2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

A side-by-side comparison graphic of the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

A Complete Mid-Size SUV Comparison Guide

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Toyota Highlander-which mid-size SUV should you choose? Although they have the same body types, both models have key differences to know before investing in a new vehicle.From interior space to powertrain performance and pricing, we'll compare the Pathfinder vs. Highlander to ensure you get the right one for your driving needs.

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Price, Trims, & Configurations Comparison

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has five trim levels with pricing starting at:
  • S: $39,070 MSRP
  • SV: $40,060 MSRP
  • Rock Creek: $45,160 MSRP
  • SL: $45,260 MSRP
  • Platinum: $51,810 MSRP
All Pathfinder trims have standard 2WD and available 4WD, except for Rock Creek, with only a 4WD configuration.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander has five gas-powered trim levels with pricing starting at:
  • LE: $40,320 MSRP
  • XLE: $43,470 MSRP
  • XSE: $47,140 MSRP
  • Limited: $47,575 MSRP
  • Platinum: $52,725 MSRP
It also has five hybrid variants of the lineup. All Highlander gas-powered trims have standard FWD, except for the XSE and Platinum trims with AWD configurations.

When comparing the Nissan Pathfinder to the Toyota Highlander's lineup, it doesn't offer hybrid variants but has lower pricing.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder S

Exterior image of a white 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S parked on a white backgroundThe 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S is the base-level trim, with pricing starting at $39,070 MSRP.

Its key features include:
  • 18" dark-painted aluminum alloy wheels and all-season tires
  • 8" NissanConnect display with Apple CarPlay integration
  • Tri-zone automatic temperature control
  • RearView Monitor
Several equipment are also available to the S, including a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink that pairs to your smart home, remote engine start, and a dual-camera drive recorder.

2025 Toyota Highlander LE

Exterior image of a white 2025 Toyota Highlander LE parked on a white backgroundSource: Toyota

The 2025 Toyota Highlander LE is the entry-level trim, with pricing starting at $40,320 MSRP.

Its key features include:
  • 18" painted alloy wheels and all-season tires
  • 8" Toyota Multimedia with six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility 
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Several equipment are also available to the LE, including roof rack crossbars, smart LED ambient lighting, and a rearview mirror with HomeLink.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek is the off-road-focused trim, with pricing starting at $45,160 MSRP.

Its key features include:
  • 18" beadlock-style aluminum alloy wheels and all-terrain tires
  • 8" NissanConnect display with Services and Apple CarPlay integration
  • Additional 0.6" ground clearance (7.6" total) and off-road-tuned suspension
  • Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode and Hill Descent Control
Several equipment are also available, including Rock Creek all-season floor mats, high wall liners with captain's chairs, and an all-season cargo area protector.

2025 Toyota Highlander XSE

Exterior front image of a white 2025 Toyota Highlander XSE driving through a desert road with surrounding cactiSource: Toyota

The 2025 Toyota Highlander XSE is the sport-focused trim, with pricing starting at $47,140 MSRP.

Its key features include:
  • 20" black alloy wheels and all-season tires
  • 8" Toyota Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility 
  • 8" total ground clearance and sport-tuned suspension
  • Drive mode select system with Sport mode 
Several equipment are also available to the XSE, including a 12.3" Toyota Audio Multimedia system with 11 speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum

Exterior image of a red 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum parked on a hill with forest trees and mountains in the backgroundThe 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is the top-level luxury trim, with pricing starting at $51,810 MSRP.

Its key features include:
  • 20" machine aluminum alloy wheels and all-season tires
  • 9" NissanConnect display with Services, Apple CarPlay integration, and wireless charging
  • 13-speaker premium Bose audio system with dual woofers
  • Panoramic moonroof
A Platinum Captain's Chairs Package is also available, offering second-row foldable captain's chairs with tip-up for easier third-row access and a second-row removable center console with cupholders.

2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum

Exterior side image of a green 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum driving through a mountain road Source: Toyota

The 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum is the top-level luxury trim, with pricing starting at $52,725 MSRP.

Its key features include:
  • 20" alloy wheels and all-season tires
  • 12.3" Toyota Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • 11-speaker premium JBL audio system 
  • Panoramic glass roof

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Exterior Colors & Dimensions Comparison



2025 Nissan Pathfinder Exterior Design

Exterior side graphic of a red 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's color options and dimensions displayedThe 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size crossover SUV with four doors, roof rails, a power liftgate (available on the S), wrap-around LED taillights, and LED headlights. It has rugged front-end styling, with a V-Motion three-slot grille and strong box fender proportions.

