2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Buyers could select from Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trims, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle arrived in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, featuring an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job, bringing the MSRP to $84,600, including destination. The Prestige Signature models came in exclusive colors like Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, or Mauna Red, paired with dark chrome trim and a 22-inch wheel design. However, the wheel design was nearly invisible due to the black paint, which detracted from the overall appearance. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Despite its luxurious appeal, the recommendation was to opt for the regular Prestige trim instead of the Signature.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was tested in challenging conditions near Mount Rainier National Park during a snowstorm. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, the Rock Creek trim excelled in snowy terrain. The Pathfinder, redesigned for 2022, came in S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum trims. The Rock Creek trim featured a distinctive V-Motion grille, stacked LED lighting, and a metal roof rack with a 220-pound capacity. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and protective skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek trim offered leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange "Rock Creek" logos. While the Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, it lacked cutting-edge technology. The Rock Creek trim was best suited for light off-roading, and its vibrant stitching received mixed reactions.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming some larger V6 engines in rival models. The 3.5T test vehicle boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering satisfying performance but lower fuel efficiency. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing showed 17.2 mpg. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offering five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. The GV80 had 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip on mountain roads.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in most trims, while the Rock Creek trim offered 295 hp and 270 lb-ft with premium fuel. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing smooth shifts. The Platinum and Rock Creek trims had a transmission oil cooler, increasing towing capacity to 6,000 pounds. The Pathfinder's soft suspension provided a comfortable ride on bumpy roads but felt floaty on twisty roads. The Rock Creek trim was best suited for light off-roading, with seven drive modes and hill-descent control. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek trim was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, with a 200-mile evaluation averaging 20.8 mpg.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only trim with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature offered seating for four with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The GV80's interior featured artificial leather, real leather, or premium leather, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offered ample interior space despite having less cargo capacity than some competitors. During a ski trip with four adults, the Pathfinder provided enough room for passengers and gear. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The Rock Creek trim featured captain's chairs and a removable center console in the second row. The Pathfinder's EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats. The Rock Creek trim included three-zone climate control and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display in the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims. The infotainment system included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot was available for the first time in 2024. The GV80 also had a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display in the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in SL and Platinum trims. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system available in higher trims. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless projection for Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. The Pathfinder included voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation was standard on SL and Platinum trims, with a 12.3-inch driver-information display and head-up display available only on the Platinum trim.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal crash testing and roll-over evaluation. The Pathfinder included standard advanced driver assistance systems, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on all but the base trim.