DecodedCarsNissan Pathfinder vs Toyota 4Runner
2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Toyota 4Runner — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Nissan Pathfinder is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Nissan Pathfinder has had fewer recall campaigns (35 vs 38).
The two cars
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,478 lb (S/Sv 4dr SUV).
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner is a standard SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and part-time 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. It measures about 195 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,870 lb (4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2020 Pathfinder and the 2024 4Runner have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 Pathfinder and the 2015 4Runner.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if…
- You need more seats (8 vs 5)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if…
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Toyota 4Runner
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (20 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Nissan Pathfinder specs →Full 2026 Toyota 4Runner specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →