VS
At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
284hp @ 6400
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
259lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
3.5 L/213ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the Nissan Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Pilot returns 22 mpg est. while the Pathfinder uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $53,495 for the Pilot and $37,500 for the Pathfinder. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
285hp @ 6100
284hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 5000
259lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
3.5 L/213ci
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19 (Est)mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (Est)mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.1in
197.7in
Width (in)
78.5in
77.9in
Height (in)
71in
70.9in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4678lbs
4334lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Pathfinder
Value
Pathfinder
Practicality
Pilot
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Pathfinder
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($37,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pilot or Pathfinder?
The Pilot gets 22 mpg est. and the Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Pathfinder is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Pilot or Pathfinder?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Pilot and Pathfinder?
The Pilot starts from $53,495 and the Pathfinder from $37,500. The Pathfinder is cheaper by $15,995 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pilot or Pathfinder?
The Pilot has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Pathfinder can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pilot or the Pathfinder?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.