Will You Rather Buy The 2023 Toyota Highlander Or The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?

The Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Pathfinder are two mid-sized SUVs that belong to the same class. Interestingly, these cars are driven in Nigeria, too, as they can adapt to Nigerian roads. For 2023, both Toyota and Nissan have revealed their 2023 models for the Pathfinder and Highlander. 

Since Toyota and Nissan are two competing SUVs in the same category, we’ve decided to compare their features and specifications to help you under which one of them is better. To know more about these cars, keep reading.

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

To compare both cars, we look at their performance rate, gas mileage, towing, off-road abilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: Performance

The 2023 Toyota Highlander offers two engines: a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline-four engine (265 horsepower) and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid (243 horsepower). On the other hand, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder has a 3.5-litre V-6 engine that generates 284 horsepower for the standard model and 295 horsepower for the Rock Creek Edition model.

Look at both performance rates, the Pathfinder generates more horsepower, but the Highlander is easy to handle than the Nissan. This is because it has a tighter turning circle than the Pathfinder (37.4 vs. 38.7 feet).

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: Gas Mileage

Regarding fuel efficiency, we give it up for the Highlander. The fully gas-powered Highlander has an estimated fuel economy of up to 24 combined mpg. The Highlander Hybrid SUV has a fuel mileage of up to 36 combined mpg. 

On the other hand, the Pathfinder has an estimated fuel economy of up to 23 combined mpg.

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: Towing Capacity

The Nissan Pathfinder can tow more than the Highlander. It has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, compared to the 5,000 pounds the Highlander has.

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: Off-Road Capability

Both the Highlander and Pathfinder are not excellent off-roading vehicles. Both vehicles offer a traction-enhancing drive system—all-wheel drive for the Highlander and four-wheel drive for the Pathfinder. However, an off-road advantage for the Highlander is higher ground clearance—8.0 inches. On the other hand, the Pathfinder has 7.1 inches for the standard model.

But, unlike the Highlander, the Pathfinder has an off-road-focused model with the rugged new Rock Creek Edition model. The ground clearance of 7.7 inches for the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition is still less than the Highlander.

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: Safety

Toyota cars have always had good safety ratings, and the Highlander is not excluded. For the 2022 model, the Highlander earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick + award, which is the highest IIHS rating. However, the Pathfinder didn’t receive any safety award from IIHS.

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: Passenger & Cargo Space

Both SUVs can seat up to eight passengers, but the Pathfinder provides more passenger room space. It has a total passenger space of up to 149.7 cubic feet, compared to 141.3 cubic feet for the Highlander.

However, the Highlander has more cargo space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet compared to the 80.5 cubic feet for the Pathfinder.

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: Warranty & Coverage

Both the Highlander and Pathfinder have similar warranties. They have a backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Pathfinder, the Highlander has a free maintenance plan with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

The Highlander is more reliable than the Pathfinder. It earned a reliability rating of 82/100 from J.D Power reliability. On the other hand, the Pathfinder got a 77/100 reliability rating.

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder: Price

There’s no official price for both SUVs yet. However, they will likely cost slightly higher than their 2022 models. We’ll keep updating you on that.

Which Is A Better Mid-Sized SUV: 2023 Toyota Highlander or 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?

After comparing their performance, features, and specifications, you’ll realize that the Highlander has more advantages over the Pathfinder. Pathfinder’s only advantage is horsepower output, towing, and passenger space. The Highlander has advantages in performance, fuel mileage, safety, cargo space, free maintenance plan, and reliability.

Conclusion

Both SUVs are excellent rides, and there have been significant improvements and upgrades with the 2023 models. But, the Highlander still has the upper hand over the Pathfinder.