2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, maintained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured elements that paid homage to earlier models, such as the heritage grille and round headlights. The lighting was upgraded to LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. The higher trims offered color-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary twist. The lowered beltline improved visibility, and the First Edition trim included off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while the middle trim featured SofTex, and the First Edition boasted real leather. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard across all trims, with the Premium Package adding a moonroof and ventilated seats. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats and attractive stitching, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in snowy conditions near Mount Rainier, showcased its capability with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard all-wheel drive. The Rock Creek trim, equipped with seven driving modes, including snow mode, handled the terrain with ease. Redesigned in 2022, the Pathfinder featured an assertive front end and protective cladding, with the Rock Creek trim adding a V-Motion grille and stacked LED lights. A metal roof rack and exposed trailer hitch highlighted its adventurous nature. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek trim offered leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange logos, while higher trims featured full leather and quilted semi-aniline leather. Heated front seats were standard above the base trim, with the Platinum trim adding ventilation. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, though not cutting-edge in technology.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, driven on an off-road course, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with a two-speed transfer case for high and low range. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, and the vehicle included rear- and center-locking differentials. The mid-tier and First Edition models had a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar, enhancing off-road articulation. The updated CRAWL control function offered five speed settings for precise low-speed navigation. The Land Cruiser's transmission was unobtrusive, and the vehicle handled steep, muddy hills and rocky terrain with ease.

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

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, and the infotainment screen was user-friendly. The cargo area, with a raised load floor, offered 37.5 cubic feet of space and included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller than some competitors, provided ample interior space. During a ski trip with four adults, it accommodated skis, luggage, and groceries comfortably. With the third row folded, cargo space increased to 45 cubic feet, and with both rows down, it reached 80.5 cubic feet. The Rock Creek trim featured captain's chairs and a removable center console. The Pathfinder's EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats. Three-zone climate control and adjustable seats added to the comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor system on higher trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and a six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with an older interface and smaller screens (8 inches in lower trims, 9 inches in higher trims). The SL trim could be optioned with a 13-speaker Bose system, standard on the Platinum trim. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless projection for Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, with additional ports on higher trims. Voice recognition, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard, with navigation available only on SL and Platinum trims. A 12.3-inch driver-information display was standard on the Platinum trim.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided confidence. All Land Cruisers came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist and front cross-traffic alert.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and rear automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on all but the base trim, with traffic sign recognition on SL and Platinum trims.