It comes in the following paint colors with select availability per trim level:
  • Baja Storm Metallic 
  • Boulder Gray Pearl 
  • Brilliant Silver Metallic 
  • Deep Ocean Blue Metallic
  • Everest White Pearl TriCoat
  • Glacier White
  • Gun Metallic
  • Obsidian Green Pearl 
  • Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
  • Super Black
  • Two-Tone Baja Storm Metallic/Super Black 
  • Two-Tone Boulder Gray Pearl/Super Black
  • Two-Tone Everest White Pearl TriCoat/Super Black
  • Two-Tone Gun Metallic/Super Black
  • Two-Tone Obsidian Green Pearl/Super Black
  • Two-Tone Scarlet Ember Tintcoat/Super Black
The exterior dimensions vary slightly per trim level, with specs starting at 197.7" L x 77.9" W x 70.9" H.

2025 Toyota Highlander Exterior Design

Exterior side graphic of a gray 2025 Toyota Highlander color options and dimensions displayed Source: Toyota

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV with four doors, roof rails, a hands-free power liftgate (available on the LE), and LED headlights. Its body has a sculpted shape with contoured lines and a sleek grille, for a more refined look.

It comes in the following paint colors with select availability per trim level:
  • Blueprint
  • Celestial Silver Metallic
  • Cement
  • Cypress
  • Heavy Metal
  • Magnetic Gray Metallic
  • Midnight Black Metallic
  • Ruby Flare Pearl
  • Wind Chill Pearl
The exterior dimensions vary slightly per trim level, with specs starting at 194.9" L x 76.0" W x 68.1" H.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Exterior Design

When comparing the Nissan Pathfinder to the Toyota Highlander's exterior, it offers more paint colors, a rugged design, and a slightly larger body. The Highlander offers fewer colors, a slightly smaller body, and more refined styling.

Interior Design & Features Comparison



2025 Nissan Pathfinder Interior Design

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has three rows with bench seats and can fit up to eight passengers, except for the Rock Creek trim, at seven with second-row captain's chairs. Eight-passenger models also have the available captain's chairs configuration.

It comes in the following cabin colors and materials, with select availability per trim level:
  • Charcoal Cloth 
  • Light Gray Cloth 
  • Charcoal Leather Appointments 
  • Light Gray Leather Appointments 
  • Charcoal Leatherette
  • Charcoal Semi-Aniline Leather Appointments
  • Chestnut Semi-Aniline Leather Appointments
NissanConnect displays with Apple CarPlay integration are standard across the lineup, which increases screen sizes and features for upper trim levels. All trim levels also get a standard EZ Flex seating system that tilts and slides second-row seats for easier third-row access. Additionally, the MyNissan App comes standard with remote engine start, unlock/lock, and car location finder.

The 2025 Pathfinder's interior dimensions vary slightly per trim level and cab configuration, with specs starting at:
  • Front Head Room: 42.3"
  • Front Leg Room: 44.3"
  • Front Hip Room: 58.3"
  • Front Shoulder Room: 60.8"
  • Second Head Room: 39.6"
  • Second Leg Room: 35.5"
  • Second Hip Room: 56.3"
  • Second Shoulder Room: 59.6"
  • Third Head Room: 37.8"
  • Third Leg Room: 28.0"
  • Third Hip Room: 46.7"
  • Third Shoulder Room: 58.4"
  • Cargo Capacity: 80.5 cu.-ft.


2025 Toyota Highlander Interior Design

Interior image of the 2025 Toyota Highlander's three-row leather gray seats with the sunroof showing mountain views  Source: Toyota

The 2025 Toyota Highlander has three rows with bench seats and can fit up to eight passengers, except for the available captain's chair configurations on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, at seven.

It comes in the following cabin colors and materials, with select availability per trim level:
  • Black fabric
  • Black leather-trimmed
  • Black Mixed Media-trimmed
  • Black SofTex-trimmed
  • Cockpit Red Leather-trimmed
  • Glazed Caramel leather-trimmed
  • Graphic fabric
  • Graphite leather-trimmed
  • Graphite SofTex-trimmed
  • Harvest Beige SoftTex-trimmed
A Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard across the lineup, which increases speaker and screen sizes for upper trim levels. It has a 60/40 split third row for additional cargo space with storage cubbies in the center console and dashboard for smaller items.

The 2025 Highlander's interior dimensions vary slightly per trim level and cab configuration, with specs starting at:
  • Front Head Room: 41.2"
  • Front Leg Room: 42.0"
  • Front Shoulder Room: 59.0"
  • Front Hip Room: 57.2"
  • Second Head Room: 39.4"
  • Second Leg Room: 38.7"
  • Second Shoulder Room: 58.7"
  • Third Row Head Room: 36.1"
  • Third Row Leg Room: 28.0"
  • Third Row Shoulder Room: 55.0"
  • Third Row Hip Room: 45.6"
  • Cargo Capacity: 84.3 cu.-ft.


