VS
At a Glance
Power
284hp @ 6400
326hp @ 6000
Torque
259lb-ft @ 4800
465lb-ft
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
6000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/213ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Nissan Pathfinder and the Toyota 4runner is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 while the Toyota 4runner produces 326hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Pathfinder returns 24 mpg est. while the 4runner uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $42,500 for the Pathfinder and $59,070 for the 4runner. 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
Nissan PathfinderSL 2WD 2026 - From $42,500
Toyota 4runnerHybrid TRD Off Road Premium 4WD (Natl) 2026 - From $59,070
Performance
Power Output (hp)
284hp @ 6400
326hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
259lb-ft @ 4800
465lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/213ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21 (Est)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
19gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.7in
194.9in
Width (in)
77.9in
77.9in
Height (in)
70.9in
73.6in
Wheelbase (in)
114.2in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4359lbs
5225lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
6000lbs
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota 4runner
2 / 4 categories
Performance
4runner
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Pathfinder
Practicality
4runner
Pros & Cons
Nissan Pathfinder
Lower starting price ($42,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota 4runner
Higher towing capacity (6000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pathfinder or 4runner?
The Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. and the 4runner gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The 4runner 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 Pathfinder or 4runner?
The Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque while the 4runner delivers 326hp @ 6000 and 465lb-ft of torque. The 4runner is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pathfinder and 4runner?
The Pathfinder starts from $42,500 and the 4runner from $59,070. The Pathfinder is cheaper by $16,570 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pathfinder or 4runner?
The Pathfinder has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the 4runner can tow 6000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pathfinder or the 4runner?
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.