DecodedCarsNissan Pathfinder vs Toyota Highlander
2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Toyota Highlander — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota Highlander is more fuel-efficient: 35 vs 23 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $1,000 a year less in fuel for the Toyota Highlander (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
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 47).
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 Highlander is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 195 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4dr SUV L FWD).
Buying used? The 2020 Pathfinder and the 2024 Highlander have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 Pathfinder and the 2021 Highlander.
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 7)
- You put reliability history first (35 vs 47 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota Highlander if…
- You want lower fuel bills (35 vs 23 MPG)
- 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 Highlander
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 75% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (20 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Nissan Pathfinder specs →Full 2026 Toyota Highlander specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →