If you’re shopping for a family‑friendly 3‑row SUV, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot are definitely worth a look. Both midsize SUVs offer plenty of ways to tailor the experience to your needs, along with recent updates and more standard features than before.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Pathfinder and Pilot have to offer.
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder gets a fresh update with a bolder look, highlighted by redesigned front and rear fascias, a modernized dashboard, and updated badging. According to Nissan, the 2026 Pathfinder will become available in early 2026.
Nissan Pathfinder Highlights
What else is new: The Pathfinder features Nissan’s HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor, Front Wide View, and Invisible Hood View, which simplify parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The enhanced wireless device charger adds cooling, and its power output is now three times higher. SL and Platinum grades switch from silver to black roof rails. The Platinum model introduces a new 20-inch wheel design, new seat quilting patterns, and wood-tone trim.
Family-friendly interior: The Pathfinder has Nissan’s signature Zero Gravity seats, while passengers in the second and third rows have plenty of room to stretch out. The second row features Latch and Glide seats that tilt and slide, even with a child safety seat installed, for easier access to the third row. There’s even a center console available for added flexibility.
Tech features: Nissan also updated the Pathfinder’s tech, led by a standard 12.3‑inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available on SV trims and up, ProPILOT Assist adds adaptive cruise control and steering assistance to make longer drives easier.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Pathfinder models near you.
2026 Honda Pilot
The refreshed 2026 Honda Pilot comes with more standard features, a quieter cabin, a broader grille, and roof rails. Let’s see what else has changed.
Honda Pilot Highlights
Refined driving experience: The Pilot gets a few welcome driving updates for 2026. An updated electric power steering system delivers smoother, more natural feedback across driving modes, helping the Pilot hold its own in terms of driving experience in its class. In addition, Honda reduced cabin noise by adding a new type of semi-tempered door glass, door insulators, a new hood insulator, and other sound-absorbing tech.
Standard features and tech: Honda stepped up its tech game, adding more standard features, such as a 12.3‑inch HD touchscreen, a 10.2‑inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also standard on every trim are 5G Wi‑Fi to keep everyone connected, and a power tailgate that adds everyday convenience.
Roomy interior: The Pilot is a roomy ride that provides plenty of legroom. The second row has 40.8 inches of legroom, and the third row has 32.5, both of which exceed what you get in the Pathfinder. Cargo space is ample, with 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Pilot models near you.
Similarities
The Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot are both solid choices for family adventures, offering flexible cargo setups that adapt to your needs. Each delivers an attractive design, a comfortable cabin, capable V6 powertrains, and available off‑road‑oriented trims for added versatility.
Pricing
New 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
TBD |
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TBD |
TBD |
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TBD |
TBD |
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TBD |
TBD |
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TBD |
TBD |
New 2026 Honda Pilot Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
TBD |
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$43,690 |
$43,200 |
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$45,990 |
$45,500 |
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$51,890 |
$51,300 |
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$52,590 |
$52,000 |
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$54,990 |
$54,400 |
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$56,490 |
$55,900 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles and New 2026 Honda Pilot vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Nissan Pathfinder | 2026 Honda Pilot | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 9-speed | automatic, 10-speed |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 197.7 inches | 199.9 inches |
| Width | 86.0 inches | 78.5 inches |
| Height | 70.9 inches | 71.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 37.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.6 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.8 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.3 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 35.5 inches | 40.8 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 28.0 inches | 32.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.8 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 59.6 inches | 61.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 58.4 inches | 59.5 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 16.6 feet | 22.4 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 45.0 feet | 60.1 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 80.5 feet | 112.4 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot are both well‑equipped 3‑row midsize SUVs that bring plenty of versatility to family life. Each offers a comfortable interior, modern technology, and flexible space that can adapt as your needs change. If towing capability is high on your priority list, the Pathfinder is a strong pick. But if you’re looking for a little extra passenger room and a quieter ride, the Honda Pilot may be the better fit.
