2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged, stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this tough persona with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, making it seem ready for any terrain. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, including an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. While some might find its retro charm appealing, others could mistake it for a well-maintained used vehicle. The interior materials, such as hard plastics and vinyl-like upholstery, were typical for off-road vehicles, prioritizing durability over luxury.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder presented a more modern and adventurous look, especially in the Rock Creek trim. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard all-wheel drive, it was well-prepared for challenging conditions. The Pathfinder's redesign in 2022 brought a more assertive front end and stylish elements, with the Rock Creek trim adding unique features like a mesh-patterned grille and stacked LED lighting. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a mix of leatherette and cloth upholstery with bright orange "Rock Creek" logos, providing a comfortable and functional interior. While it lacked the ruggedness of its predecessors, it still delivered a capable and versatile driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive with rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission held it back, resulting in slower acceleration and less efficient fuel economy. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a loud engine and exhaust. Its soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, led to body roll and floatiness on highways.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, on the other hand, offered a 3.5-liter V6 engine with varying power outputs depending on the trim. The Rock Creek trim delivered 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, while other trims produced 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing smooth and decisive shifts. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the Platinum and Rock Creek trims, thanks to a transmission oil cooler. While the Pathfinder's soft suspension provided a comfortable ride, it lacked the off-road prowess of dedicated off-road vehicles. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the Rock Creek trim achieving 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior design felt outdated, but its layout was user-friendly, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. The front seats offered ample space, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's telescoping range limited. The second row provided generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench height. The 4Runner's cargo capacity reached 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed, though accessing the seats required manual effort. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers in the hatch added convenience and entertainment options.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, while not as spacious as some competitors, offered ample interior space for real-world needs. During a ski trip with four adults, it comfortably accommodated passengers and gear. Cargo capacity ranged from 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row to 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with three-zone climate control and supportive seats. The Rock Creek trim featured captain's chairs and a removable center console in the second row. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats, making it family-friendly.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often obscured its quality. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full understanding. The system lacked off-road-specific apps and gauges found in competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's technology lagged behind some competitors and even other Nissan models. Its infotainment system, while functional, felt dated, with smaller screens compared to rivals. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo as 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. The Pathfinder's tech package included voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with navigation available only on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. However, it scored three stars in rollover evaluations. IIHS ratings were similarly mixed, with "Good" scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. However, some alerts were overly sensitive.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It received four stars in frontal crash testing and rollover evaluations. The Pathfinder came equipped with a robust array of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on all but the base trim, and traffic sign recognition was available on higher trims.