Toyota Highlander vs. Nissan Pathfinder Review

Cost
The Nissan Pathfinder pales in comparison to the Toyota Highlander as far as fuel economy. Producing a precise fuel economy evaluation is so tricky that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though the Highlander is the winner when it comes to fuel economy. Regarding MSRP, the Nissan Pathfinder costs about as much as the Toyota Highlander (though the Toyota Highlander is a little cheaper).

Utility
Neither the Nissan Pathfinder nor the Toyota Highlander has a marked advantage with respect to seating capacity. The Nissan Pathfinder outpulls the Toyota Highlander by a big margin.

Convenience
You quite certainly won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Nissan Pathfinder than with the Toyota Highlander, because both offer comparable ranges.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Toyota offers a bit more head room than the Nissan Pathfinder, there frankly isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Highlander make it more spacious for your passengers than the Nissan Pathfinder.

Dimensions
The Toyota's tank is almost the same size as the Nissan Pathfinder's, though the Nissan Pathfinder's is a tad larger. The Highlander and the Nissan Pathfinder compete for the same parking spaces.

Handling
With their comparable turning radii, the Highlander and the Pathfinder quite certainly handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Nissan Pathfinder has a bigger engine than the Toyota Highlander. Keep in mind that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but smaller engines can be stressed more. The Toyota Highlander could learn a lesson or two from the Nissan Pathfinder regarding torque. Torque equals pickup, and the Nissan will have picked up and gone by the time the Toyota Highlander finally gets moving.

Warranty
The Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Pathfinder have the same basic after-sale protection.