2020 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2020 Toyota Highlander

For enhanced safety, the front, middle and rear seat shoulder belts of the Nissan Pathfinder are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Toyota Highlander doesn’t offer height-adjustable middle seat belts.

Both the Pathfinder and the Highlander have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2019 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan 7th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 4 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 8th.

The Pathfinder has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Highlander (19.5 vs. 17.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Pathfinder has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Highlander doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Pathfinder’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Highlander are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the Pathfinder SV/SL’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Highlander (255/60R18 vs. 235/65R18).

The Pathfinder has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Highlander doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Pathfinder has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Highlander doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Pathfinder’s wheelbase is 2 inches longer than on the Highlander (114.2 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

The Pathfinder has 12.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Highlander (154 vs. 141.3).

The Pathfinder has 1 inch more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom, 1.9 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear legroom, 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.7 inches more third row headroom, 3 inches more third row legroom and 2.1 inches more third row shoulder room than the Highlander.

The Pathfinder’s cargo area provides more volume than the Highlander.

The Pathfinder has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The Highlander doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

The Pathfinder’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Highlander’s (6000 vs. 5000 pounds).

The Pathfinder offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Highlander doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Pathfinder SL/Platinum’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Highlander doesn’t offer an easy entry system.