Mid-size three-row SUVs have become increasingly popular as families and adventure-seekers alike look for more passenger space and versatile cargo room. With their ability to comfortably seat up to eight passengers and still offer ample storage for luggage, groceries, or gear, these vehicles provide a perfect balance of functionality and comfort. As demand grows for SUVs that cater to both everyday commutes and long road trips, it can be overwhelming to sift through all the options to find the right one. At Capitol Nissan in Salem, OR, we understand the challenges of choosing the perfect SUV, which is why we've made the process easier for you. We've put in the time and effort to compare two of the top contenders in the segment: the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Both of these SUVs are packed with family-friendly features, impressive specs, and cutting-edge technology. Our comprehensive comparison page allows you to explore everything each model has to offer, helping you make an informed decision with ease. So, whether you're looking for space, style, or performance, we've got you covered. Visit Capitol Nissan when you're ready to take one of these incredible SUVs for a test drive!
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Design & Exterior Features
Both the 2025 Pathfinder and the 2025 Highlander come standard with 18-inch wheels with the option to upgrade to larger 20-inch wheels. LED headlights are standard fare on both SUVs while LED fog lights are optional on the Pathfinder. A panoramic moonroof is available on the higher trim levels of both models while heated side mirrors and an integrated roof spoiler are standard on both the Pathfinder and the Highlander. Running boards are available on the Pathfinder, a feature not found at all on the Highlander while both vehicles offer roof rails for extra cargo space. The catch is they're only standard on the Pathfinder and you'll have to jump up trim levels and pay more to find this feature on the Highlander.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Comfort & Technology
You'll find comfortable seating for 8 inside both the 2025 Pathfinder and the 2025 Highlander with the Pathfinder taking the lead in head- and legroom as well as passenger volume. Heated front seats come standard in the Pathfinder while they're only available on higher trim levels of the Highlander. Other luxury features that are found on both SUVs include heated rear outboard seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery. A three-zone climate control is also standard fare for both the Pathfinder and the Highlander. Staying connected is easy with Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability standard in both models. NissanConnect® Navigation with Voice Recognition is available on the Pathfinder along with wireless charging, features you will not find in the Highlander.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Performance
When it comes to performance, the 2025 Pathfinder is the clear winner over the 2025 Highlander. With a potent 3.5-liter V6 under the Pathfinder's hood, you'll see 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque vs the Highlander's 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which makes 265 horsepower. A four-wheel drive SUV, the Pathfinder is paired to a 9-speed automatic, can tow up to 6,000 lbs and gets up to 27 MPG on the highway. The Highlander comes standard as a front-wheel drive vehicle, able to tow up to 3,500 lbs and gets up to 29 highway MPG.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Safety
Nissan and Toyota have always been leaders when it comes to safety and the 2025 Pathfinder and the 2025 Highlander are perfect examples. Both SUVs were awarded a perfect 5-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA and while the Highlander was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, the Pathfinder earned the highest honor given by the IIHS, being named a Top Safety Pick+. Both models come standard with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking are features that are exclusive to the Pathfinder.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Overall Value
When comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Toyota Highlander, the Pathfinder clearly stands out as the superior choice for families and adventurers alike. With its impressive 284-horsepower V6 engine, the Pathfinder offers a more powerful performance than the Highlander's base engine, providing a smoother, more responsive drive. Additionally, the Pathfinder boasts a more spacious cabin with generous legroom and seating for up to eight passengers, making it the more comfortable option for larger families or group travel. Its versatile cargo space also offers more room for your gear, while advanced safety features like ProPILOT Assist and the intuitive NissanConnect system give you peace of mind and convenience on every journey. At Capitol Nissan in Salem, OR, we believe the 2025 Pathfinder delivers more in terms of comfort, performance, and practicality. We're here to help you find your perfect fit and get you behind the wheel of a new Pathfinder. Contact us today to schedule your test drive!
 | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.5-Liter V6 | 2.4-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder |
| Standard Horsepower | 284 | 265 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 259 | 310 |
| Standard Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 21 City / 27 Highway | 22 City / 29 Highway |
| Passenger Volume (Cubic Feet) | 148.5 | 141.8 |
| Standard Wheels | 18-inch Aluminum-Alloy | 18-inch Alloy |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 80.5 | 84.3 |
| Bluetooth® | Standard | Available |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard | Available |