When choosing a powerful, spacious, and capable SUV for your family, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Ford Explorer both come to mind. However, a closer look reveals that the Nissan Pathfinder offers more value, superior comfort, and better safety features than its Ford rival. Designed for adventure-seekers and growing families alike, the Pathfinder blends rugged durability with modern refinement, ensuring you get the most out of every drive. The Nissan Pathfinder boasts a spacious interior with three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers-something the Ford Explorer struggles to match with its standard seven-passenger layout. Additionally, Nissan has packed the Pathfinder with advanced driver assistance technologies and top-tier comfort features, making long drives and daily commutes more enjoyable. Performance-wise, the Pathfinder's robust 3.5L V6 engine delivers impressive power and towing capability without compromising efficiency. While the Ford Explorer has a smaller turbocharged 2.3L I-4 engine as standard, it lacks the naturally aspirated power delivery that many drivers prefer. Moreover, the Pathfinder offers an available Intelligent 4x4 system with seven drive and terrain modes, making it the superior option for off-road enthusiasts and inclement weather conditions. For those prioritizing safety, the Nissan Pathfinder excels with cutting-edge safety features and crash test ratings that reinforce its reputation as a dependable SUV. With a lower starting MSRP, more interior space, and better technology integration, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder proves to be the smarter choice for drivers in Salem, OR.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder makes a bold statement with its rugged yet sophisticated design, featuring a modern V-Motion grille, muscular fender flares, and a floating roofline. Nissan's design prioritizes aerodynamics and durability, ensuring a strong presence on the road while enhancing efficiency. Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer maintains a more conservative approach, with a design that hasn't evolved much from previous iterations. One significant advantage of the Pathfinder is its higher ground clearance and durable skid plates, making it more suitable for off-road adventures. Additionally, the Pathfinder offers two-tone exterior paint options, giving it a more distinctive and customizable look compared to the Explorer's single-tone offerings. LED lighting is standard on both models, but the Pathfinder's LED fog lights and auto-leveling headlights provide superior visibility in adverse conditions.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Comfort & Technology
Inside the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, passengers are treated to a more refined and spacious cabin compared to the Ford Explorer. The Pathfinder comfortably seats up to eight passengers, whereas the Explorer only accommodates seven. Furthermore, Nissan has engineered its second and third-row seating for optimal comfort, with available semi-aniline leather-appointed seats and heated rear seats-features that are limited in the Explorer. Tech-wise, the Pathfinder includes a 12.3-inch digital dashboard display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Nissan's available 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio System enhances in-cabin entertainment, while the Explorer's system feels outdated in comparison. For added convenience, the Pathfinder features Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control and an available Motion-Activated Liftgate, ensuring easy access when your hands are full. The Ford Explorer lacks these premium touches, making the Pathfinder a better-equipped and more comfortable SUV.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder boasts a powerful 3.5L V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers excellent acceleration, responsiveness, and a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds-outperforming the Explorer's standard 5,300-pound towing capacity. The Ford Explorer's base engine, a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4, delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, but lacks the consistent power delivery of a naturally aspirated V6. While the Explorer offers a hybrid option, the Pathfinder's available Intelligent 4x4 system with seven drive and terrain modes makes it the superior SUV for off-road adventures and rough terrains.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Safety
Safety is a top priority for Nissan, and the 2025 Pathfinder excels in this category with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of advanced driver-assist features. Standard safety technologies include Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and ProPILOT Assist, ensuring confidence on every drive. The 2025 Ford Explorer also offers driver-assist features, but Nissan's ProPILOT Assist 2.0 with hands-free driving on select highways gives the Pathfinder a significant advantage. In crash tests conducted by the IIHS, the Pathfinder earned top marks in crashworthiness and collision avoidance, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and family-friendly vehicle. Additionally, the Pathfinder's advanced lane-centering technology and driver attention monitoring system further enhance safety, ensuring drivers stay focused and in control.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Overall Value
When it comes to overall value, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder clearly stands out. With a lower starting price than the Ford Explorer, a more spacious and comfortable interior, superior safety technologies, and better off-road capability, the Pathfinder is the smarter investment for families and adventure seekers alike. Additionally, Nissan's generous warranty coverage and dependability ratings make ownership more cost-effective in the long run. With its blend of power, advanced technology, and superior driving dynamics, the Pathfinder provides a more compelling package at a better price point. Whether you're navigating Salem's streets or heading off the beaten path, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the ultimate SUV for drivers who demand power, comfort, and reliability.
 | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.5-Liter V6 | 2.3-Liter Turbocharged I-4 |
| Standard Horsepower | 284 | 300 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 259 | 310 |
| Standard Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 21 City / 27 Highway | 21 City / 28 Highway |
| Passenger Volume (Cubic Feet) | 148.5 | 152.7 |
| Standard Wheels | 18-inch Aluminum-Alloy | 18-inch Aluminum |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 80.5 | 87.8 |
| Bluetooth® | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard | Standard |