The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander – Which One is for Your Family?

If you’re looking for a family vehicle, you know that the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander is a big decision. These two are top contenders when it comes to the family SUV segment, and it can be difficult to choose between them. We know we’re going to lean toward Toyota (obviously, we’re Toyota of Orlando) but we also want to give you the info you need to make the right choice. Here’s how the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander comparison breaks down!

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What to know about the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander	vs.	Nissan Pathfinder
$39,270	Starting MSRP	$36,650
11	Trims	9
Yes	Hybrid Models ?	No
8	Seating	8
48.4 cubic feet	Cargo Space	45 cubic feet

Which offers better safety in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander?

We know that safety is at the very top of the list when it comes to a family car. You’re going to want the best of the best for your precious cargo. Both of these SUVs have a ton of safety features for your peace of mind, but we think the Orlando Toyota Highlander comes out on top.

Both of these SUVs come with standard driver and front passenger airbags, front-side impact airbags, driver knee airbags, and side-impact head airbags. They also both offer front and rear seatbelt pretensioners for collisions and height-adjustable front shoulder belts to get the perfect fit. 

You’ll also find four-wheel ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, and lane departure warning systems. Both SUVs offers backup cameras and blind spot warning systems, and you’ll find lane departure warning systems on both, too. 

But how do they differ? Here’s the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander breakdown for safety. 

• While both offer Rear Cross-Traffic alert, the Orlando Toyota Highlander offers a parking support brake on several models. This feature automatically applies the brake, preventing a collision when you’re backing up near traffic. You won’t find this additional feature on the Pathfinder. 
• You’ll also find a standard secondary collision brake on the Orlando Toyota Highlander. It automatically applies the brakes if you get into a car accident, helping reduce further damage and injury. You won’t get this on the Nissan Pathfinder. 

Now let’s talk safety ratings. The NHTSA ranks the Highlander safer in the 35 mph front crash test and the door side impact test. The IIHS ranks the Highlander safer in the small and moderate overlap frontal tests, the side impact test, the roof strength test, and the head restraint test. 

Further, the IIHS ranks the Orlando Toyota Highlander a Top Safety Pick Plus for 2019, while the Pathfinder is a step below with only a Top Safety Pick rating. 

What’s the interior like when it comes to the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander?

The interiors of these two family SUVs are very similar – you’ll find seating for up to eight with optional second-row captain’s chairs, as well as tons of cupholders (get your Stanleys ready). Further, both are laid out in a way that’s ergonomic and comfortable. Here are some of the places where we think you’ll notice the difference in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander:

• Let’s talk about real legroom – the Highlander offers 3.2 inches more rear legroom than the Pathfinder. It makes a difference, trust us.
• The Nissan Pathfinder only offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in higher trims. Wireless comes standard on all Orlando Toyota Highlander models.
• The Highlander allows you to remotely open and close your windows on certain trims without turning your car on. You won’t find this feature on the Pathfinder.
• The Highlander also has standard heated outside mirrors to better clear (only found on high trim levels of the Pathfinder).
• You’ll also find adaptive headlights on this Orlando Toyota to better navigate around curves… but not on its Nissan competition.

And when it comes to cargo space, this Orlando Toyota is the clear winner.

• The Toyota Highlander offers 48.4 cubic feet when the third row is folded flat.
• The Nissan Pathfinder offers 45 cubic feet when the third row is folded flat.
• The Toyota Highlander offers 84.3 cube feet if the third and second rows are folded flat.
• The Nissan Pathfinder offers 80.5 cubic feet if the third and second rows are folded flat.

It may not seem like much when talking about space in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander, but every inch counts when it comes to kids and their gear! The best way to compare cabins is to slide behind the wheel of both of them – so come check out the 2024 Toyota Highlander in person at Toyota of Orlando.

How does the performance stack up in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander?

Now let’s talk about what it’s actually like to pilot one of these family SUVs. Both are designed for a smooth and efficient but still powerful performance. Here’s the lay of the land when it comes to the Pathfinder vs. Highlander. 

• When comparing engines in the Pathfinder vs. Highlander, you’ll see that the Toyota powertrain is the clear choice. This Orlando Toyota has a 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder engine that produces 51 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 259) than the Pathfinder’s 3.5 DOHC V6 engine. But that’s not all… 
• Highlander’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder engine ALSO produces 40 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 270) than the Pathfinder Rock Creek’s 3.5 DOHC V6 engine. No matter which Pathfinder you choose, the Highlander will always come out on top when it comes to acceleration and power. 

When it comes to fuel efficiency between the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander, Toyota pulls ahead with ease. 

• The Highlander FWD 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder engine gets 22 city/29 highway. 
• The AWD Highlander 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder Highlander gets 21 city/28 highway. 
• The Pathfinder FWD 3/5 DOHC V6 gets 20 city/27 highway. 
• The AWD Pathfinder 3.5 DOHC V6 Nissan gets 21 city/27 highway. 

Plus, the Highlander comes in a hybrid model if you really want to push your MPGs to the next level. This Orlando Toyota gets 36/35 mpg. Further, the Highlander has a locking fuel door, while the Pathfinder doesn’t. It may not seem like a big deal, but locking fuel doors help to prevent fuel theft and vandalism. 

And did we mention you’ll be able to use regular gas in the Highlander? It may not seem like much of a big deal, but the Pathfinder Rock Creek only takes premium (which can be $.08+ more a gallon). 

It seems pretty clear to us who wins when it comes to the efficiency and performance of the Pathfinder vs. Highlander – what do you think? 

How are suspension, handling, and towing in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander?

Fuel efficiency is important, but so are other aspects of performance that impact your comfort and capabilities. Here’s how suspension, handling, and towing stack up in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander comparison.

• The Highlander pulls ahead with maneuverability. It has a turn radius that’s 1.3 feet tighter than the Pathfinder. (A big deal when navigating a parking lot, trust us.) 
• The Orlando Toyota Highlander also has higher ground clearance by almost an inch. This may seem unimportant, but if you’re every going to take things off the pavement, it can make a big difference. (Plus, it looks cooler.)

What about towing in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander? Here’s the long and short of it – the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lbs while the Nissan caps out at 3,500 lbs. Not much of a competition!

What about reliability in the Pathfinder vs. Highlander?

We know that if you’re gonna shell your money out for a new ride, you want one that’s reliable and has the longevity you deserve. Here’s how the Pathfinder vs. Highlander comparison breaks out for reliability.

When it comes to the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander, you’ll find that

• Consumer Reports rates the new Highlander’s reliability 66 points higher than the Nissan. WOW.
• Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue also found that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles.
• Consumer Reports ranks Toyota first overall in reliability. On the other hand, Nissan is ranked 15th. Ouch.
• Also, J.D. Power and Associates surveyed people who owned the Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota Highlander for three years. Results showed that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles.
• Further, Nissan faced 34 more problems per 100 vehicles in this study, which gave it a below-average rating. Ouch again.

But reliability isn’t the only perk you’ll get when you choose this Orlando Toyota. When it comes to the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander, you’ll find that:

• You get two years or 25,000 miles (whichever comes first) of complimentary routine maintenance on your new Toyota. This means oil changes, tire rotations, etc. You won’t get this on the Nissan Pathfinder.
• There are 15% more Toyota dealers in the United States than Nissan dealers, making it that much easier to find auto repairs, car care, and car parts for your Orlando Toyota.

Which will you choose – the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota Highlander?

Still unsure as to whether you want the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander? Let the cars speak for themselves. Stop by Toyota of Orlando for a test drive! We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Mall of Millenia. You can call us at (407) 298-4500 to learn more about our Highlander deals!