VS
At a Glance
Power
284hp @ 6400
265hp @ 6000
Torque
259lb-ft @ 4800
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/213ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Nissan Pathfinder and the Toyota Grand Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 while the Toyota Grand Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Pathfinder returns 24 mpg est. while the Grand Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $42,500 for the Pathfinder and $42,260 for the Grand Highlander. 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 Grand HighlanderXLE AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $42,260
Performance
Power Output (hp)
284hp @ 6400
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
259lb-ft @ 4800
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/213ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21 (Est)mpg
21 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
27 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
17.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.7in
201.4in
Width (in)
77.9in
78.3in
Height (in)
70.9in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
114.2in
116.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4359lbs
4440lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
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
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Grand Highlander
Pros & Cons
Nissan Pathfinder
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Toyota Grand Highlander
Lower starting price ($42,260)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pathfinder or Grand Highlander?
The Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. and the Grand Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Grand Highlander 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 Grand Highlander?
The Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque while the Grand Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Pathfinder is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pathfinder and Grand Highlander?
The Pathfinder starts from $42,500 and the Grand Highlander from $42,260, a difference of just $240, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pathfinder or Grand Highlander?
The Pathfinder has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Grand Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pathfinder or the Grand Highlander?
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.