Toyota Highlander
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Resale value, fuel economy, 8-passenger seating, hybrid model, safety, technology
Below Average: 4-cylinder engine, interior volume, infotainment
Consensus: A reliable, economical family SUV with a sporty look, a versatile interior outstanding safety scores and advanced driver-assist systems.
Nissan Pathfinder
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Impressive driving dynamics, upscale interior, fuel economy, easy-to-use tech
Below Average: Resale values, early model CVT transmission, infotainment
Consensus: The Pathfinder offers a car-like ride and driving dynamics in a fuel-efficient 7-passenger SUV with a very exotic exterior, but a somewhat iffy CVT transmission on early models.
In comparing the Toyota Highlander to the Nissan Pathfinder, we have a tale of two SUVs. Prior to 2012, the Pathfinder was a rugged, body-on-frame SUV that had little in common with the car-based Highlander. However, after a complete redesign in 2013, the two midsize crossovers become much more alike, although the Highlander provides seating for eight versus the Pathfinder’s seven. Both offer car-like ride and driving dynamics, good crash test scores and powerful V6 engines. However, the Highlander begins to pull away from the Pathfinder when it comes to resale, reliability and fuel economy. The Highlander can also be hand with a 4-cylinder or hybrid engine option. Both vehicles tout unique features, such as the Highlander’s flip-up rear liftgate window and in-car intercom, or the Pathfinder’s 360-degree bird’s-eye monitor. The Toyota wins in the overall reliability area, largely due to issues with the early Pathfinder model’s CVT transmission. The Highlander holds superior resale values and both models offer the same factory and CPO warranty coverage.
Toyota Highlander Advantages
8 passenger seating, strong resale, good reliability, hybrid model, front seat legroom
Nissan Pathfinder Advantages
V6 fuel economy, 6,000-pound tow rating on 2017 and later models, clever 2nd-row seat design, 2nd and 3rd-row legroom, cargo volume
Similarities
Car-like ride and safety, advanced driver assists on later models, powerful V6 engine, optional all-wheel drive, fuel economy
Final Recommendation
For its impressive resale, reliability and fuel economy, the better choice is the 8-passenger Toyota Highlander. The hybrid model’s fuel economy is untouchable and the varying level of trims and engine options permits a wide used vehicle price range from which to pick.
OK, so what’s next?
I’m ready for one of these cars, and I’d like to trade in my current car while I’m at it.
