VS
At a Glance
Power
287hp @ 6400
284hp @ 6400
Torque
260lb-ft @ 5000
259lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
21 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
3.5 L/213ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Palisade and the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Palisade delivers 287hp @ 6400 while the Nissan Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Palisade returns 21 mpg est. while the Pathfinder uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $47,300 for the Palisade and $39,500 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.
Specification
Hyundai PalisadeSEL Premium 7P AWD 2026 - From $47,300
Nissan PathfinderS 4WD 2026 - From $39,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
287hp @ 6400
284hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
260lb-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 w/OD
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
21 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
26 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
199.2in
197.7in
Width (in)
78in
77.9in
Height (in)
69.5in
70.9in
Wheelbase (in)
116.9in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4872lbs
4482lbs
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
Palisade
Fuel Economy
Pathfinder
Value
Pathfinder
Practicality
Palisade
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Palisade
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Pathfinder
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($39,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Palisade or Pathfinder?
The Palisade gets 21 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 Palisade or Pathfinder?
The Palisade produces 287hp @ 6400 and 260lb-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 Palisade and Pathfinder?
The Palisade starts from $47,300 and the Pathfinder from $39,500. The Pathfinder is cheaper by $7,800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Palisade or Pathfinder?
The Palisade 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 Palisade 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.