Pick the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Over the Toyota Highlander
Can the brand new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder challenge the 2021 Toyota Highlander? Let’s see how the Nissan Pathfinder compares to other three-row crossovers to see which option is best for your family.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs. the 2021 Toyota Highlander
The price for the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder hasn’t been revealed yet. But according to The Car Connection, we can expect its pricing to range between $30,000 and $50,000. Plus, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder begins at around $31,980.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has an MSRP of $34,910, and the Platinum takes the price up to about $51,058. So, these SUVs will be very competitively priced, or the Pathfinder will start slightly lower.
How do the Pathfinder and Highlander drive?
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that pumps out 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine provides plenty of power for a stout acceleration, and when properly equipped, the Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 lb. The 2020 model gets an EPA estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. According to Edmunds, it has a pretty good acceleration, which is average for the class.
RELATED: The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder Is a Disappointing Family Vehicle
It can tow up to 5,000 lb. It gets an EPA estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA estimated 35 mpg on the highway and 36 mpg in the city.
Both the Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander have all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder has a 7.2-inch ground clearance and terrain-modes with traction control and stability control.
The Highlander has an 8-inch ground clearance and similar off-roading drive modes. Both SUVs are only suited for light off-roading situations, though.
Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander features
The spec for the legroom and headroom for the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder hasn’t been released yet. However, the cargo space got slightly bigger. There are 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row with 80.5 cubic feet total.
The Toyota Highlander struggles with limited third-row space. It’s possible that the Pathfinder might be more comfortable. Also, there are 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row with up to 84.4 cubic feet total.
You’ll find an 8-inch standard infotainment center in the Pathfinder that can be upgraded to a 9-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but you can upgrade to the wireless system.
The Highlander has an 8-inch standard touchscreen, but you can upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch screen. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and plenty of USB ports in the first and second row.
Both SUVs come with tons of standard features such as blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and more. But the Highlander also comes with adaptive cruise control, which is optional on the Pathfinder.
Deciding between these two SUVs may come down to a test drive. The 2020 Pathfinder was noted by Edmunds as feeling heavy, and the Highlander was called stiff. But the 2022 model may have ride improvements thanks to its suspension upgrades.
