TL;DR
- The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV offering 8-passenger seating and up to 6,000 lbs. towing capacity. It features a rugged Rock Creek trim for enhanced adventure, which boosts horsepower to 295. In comparison, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a modernized off-road SUV that also tows 6,000 lbs. but offers seating for up to 7 passengers.
- The Pathfinder is equipped with premium technology, including cutting-edge displays like an available 12.3-inch digital dashboard and wireless smartphone connectivity. It features Intelligent 4x4 with seven drive modes and includes comprehensive Nissan Safety Shield® 360 and ProPILOT Assist for enhanced safety and driver assistance.
- ​Koeppel Nissan has a vast selection of new and used Nissan vehicles for sale, including the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. Visit today to explore your options.
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Also Read: Exploring the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Today we are going to take a look at two of the most capable and popular mid-size SUVs: the Nissan Pathfinder and the Toyota 4Runner. If you are weighing your options for a new vehicle that can handle daily commutes, family outings, and exciting off-road excursions, then this comparison of the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs Toyota 4Runner is for you. We will dive into what makes each vehicle stand out, highlighting where the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder truly excels, potentially making it the ideal choice for your next ride. Let's explore the features that matter most to you.
Performance and Capability
When it comes to getting you and your gear to your destination, both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner offer robust performance, but with distinct approaches. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, for most models, comes equipped with a 3.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) V6 engine, delivering a stout 284 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque. For those seeking an extra punch, the Rock Creek trim boosts these figures to 295 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, ready to tackle more demanding trails. All Pathfinder models benefit from a smooth and responsive 9-speed automatic transmission, a significant upgrade that contributes to its dynamic performance. This combination ensures that whether you are navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Pathfinder provides ample power and seamless shifts.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, comes standard with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 278 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While it also offers a capable hybrid model with 326 horsepower, the standard offering means the Pathfinder generally provides a bit more immediate power from its V6 engine for most trims.
Towing capacity is often a deciding factor for SUV buyers, and here both vehicles are highly competitive. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder boasts an impressive maximum towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, specifically with the Rock Creek and Platinum trims, or the SV and SL trims with the available Premium package. Even the S, SV, and SL trims can tow a respectable 3500 pounds. This capability means you can confidently bring boats, campers, or other large gear along for your adventures. The Pathfinder further enhances towing confidence with an available Tow Mode featuring Downhill Speed Control and Trailer Sway Control, designed to provide a more stable and controlled towing experience. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner also offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, matching the Pathfinder's top-tier capability.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder with all-wheel drive is rated at an impressive 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined by the EPA. In a real-world highway fuel economy test, the all-wheel-drive Pathfinder even surpassed its EPA rating, achieving 28 mpg, making it a more fuel-efficient option for long journeys. The 4Runner's fuel economy ranges from 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for its RWD SR5 and Sport models, with 4WD models dropping slightly to 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for certain trims. This means the Pathfinder generally offers better highway mileage for its AWD models, which can add up to significant savings over time.
For off-road prowess, the Pathfinder offers seven available Drive and Terrain Modes, including Mud/Rut Mode, Sand Mode, Snow Mode, Tow Mode, Sport Mode, and Eco Mode, allowing you to dial in your adventure to suit various conditions. This versatile system helps you maintain control and confidence across diverse terrains.
Comfort, Seating, and Cargo Versatility
The interior of an SUV is where comfort and practicality truly shine, and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder excels in creating a family-friendly sanctuary. It features three rows of seating that can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers standard, making it an excellent choice for larger families or carpooling. For those who prefer more flexibility, an available 7-passenger seating configuration with captain’s chairs in the second row provides enhanced comfort and includes a removable center console for easy access to the third row. One particularly useful feature for families is the ability of the second-row chairs to slide forward and tilt in two simple moves, even with a child seat in place, offering incredibly easy access to the third row from either side of the vehicle. This thoughtful design sets the Pathfinder apart for family convenience.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner also offers seating for up to seven passengers with an optional third-row seat, though it is noted by Car and Driver that this third row might be a squeeze for adult riders and is more suitable for kids or occasional passengers. The Pathfinder's dedicated 8-passenger capacity and flexible second-row access are a clear advantage here.
Cargo space is another critical aspect for adventure vehicles. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers a generous 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with its easy-folding second- and third-row seats, complemented by a maximum floor area of 79.8" x 48.8". This vast capacity, along with convenient features like an available Motion Activated Liftgate for easier loading, and even clever under-floor storage and a pass-through console for hidden snacks and essentials, make the Pathfinder incredibly versatile for all your gear. While the 4Runner boasts a larger maximum cargo space of 90.2 cubic feet, the Pathfinder's combination of passenger comfort and smart storage solutions creates a highly adaptable cabin environment.
Technology and Connectivity
In today’s connected world, advanced technology is essential, and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is designed to keep you in command of your adventure. It features cutting-edge displays, including an available 12.3-inch widescreen digital dashboard with customizable digital gauges that can show map displays, turn-by-turn directions, and driving aids. An available 9-inch touch-screen display is standard on SL and Platinum models. While the 4Runner offers an optional 14-inch touchscreen display, the Pathfinder's digital dashboard and comprehensive NissanConnect® Services provide a highly integrated and user-friendly experience.
The Pathfinder embraces wireless convenience, offering available wireless compatible smartphone connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™ compatibility. You can even place your compatible smartphone on the available wireless charger to keep it powered up without cords. This cord-cutting approach offers a cleaner and more convenient cabin. Furthermore, the Pathfinder can transform into a connectivity hub with an available Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to seven devices to connect.
Enhancing the ownership experience, the MyNISSAN App provides convenient access to roadside assistance, a Remote Engine Start System, Remote Lock and Unlock, My Car Finder, customizable alerts, and even Alarm Notification for potential security concerns. This comprehensive app support adds a layer of convenience and peace of mind for Pathfinder owners.
Conclusion
In our comparison of the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs Toyota 4Runner, the Pathfinder emerges as a compelling choice, particularly for families seeking a blend of comfort, versatility, and advanced safety. With its standard 8-passenger seating and innovative third-row access, superior highway fuel efficiency for AWD models, and the valuable inclusion of a complimentary maintenance plan, the Pathfinder offers distinct advantages that cater to modern family needs.
Visit Koeppel Nissan today and explore in person our amazing lineup of 2025 Nissan Pathfinder for sale!