2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs Toyota Highlander: A Comparison

Nissan Pathfinder Vs Toyota Highlander

Table of Contents

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market today. Both vehicles boast impressive features and capabilities, making the decision between the two a difficult one. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander, discussing everything from exterior design to pricing.

Exterior Design

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder showcases a rugged and aggressive design, with a bold front grille and sculpted lines running along the sides of the vehicle. New LED headlights and taillights give it a modern and distinctive look, while its robust stance communicates its off-road prowess.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Highlander features a sleek and refined exterior, with a more sophisticated front grille and fluid body lines. LED headlights and taillights come standard, and its overall design has an elegant and contemporary appeal.

Interior Design

The interior of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The cabin offers a variety of high-quality materials, including available leather seating and wood trim accents. The dashboard and center console are well-organized, with user-friendly controls and an available 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander boasts a premium interior design, with available leather seating and a choice of various soft-touch materials throughout. The dashboard is clean and modern, featuring an available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is one of the largest in its class.

Seating

Both the Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander offer seating for up to eight passengers, ensuring ample room for families and friends. The Pathfinder provides comfortable and supportive seats, with available heated and ventilated front seats, as well as optional second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort and accessibility.

The Highlander also offers comfortable seating, with available heated and ventilated front seats and optional second-row captain’s chairs. Additionally, the Highlander features more legroom for second- and third-row passengers compared to the Pathfinder, providing extra comfort on long trips.

Storage

Storage is essential in any midsize SUV, and both the Pathfinder and Highlander deliver. The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offers 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet when the third row is folded down. With both the second and third rows folded, the total cargo space increases to an impressive 80.5 cubic feet.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander provides slightly less cargo space, with 16 cubic feet available behind the third row. However, when the third row is folded down, cargo capacity increases to 48.4 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, it reaches 84.3 cubic feet.

Performance

Under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive acceleration. The Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifting and strong acceleration. The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many SUV buyers, and both the Pathfinder and Highlander offer competitive fuel economy numbers. The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive models achieve 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is slightly more fuel-efficient, with front-wheel-drive models achieving 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models are rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the Highlander offers a hybrid model, which boasts an impressive 36 mpg combined fuel efficiency rating, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious buyers.

Safety

Both the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander are committed to safety, offering a wide range of advanced safety features. The Pathfinder comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. Additional available safety features include adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Similarly, the 2023 Toyota Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of safety features that includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera.

Trim Levels

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Each trim offers a unique blend of features and options, ensuring that buyers can find a configuration that meets their needs and budget. Notable features on higher trim levels include leather seating, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is offered in six trim levels: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. As with the Pathfinder, each trim level provides various features and options to suit different preferences and budgets. Upgrades on higher trim levels include a panoramic moonroof, a JBL premium audio system, and a head-up display.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder starts at around $34,500 for the base S trim, with the top-of-the-line Platinum trim starting at around $49,000. All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels at an additional cost.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander has a starting price of approximately $36,000 for the base L trim, and the top-tier Platinum trim begins at around $52,000. All-wheel drive is also available on all Highlander trims for an extra charge.

Key Differences

While the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander share many similarities, there are key differences that set them apart. These differences can help prospective buyers decide which midsize SUV better suits their needs and preferences.

Exterior Design:

The Nissan Pathfinder showcases a more rugged and aggressive design, with a bold front grille and sculpted lines. This design is well-suited for those who appreciate a more robust, off-road look. Conversely, the Toyota Highlander sports a sleek and refined exterior, with a sophisticated front grille and fluid body lines that appeal to buyers who prefer an elegant and contemporary aesthetic.

Interior Design:

While both vehicles offer comfortable and upscale interiors, the Highlander has a slightly more premium design with a larger available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compared to the Pathfinder’s available 9-inch system. Additionally, the Highlander’s dashboard design is cleaner and more modern.

Seating:

Both vehicles accommodate up to eight passengers, but the Highlander offers more legroom for second- and third-row passengers, ensuring extra comfort during long journeys.

