2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 presented a stark contrast to its predecessor, the GX 470, with its bold geometric styling and less pronounced spindle grille. The new design featured standard triple-beam LED headlights and a more vertical front fascia, giving it an aggressive look. The flat hood, with its raised sides, aided drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The side profile appeared as if carved from metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for enhanced visibility. The GX was available in six trims, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury trims focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels, while the Overtrail trims emphasized off-road capabilities with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in snowy conditions near Mount Rainier, showcased its capability with the Rock Creek trim's 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard AWD. Redesigned in 2022, the Pathfinder's fifth generation featured an assertive front end and protective cladding. The Rock Creek trim stood out with its V-Motion grille, stacked LED lights, and a metal roof rack. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek offered leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange logos, while higher trims featured leather and heated seats. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, though not cutting-edge in technology, and lacked features like a heated steering wheel on lower trims.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, built on the GA-F truck platform, provided stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential enhanced its off-road prowess. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the E-KDSS suspension system, improving wheel articulation. The GX demonstrated impressive acceleration and braking, though its weight required caution on long descents. Despite its off-road capabilities, the GX maintained composure on-road, surprising with its controlled behavior.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offered a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, with power output varying by trim. The Rock Creek trim delivered 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, though its all-terrain tires affected acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing smooth shifts. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with a transmission oil cooler, standard on Platinum and Rock Creek trims. The soft suspension suited 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. The Pathfinder featured seven drive modes and hill-descent control, with snow mode proving effective in snowy conditions.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. It offered 41.2 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the second row, while the third row was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and 76.9 cubic feet in total. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet total.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller on paper, provided ample interior space. During a ski trip, it comfortably accommodated four adults and their gear. It offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with it folded, and 80.5 cubic feet in total. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the Rock Creek's driver seat. The Rock Creek also included captain's chairs and a removable center console in the second row, with the EZ Flex Seating System allowing easy access to the third row.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect and Remote Connect services available via subscription. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's tech lagged behind competitors, with an older interface and smaller screens. The 8-inch screen was standard on lower trims, while the SL and Platinum received a 9-inch screen. A 6-speaker stereo was standard, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless projection was limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. Navigation was standard only on SL and Platinum trims, and a head-up display was exclusive to the Platinum.

The 2024 Lexus GX improved its safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in its safety.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder 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 ADAS, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and ProPilot Assist. Traffic sign recognition was standard on higher trims.