2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a sporty exterior with its black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, though its interior was relatively basic. The Sport-L Hybrid offered an upgrade with leather-lined interiors, while the Sport Touring Hybrid topped the lineup with a more sophisticated cabin featuring leather seats with orange contrast stitching and a variety of quality details. Despite its conservative styling, the CR-V's design was noted for its upscale appearance from the rear quarter view, although the front end seemed visually heavy. The Sport Touring's 19-inch gloss black wheels added a touch of shine, but were less noticeable with darker paint colors.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, particularly in the Rock Creek trim, was designed for adventure with its 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder's exterior featured an assertive front end with a V-Motion grille and stacked LED lighting elements, while a metal roof rack and exposed trailer hitch emphasized its utility. Inside, the Rock Creek trim offered leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange logos, and the Pathfinder's EZ Flex Seating System allowed for easy access to the third row without removing child seats. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance or protective skid plates.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 204 horsepower. This system operated transparently, though it produced a low-speed electric vehicle noise and engine droning on inclines. The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, with standard all-wheel drive, achieved 32.4 mpg in testing, falling short of the EPA's 37 mpg estimate. The SUV offered a compliant ride and predictable handling, though its steering was notably heavy.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower in most trims, with the Rock Creek trim offering 295 horsepower. Despite the power increase, the Rock Creek's all-terrain tires affected acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Pathfinder's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the appropriate trim and equipment. The Rock Creek's soft suspension was ideal for bumpy roads but resulted in a floaty ride on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, with the tires impacting efficiency.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, and the rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with a wide door opening for easy access. The CR-V's cargo space varied by trim, with the Sport Touring offering 34.7 cubic feet and a maximum of 76.5 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, while smaller on paper, provided ample interior space, comfortably accommodating four adults and their gear on a ski trip. Cargo capacity was 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seating, with the Rock Creek trim offering captain's chairs and a removable center console. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed for easy third-row access without removing child seats.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid's technology included a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch display available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, were reserved for higher trims. The voice recognition system was basic, and the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's technology was less impressive, with an older interface compared to other Nissans. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in higher trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay available only on the latter. A 6-speaker stereo was standard, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. The Pathfinder offered standard voice recognition, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM, with navigation limited to higher trims.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The system performed well in testing, though it occasionally faltered in certain conditions. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including 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.