrain and drive modes for optimal performance over changing road conditions. If you love the freedom to tailor your performance, the Pathfinder offers either two-wheel drive (2WD) or intelligent 4×4 capability, and the Highlander offers either front-wheel drive (FWD) or torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD).
|
2023 Nissan Pathfinder |
Model |
2023 Toyota Highlander |
|
|
3.5L V6 |
Engine |
2.4L turbo I4 |
2.5L hybrid |
|
295 HP |
Max. Horsepower |
265 HP |
186 HP |
|
270 lb.-ft. |
Max. Torque |
310 lb.-ft. |
175 lb.-ft. |
|
Nine-speed automatic with manual mode |
Transmission |
Eight-speed electronically controlled automatic |
Electronic continuously variable (eCVT) |
|
6,000 lbs. |
Max. Towing |
5,000 lbs. |
3,500 lbs. |
|
21 / 27 |
MPG (city / hwy) |
22 / 29 |
36 / 35 |
Whether you’re packing in travelers, cargo, or both, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and 2023 Toyota Highlander offer versatile accommodations for a wide range of needs. Both models can be configured with either second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating or a second-row bench seat to accommodate up to eight travelers, and the Pathfinder exclusively offers an EZ FLEX® second-row seating system featuring LATCH AND GLIDE® for easy access to the rear seats.
|
2023 Nissan Pathfinder |
Model |
2023 Toyota Highlander |
|
Eight |
Max. Seating |
Eight |
|
148.5 cu.-ft. |
Passenger Volume |
141.8 cu.-ft. |
|
197.7 in. |
Vehicle Length |
194.9 in. |
|
42.3 / 39.6 / 37.8 in. |
Headroom (First / Second / Third Row) |
41.2 / 39.4 / 36.1 in. |
|
44.3 / 35.5 / 28 in. |
Legroom (First / Second / Third Row) |
42 / 38.7 / 28 in. |
|
80.5 / 45 / 16.6 cu.-ft. |
Cargo Volume Behind First / Second / Third Row |
84.3 / 48.4 / 16 cu.-ft. |
Find your peace of mind in either the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and 2023 Toyota Highlander, no matter where the road takes you. Driver assistance suites such as Nissan Safety Shield® 360 and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ help give added support on the road, and shared available features like a 360-degree camera (with off-road mode on the Pathfinder), traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning help you stay aware at all times.
The 2023 Pathfinder exclusively offers a suite of additional intelligent safety features, a head-up display, and ProPILOT Assist, which is an advanced highway driving system built to adjust to the flow of traffic for a smoother commute.
