There are several vehicle models that over the past few years have emerged as safe, dependable, and priced to own. Nissan makes some, and Toyota does as well. They’re both battling in the SUV market, though.
Nissan and Toyota continually come out with vehicles in the same classes that are similar in their size, features, and price. It can be difficult to choose between them for that reason.
You can head to Waxahachie Nissan if you feel that brand is the best option for you, but it is also worth taking a close look at Toyota and what some of its SUVs have to offer. In particular, you should examine the Highlander if you are thinking the Nissan Pathfinder could be your next vehicle. These two are highly competitive in terms of sales, and if you do a back-to-back comparison, you will probably see why.
Let us examine what both vehicles have to offer to help you determine which one is ideal for your needs.

The Price
Let’s face it: the price of any product matters. That is certainly the case with vehicles. You know that in all probability you will be driving this SUV for several years to come, so you’re willing to pay a high price tag for it. There might be a certain price threshold that you’re willing to go to, but not beyond that.
If price alone is your motivator, then you’ll like the Nissan Pathfinder. You can get one starting at $38,040 at one of the lowest trim models. Meanwhile, the lowest-priced Toyota Highlander can be yours for $40,720.
While that means you’re paying a little more for the Highlander, the price difference is probably not so huge that you will make your decision based on this factor alone.
Miles Per Gallon
Miles per gallon is another area that matters to many SUV buyers. The Highlander beats the Pathfinder in this area.
The Highlander gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. The Pathfinder counters with 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s worth thinking about.
The Seating Capacity
Neither vehicle has a particular edge in terms of seating capacity. They both seat eight fully grown adults.
The Pathfinder does have several online reviews that mention how larger, heavier adults should find it roomy and comfortable. That might be something to keep in mind for a family that has those needs.
The Drive Type
The drive type will definitely matter to some buyers. In this case, it is a wash, as both vehicles feature four-wheel drive.
Four-wheel drive, for those who don’t know, is a system that sends power to the vehicle’s four wheels to provide maximum traction. It is one of the key selling points of both the Pathfinder and Highlander that buyers seem to enjoy.
The Engine
The engine is another area that will be of interest for vehicle enthusiasts. The Pathfinder has a 3.5 L V6. The Highlander has a 2.4 L I4 Turbo.
For those who do not know too much about SUVs, this means that the 2.4 L I4 Turbo is considered better, at least by most metrics. It is more fuel efficient. The smaller engine, which is turbo powered, will consume less fuel. That might be a notable selling point for some buyers.
What About the Basic Warranty?
Certainly the basic warranty is an area at which potential buyers would like to look. In this instance, there is no real difference between the Pathfinder and Highlander.
They both come with a three year or 36,000-mile warranty that includes many of the features and parts. It is clear from this identical warranty that the two vehicles are directly in competition with each other.
The Horsepower
The horsepower is one area where the Pathfinder has a distinct advantage. It has 284 horsepower as compared to 265 with the Highlander.
If this is an area in which you are particularly interested, you may want to opt for the Pathfinder. Again, though, there is probably not such a huge difference that it stands out starkly if you’re looking at these SUVs back to back.
Additional Features
There are going to be more than a few individuals and families who will probably be looking at these vehicles for their safety features. There are several you get with each option that should make them attractive prospects.
With the Pathfinder you get automatic emergency braking. You get that with the Highlander as well. Both also have a blind spot detection system.
There are some features that the Highlander has that the Pathfinder does not, though. You get adaptive cruise control with the Highlander, but not the Pathfinder. You also get remote engine start with the Highlander only.
Neither vehicle has a surround view camera. The Pathfinder has parking sensors, but the Highlander does not.
The Final Verdict
If you like the idea of a vehicle that’s priced a little lower, then the Pathfinder is going to be your best option. However, there’s not an enormous price difference, so maybe you won’t make your final decision based on that alone.
The Highlander has adaptive control and remote engine starting, unlike the Pathfinder. Several users report it’s a bit roomier. You get less horsepower with it, though.
As for the Pathfinder, you get a bit more horsepower with it, so if that’s attractive to you, you may want to opt for this option. The engine does not give you as much fuel economy, though.
The warranties are the same, so there’s no advantage for either choice there. The four-wheel drive is also standard for both, so you can get that if you go in either direction.
You may feel loyalty toward one brand or the other, so that might influence your decision. However, both companies are well regarded, so if this is your first time buying from either one, it seems likely you will be satisfied with your choice.
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