Storage:

Although both SUVs provide ample cargo space, the Highlander has a slight edge with more storage capacity when the third row is folded down (48.4 cubic feet) and when both the second and third rows are folded (84.3 cubic feet), compared to the Pathfinder’s respective 45 cubic feet and 80.5 cubic feet.

Performance:

In terms of engine output, the Toyota Highlander boasts slightly more power with its 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, as opposed to the Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Highlander’s 8-speed automatic transmission contributes to smoother acceleration compared to the Pathfinder’s 9-speed transmission.

Towing Capacity:

The Nissan Pathfinder has a clear advantage in towing capacity, capable of pulling up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Toyota Highlander offers better fuel efficiency in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with the added option of a hybrid model for eco-conscious buyers. The hybrid model boasts an impressive 36 mpg combined fuel efficiency rating, which is significantly higher than the Pathfinder’s non-hybrid fuel efficiency numbers.

Trim Levels:

While the Nissan Pathfinder offers four trim levels (S, SV, SL, and Platinum), the Toyota Highlander has six trim levels (L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum), providing more options for customization and feature preferences.

Pricing:

The Nissan Pathfinder is slightly more affordable, with the base S trim starting at around $34,500 and the Platinum trim at approximately $49,000. Meanwhile, the Toyota Highlander’s base L trim starts at around $36,000 and the Platinum trim begins at approximately $52,000.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander both have a lot to offer, and choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preferences and priorities. The Pathfinder is known for its rugged design and impressive towing capacity, while the Highlander boasts a more premium interior and better fuel efficiency. Both vehicles come with a wide range of safety features and offer various trim levels to suit different needs and budgets. Test drives and a thorough assessment of individual needs will help buyers determine which midsize SUV is the best fit for them.

Features Breakdown

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

  • Exterior Design:
    • Rugged and aggressive design
    • Bold front grille
    • Sculpted lines
    • LED headlights and taillights
  • Interior Design:
    • Comfortable and convenient cabin
    • High-quality materials
    • 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • Well-organized dashboard
  • Seating:
    • Seating for up to eight passengers
    • Heated and ventilated front seats (optional)
    • Second-row captain’s chairs (optional)
  • Storage:
    • 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space (behind third row)
    • 45 cubic feet of cargo space (third row folded)
    • 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space (second and third rows folded)
  • Performance:
    • 3.5-liter V6 engine
    • 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque
    • 9-speed automatic transmission
    • 6,000-pound towing capacity
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (front-wheel-drive)
    • 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway (all-wheel-drive)
  • Safety:
    • Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite
    • Adaptive cruise control (optional)
    • 360-degree surround-view camera (optional)
  • Trim Levels:
    • S, SV, SL, and Platinum
  • Pricing:
    • Base S trim: $34,500 (approx.)
    • Platinum trim: $49,000 (approx.)

2023 Toyota Highlander

  • Exterior Design:
    • Sleek and refined exterior
    • Sophisticated front grille
    • Fluid body lines
    • LED headlights and taillights
  • Interior Design:
    • Premium interior design
    • Leather seating (optional)
    • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (optional)
    • Clean and modern dashboard
  • Seating:
    • Seating for up to eight passengers
    • Heated and ventilated front seats (optional)
    • Second-row captain’s chairs (optional)
    • More legroom for second- and third-row passengers
  • Storage:
    • 16 cubic feet of cargo space (behind third row)
    • 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space (third row folded)
    • 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space (second and third rows folded)
  • Performance:
    • 3.5-liter V6 engine
    • 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque
    • 8-speed automatic transmission
    • 5,000-pound towing capacity
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (front-wheel-drive)
    • 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway (all-wheel-drive)
    • 36 mpg combined (hybrid model)
  • Safety:
    • Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite
    • Blind-spot monitoring (optional)
    • Rear cross-traffic alert (optional)
    • Surround-view camera (optional)
  • Trim Levels:
    • L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum
  • Pricing:
    • Base L trim: $36,000 (approx.)
    • Platinum trim: $52,000 (approx.)

About Marcus The Car Guy

I've been in car sales and finance for over 20 years, working at the highest volume dealerships in the nation including Fletcher Jones, DCH and more. Want to pick my brain on finding cars, negotiating cars, and structuring car deals?

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