Toyota Highlander vs. Nissan Pathfinder: It's Rugged vs. Roady! Which One Is The New Crossover King? 

My wife and I cross shopped the Highlander and 22 Pathfinder. We ended up going with the Pathfinder SL 4WD because it just rode nicer and the interior was much much nicer. We’ve got 3k miles on it so far and are really happy with it.

I own both. We like the Nissan better in every way except resale value. I even think the Nissan drives sportier than the Toyota.

I’m 6’2” and have sat in the third row of the Pathfinder and it is completely tolerable in short drives. If I had both third row seats to myself it would be fine for longer distances as well. It entirely surprised me how well designed the Pathfinder is.

I traded my 19 ranger xlt with 53,333 miles on it and got a 22 base S model pathfinder. Absolutely loving it so far. One of the main reasons why I bought the base model pathfinder was because of the safety tech included and the value. There’s so many features that’s standard where the other competitors charge extra for blind spot, lane keep asset etc. Nissan knocked it out of the park and the 9speed is super smooth! The truck Like looks were a big reason why i chose the pathfinder as well.

Highlander is better .but i respect the pathfinder very much

I appreciate you guys considering the off-road specs because some of us don’t just use them to go to the soccer game, rather taking them up the dirt roads to trailheads to hike and camp. So those things are essential to know if you want to do something like that.

Toyota fun here but this time I’m taking the pathfinder. No two ways!!

One is called the "Pathfinder" the other is called the "Highlander" I think this will have to settled offroad.

Great review. My dad bought the Highlander - regretted not buying what I bought, the Pathfinder. I was smart enough to test drive both and in my opinion the Pathfinder was just at a higher level in every way.

great comparo TFL! If you want hybrid, highlander is the answer. Otherwise I'd pick the better looking, more spacious, better infotainment Pathfinder. ✌️

I like the Nissan more but would buy the Toyota. They cost nearly the same and Toyota has great resale value.

I have that exact 2022 Pathfinder. Boulder Gray/Black two-tone SL 4WD. I blacked mine out with factory parts and added custom wheels/AT tires. Its a great ride. The V6 is at its best in Sport mode. Central Oregon hasn't had enough town level snow to try Snow mode yet, but very person that owns one doesn't use snow mode. I use it for doing Uber and Lyft and my customers love the room it has and always compliment the styling.

We have 19 the Highlander and currently have the 22 pathfinder and 22 qx60. Currently the Highlander is at Toyota waiting on a transmission at 60k miles. Definitely having better luck with Nissan.

I was AMAZED at how capable our 2021 Highlander hybrid AWD was off road in the Highlands last year! It shot up a very steep gravel road with no problem at all. I thought it was a big mistake we weren't in the LR3, but it handled so well in Trail mode.

Shaw Brothers tee is a nice touch to this video. Still driving my 2014 Highlander with no issue, reg maintenances and good to go. Since it’s base on Camry, probably will end up be around like one.

I test drove both vehicles, the Nissian seat,room and ride were better for driver.

Very helpful for a 6’3” guy looking at the Highlander Hybrid Platinum since I can’t actually sit in one, thanks for this!

The Pathfinder does look good. Its definitely WAY better than the old model. I bought a Highlander though; better reliability and better resale especially as i drive a lot.

The Highlander was the best selling 3-row crossover in the US last year, selling close to 250,000

Pathfinder seats are much more comfortable for long drives, eg cross country. The vehicle is better for towing, too. Path should be reliable for 150k miles. But Toyota will likely have higher resale value.

I'd go with the Pathfinder mainly for looks and space. On paper, the Highlander has more passenger room but when you sit in both, it's clear it's more cramped. Interior design also looks better in the Nissan, particularly in Platinum vs Platinum spec.

We’ve owned Highlanders. Greatest riding and driving car. Better than any car we ever had. Also great in the snow. Great for long trips.

Pathfinder hands down, both solid vehicles however.

I prefer the highlander but this new pathfinder is a good choice if you don't like the highlander or the outdated honda pilot. Also the V6 in the highlander sounds soo damn good!

Nice comparison Nathan. I'd take a cross between the Mazda Cx-9's driving dynamics and everything else from the Telluride. Between the Highlander and Pathfinder, I like the boxier SUV look of the Nissan, particularly the rear end. I'm not a fan of the Toyota's front or rear design. I'd rather the traditional shifter from the Highlander along with its bigger info screen.

I’m six foot 130 pounds and can confidently say I fit in the 3rd row of highlander easily and will volunteer to do so, there are vents and seats are pretty comfortable

Nice video! I used to own a Mazda CX-9 and don't see why everyone says they are so "fun to drive". I currently own a Honda Passport Trailsport and find it so much more enjoyable and SUV like. The CX-9 was too low to the ground for me, and the third row was useless.

