When drawing a comparison, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and 2021 Toyota Highlander are worlds apart, yet quite similar at the same time.
With the changing times, SUVs have become the preferred option for longer rides and adventures. While many manufacturers have pledged to go all-electric, some industry giants are still making and improving their ICE cars to deliver the best performance while being environmentally friendly. Toyota and Nissan are eyeing to dominate the SUV realm with their new entries, the 2021 Highlander and 2022 Pathfinder, respectively. Both these cars have some amazing features that they pack underneath.
Both these sleek SUVs are excellent performers on the road with some strong and weak points each. Here’s an outlook as to how they compare with each other.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Vs 2021 Toyota Highlander: Engine And Performance
Both the Pathfinder and the Highlander physically have the same engine but deliver different metrics because of their build. The two cars have the same 3.5-liter V6 under their hoods and run on an all-wheel-drive configuration. However, the power output of the Pathfinder is 284 HP at 6,400 rpm, while the Highlander gives out a maximum of 295 HP at 6,600 rpm. Toyota has made some tweaks in the powertrain details to give the Highlander a sporty feel, while Nissan has produced a more conventional SUV.
The Highlander has an 8-speed automatic transmission while its competitor runs on a single gear as it employs the CVT mechanism to make the ride simpler for the driver. In terms of fuel economy, both the cars have roughly the same mileage, with the Highlander giving 23 MPG and the Pathfinder churning a slightly lower 21 MPG. This is entirely negated by the larger fuel tank of the Pathfinder, with a capacity of 73.8 liters as compared to the 67.7-liter tank of the other. This adds up to a total range of around 400 miles for both SUVs.
The Pathfinder, being more of a traditional SUV, can carry out a heavier, torque-intensive drive, while the Highlander is crafted for a speedy getaway, which is eminent by the design choices made for both four-wheelers.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Vs 2021 Toyota Highlander: Design And Handling
The two SUVs are more alike than different in this department. The Pathfinder and Highlander have similar measurements for the chassis, with the latter being only around an inch smaller than the former. But the ground clearance of both vehicles is different owing to their respective dimensions. The Nissan has a base distance of 7 inches, which gives the SUV a lower center of gravity and makes it more stable even with large loads behind it.
While the Highlander is only an inch higher at 8 inches, it makes the car more agile and capable of traversing over harsher terrains. The extra inch also lets more air pass under the chassis to keep the float a tad bit higher and being lighter on the wheels.
Both these beauties have 20-inch wheels, which are suitable for on-road and off-road experiences alike.
These SUVs are steered by the same Rack-Pinion power steering and have nearly the same turning radius of 38.7 feet and 37.4 feet for the Pathfinder and Highlander, respectively. Moreover, both the SUVs have a 4-wheel disc brake mechanism to lock the aluminum wheels with ease and provide maximum control to the driver.
The boot spaces, towing capacities, and curb weights of these cars differ considerably as they are built for different purposes. The 8-seater Pathfinder allows 453 liters of standard space, which can be increased to 1,614 liters and 2,237 liters when the first and second rows of seating are folded, respectively. These metrics for the Highlander are 453 liters, 1,370 liters, and 2387 liters under the same conditions. The towing capacity for the Toyota is a reasonable 5,000 lbs, while the Nissan adds another 1,000 lbs to this and makes it a better choice for longer journeys.
Both the automakers have kept safety as their priority for their cars, considering the types of terrains they are designed to serve.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Vs 2021 Toyota Highlander: Safety and Comfort
The Pathfinder and Highlander have both scored five on five ratings in almost all the safety checks, with the Pathfinder coming out on top with a lesser number of 4 on five scores. It accomplishes this feat by inculcating features like Around-View vision using cameras on all four sides, Blindspot Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Traction Control System (TCS) with Auto Emergency Braking. The Toyota Highlander also has the TCS and RCTA functionalities; plus, it also has a Pre-Collision system with an electronic handbrake.
Both the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and 2021 Toyota Highlander perform exceptionally with their own sets of benefits and shortcomings. While declaring one a better choice may not be wise, it comes down to the buyer’s preference whether they are seeking comfort or sports in their new SUV.
Upon its launch, the Pathfinder is expected to have a price tag between $33,130 to $46,060, while the Highlander shall be priced between $36,260 to $44,805, depending on the selected trims.