2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Interior Design

When comparing the Nissan Pathfinder to the Toyota Highlander's interior, it has a bigger cabin for passengers and has a flexible seating system to increase cargo space. The Highlander has a smaller cabin size due to its larger cargo space, with no flexible seating system. However, both models share similar standard infotainment features and the same cab configurations.

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Engines & Powertrain Comparison



2025 Nissan Pathfinder Engines & Powertrain

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has one powertrain: a 3.5L six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It produces up to 248 hp and 259 lb.-ft. of torque, varying slightly per trim level.

It has among the best-in-class fuel economy ratings:
  • 2WD Models: 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway / 23 MPG combined
  • 4WD Models: 21 MPG city / 27 MPG highway / 23 MPG combined
The 2WD models accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 6.6 seconds, and the 4WD models in 6.7 seconds. An Intelligent 4x4 system is available with seven driver-select modes: Mud/Rut, Sand, Snow, Tow, Sport, Off-Road, and Eco, to enhance traction in various road conditions.

2025 Toyota Highlander Engines & Powertrain

Exterior rear-view image of a dark gray 2025 Toyota Highlander driving through an enclosed city freeway  Source: Toyota

The 2025 Toyota Highlander has one powertrain: a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces up to 265 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, varying slightly per trim level. 

The gas-powered models also have best-in-class fuel economy ratings:
  • FWD Models: 22 MPG city / 29 MPG highway / 25 MPG combined
  • AWD Models: 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 24 MPG combined
The gas-powered models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. A Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system is available that sends 50% more power to the rear wheels. There are three multi-terrain select modes for AWD models: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal. There are three standard drive modes for all models: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Engines & Powertrain

When comparing the Nissan Pathfinder to the Toyota Highlander's powertrain, it offers more driver-select modes, a bigger engine and transmission, and faster acceleration times. However, the Highlander has a slightly better fuel economy and a stronger powertrain performance.

Towing Capacity & Payload Rating Comparison

Image of a white 2025 Nissan Pathfinder towing an ATV through a snowy mountain landscapeThe 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has best-in-class towing power by almost 1,000 lbs from competitors. It can tow up to 6,000 lbs with a 1,575 lbs max payload rating. Several towing assistance technologies, like trailer sway control, Tow Mode with Downhill Speed Control, and a tow-hitch receiver with a seven-pin wiring harness, are also included for easier trailering.

Image of a white 2025 Toyota Highlander towing a small bout through a mountainous road with a lake in the background  Source: Toyota

The 2025 Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lbs with a 1,300 lbs max payload rating. Available towing technologies include trailer sway control, trailer backup guide, and a wireless trailer camera.

When comparing the Nissan Pathfinder to the Toyota Highlander's trailering capabilities, it has stronger towing power due to its bigger body and powertrain. However, both models offer plenty of towing assistance technologies.

Advanced Safety & Driver Assistance Technology Comparison

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It's also been an IIHS Top Safety Pick for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2025.

Its safety and driver assistance technologies include:
  • Safety Shield 360: Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, Intelligent forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more (standard)
  • ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link: Automated driving assistance for traffic flows, lane centering, and real-time road mapping (available)
  • Intelligent Around View Monitor: A four-camera system with 360-degree and bird's eye views for parking assistance (select trim availability)


  Source: Toyota

The 2025 Toyota Highlander also has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Its safety and driver assistance features include:
  • Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+: Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and more. (standard)
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert: A detection system that warns you if a vehicle approaches from both blind spot sides with a mirror indicator and audio tone (standard)
  • Front & Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking: An audible and visual warning system when objects, people, or vehicles approach behind the vehicle, automatically reducing engine power and applying brakes (available)

When comparing the Nissan Pathfinder to the Toyota Highlander's safety features, both have the same ratings and plenty of autonomous technologies to assist drivers.

Pathfinder vs. Highlander Verdict: The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Pulls Ahead for Versatility

While the 2025 Toyota Highlander is a strong contender, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers more versatility at a lower price, making it a better overall value.

Although the Highlander has a stronger powertrain, bigger available infotainment displays on upper-level trims, and a slightly better fuel efficiency, it's designed for more daily driving. It doesn't offer an off-road trim, a cargo flex system, and has a smaller cabin size, making it less comfortable for passengers.

The 2025 Pathfinder leads in towing power by 1,000 lbs, with more standard trailering features that require upgrading in the Highlander. Its bigger body also makes it more spacious for passengers and has an off-road Rock Creek trim for outdoor enthusiasts. The Pathfinder's rugged yet family-friendly design makes it more capable in diverse driving conditions.

Ready to experience the peak performance of the Pathfinder? 

Browse our 2025 Pathfinder listings or schedule a test drive at Nissan of Silsbee today!