Resale value and longevity hands down toyota

So I own a 2023 Nissan Rogue. I was hit the other day and had to put my car in the shop. I have a 2023 Toyota Highlander as a rental. I miss my Nissan so much. Don’t get me wrong, the Highlander is a nice suv, I like how it drives. I feel like my Rogue is more comfortable to drive than the Highlander.

You don't need a new engine every year just improve on the one design thats how the LS got so good

Pathfinder couldn't find any paths besides the local walmart parking lot

Nissan is BACK! I’ve loved all the new designs. Toyota has reliability, we get it! But in this segment idk if that matters as much. I think there’s more qualifiers people go by. This segment needs to do it all size, comfort, efficiency, tech…

Would love to see that 2.0L VC turbo but idk if they can pair it with a 9 speed? Cause if it's hooked to a CVT I'm out lol

I demean 1 has a lower profile tire so it will handle different compared to the upper trim levels

Blueprint in color for the Highlander in Platinum trim!! My Highlander 😁 Please do a tow test with the Highlander!! 😁

Nathan, thanks for being honest.

I love the Pathfinder would take this over Highlander though love the Highlander as my well my aunt drives a 2020. The Pathfinder is good looking no CVT and looks so beautiful not like a wagon anymore.

I wish this review would have also included the Chevy Traverse. Would have been great to see it compared to these two, but especially to the Highlander. I think it’s bigger and has a lower entry price. These days, that’s pretty important to a lot of people. Great video none the less! Thanks!

Would be cool to see cars like this with part time 4WD options in addition to AWD but i guess it might be overkill, and it would probably kill gas mileage.

Love the Shaw Brothers shirt 🙌

Any comparison with a Honda Pilot? Any idea if an updated Pilot is coming?

We have owned a 22 Pathfinder 2wd platinum since new. It now has 34k miles and it has been great. I rented a a 2022 loaded ICE Highlander and I hated it. It felt like riding a tractor vs Pathfinder.

It would be nice to have Tommy do the slip test on the rollers on these SUV's.

Reliability is all about maintaining your car. Toyota reliability is oversold!

I have a White 2024 Pathfinder SV I love that Hood design and fender shape as well. I'm always admiring it. It's Clean. Wish I would have bought the 4WD, but I live in Southern California. Not worth the extra insurance since Offroading is very rare here. This is my 2nd Pathfinder. my first was a 2008. Going to a FWD was weird, but I've gotten used to driving it. Overall, it handles much better than my RWD 2008. Off road as well. My 2WD gets 22mpg city and 30MPG Hwy. That was another factor in 2WD vs 4WD. Gas is Expensive in California.

They should have included Pilot in the review. Or do highlander, Pathfinder, Pilot and Telluride.

Nissan Pathfinder SV PRM package and Platinum is absolutely amazing value for money if you compare with others.

I'm considering the Highlander Hybrid to tow my teardrop trailer. The day to day mileage of the hybrid is pretty incredible. I'd love to see a test of the Highlander Hybrid pulling a tear drop.

Hey Nathan which one has a better sound system for that heavy metal and rock that we love?

I own the highlander limited with towing package it has a very usable hitch a Trans cooler and good electric the only thing I wish it had was a trailer brake controller otherwise very happy the Nissan when we test drove it felt like a brick on the road we rarely go off road in flat indiana

Both have their pros and cons. It's a matter of reliability and personal tastes.

Without that CVT would pick the Nissan don't want to be another sheep on the road

Just not my type of vehicles, but I understand why they are popular with many American families.

3:34 You're bleeding! I hope you realized that and fixed the issue.

I love the Highlander’s as I have driven several over the last two years delivering for a Toyota dealer. What I don’t like is the rediculise price of them.

Nissan gave more legroom in the front row, about 2 inches more than the Highlander and 1 inch more in the second row. I believe this is what they did and hence the shorter leg room.

Highlander is the best in the class .not that others are bad.forget the americans

I own the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder with the captain seats. I'm 6 foot tall and I can sit in the third row for hours and not feel super crushed.

My mom recently bought a 22 highlander and it’s absolutely beautiful but I’m 5ft 11in and there’s very very very little headroom and I’m not comfortable at all the dash and steering wheel feel like their far away

I prefer the subtle more adult looks of the highlander plus the Toyota has the best reliability/resale in the car industry!

Style is one thing . But in reality , most look for the track record of reliability. You spend $40k , it doesn’t need to be in the shop even while under warranty. Just a hassle.

luv the T shirt! i want one!! Highlander for me although i wish they offered it without the 3rd row.... I'd rather have the additional trunk depth

All I seem to notice is the quite large cut on Nathan's thumb. Wierd that...it grabbed my attention and now it's all I can see like a car crash I can't look away.

Don’t make the same mistake I did. Go with the Highlander. Nissan brakes will need replacing in 15k miles. Zf transmission has odd quirks at cold starts never really feels like it knows which gear is should be in. Lots of hvac and tech bugs!

I need to find my path through the highlands 😉

I've owned an Altima and a Pathfinder, for various periods of time, for 17 years. Never a problem with either. When I am ready for a new vehicle, the Pathfinder would be a slam dunk.........except, as irrational as it is, that nubby gear selector annoys me. I realize that the automakers have moved away from any mechanical linkage for the gearing........but I'm an old man and stuck in my ways and preferences.

I like the entertainment center on the pathfinder then the Toyota. The Toyota’s looks too busy

If you need a 3rd row, the Pathfiner wins. Its just more roomy with the adjustable captains chairs.

My heart will always say Nissan, but my brain is saying Toyota.

Right off the bat, at the 3:15 minute mark, I can see this is not a fair comparison regardless of which vehicle is selected the winner. The Highlander is the fully loaded top of the line offering, while the Pathfinder is the SL model which is not the top of the line offering. As equipped for this match up these vehicles are not an apples to apples comparison IMO.

Between the two pathfinder is far superior period Because the pathfinder is actually competitive and really trying hard in the segment.

175mm of ground clearance for an SUV Pathfinder I can name small hatchbacks with that number

Was anyone else focused on Nathan's nasty cut on his finger and at the same time grossed out by it?

I miss the original Pathfinder

Why didn't Nissan fit their new 3.8 V6 into this one? It would have been best in class for standard power (obviously not counting the turbocharged engines and the V8s).

Highlander is a 4-seater if your children are teenagers or tall and that is the main problem it cannot directly compete with Pilot, Highlander, Telluride etc. because of that deficiency which is too bad. I am looking at the new Pathfinder but I am concerned with the quality of Nissan products and have read horror stories about the 2022 model on the forums.

Seems if you want a performance family mover the only thing on the market is the Ford Explorer. Pathfinder with a Z engine or a telluride with a stinger engine will definitely bring more appeal

Pathfinder lost its way since last model model. Before that it was a good truck suv with good ground clearance for stock

I'll with Toyota, because of resele value.

Interesting that in its early days the Pathfinder started out as a truck-based, direct competitor to the 4Runner and a worthy one at that! It was rugged, and reliable. However, Nissan softened it up and now it's competing against the Highlander. Regardless, the Highlander is the better vehicle

Toyota's commitment to quality makes it a no-contest for me. Kaizen is a way of life at Toyota.

2017-20 highlander front grill is aggressive than the new one.

The Highlander is better I just bought a 2022 XLE hybrid AWD and I chose it over the new GMC Acadia Denali and 2020 dodge Durango it will hold it's value better.

I'm leaning towards the Nissan. Better front legroom and easier access to the third seat. After a lot of comments and research, the ZF has been greatly improved. I'm actually looking at a new one tomorrow. Also, the electronics are a bit easier to use on the Nissan.

Why are you comparing a Platinum Highlander to a SL Pathinder ????

Wow 7in ground clearance on Pathfinder is pathetic.Toyota Sienna got max 6.9in on Woodland trim. I tease my buddy with Honda Pilot with its 7.3 ground clearance saying its almost mini van territory. Anyway thank goodness Nissan got rid of CVT and got a traditional automatic. Hope this will help improve Nissan reliability creds a little. @24:20 true that Palisade is really good in comfort and features. And the best thing is I could not tell apart Palisade & Telluride when it comes to driving characteristics (Thanks to one of my friend having both I get to drive). As for Highlander I hate Toyota decide to give TV-AWD on few high trims. I don't know why is that, do they doubt the reliability of TV-AWD system? I wonder Toyota TV-AWD / Honda iVTM4 (Honda's torque vectoring AWD) can compete with Subaru symmetrical AWD? Haven't seen a test.

No Competition for me...would have traded in my Rogue for the Pathfinder but theres no Pathfinder Hybrid. Thats why i bought the Highlander Hybrid!

I hope the Pathfinder is better on gas than the Toyota. Had a new Toyota Highlander AWD on my last Business Trip and that vehicle used 17.7mpg average and wouldn't drive more than 290 miles on one tank!

Is that a Shaw bros tshirt

Love the pathfinder. Looks mean

Nissan for the runner up. Toyota for the WIN!

I like the new Nissan.

Styling wise.....Hate the bulging sides on the Highlander.....

I still think the Durango looks better.

"If you are stuck owning one of these." That tells me not to look at these. Boom done.

Nissans and Hondas are built for bigger-Taller Americans in mind. Toyotas are built for thin people and people under 5’8”. I have no inside information on this but after riding in them, and seeing every on tall or big on these reviews complain of the same thing, that’s my deductive reasoning.

I just bought a '21 highlander platinum, i LOVE the truck but the gas mileage sucks, oh well but I would never buy any kind of Nissan product.

So what you are saying is get a Subaru Wilderness if you want to do light off roading.

Why no jeep grand Cherokee l?

Do you ever consider reliability? Hyundai and Kia are garbage when it comes to reliability. Yea they are nice till they catch fire literally look it up .