2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver paint, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." However, a switch to Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed its look to a playful "Tonka truck." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota models, featuring a blocky dashboard with physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered fabric, SofTex, or leather. All models included power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof, with higher trims offering a panoramic version.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in snowy conditions near Mount Rainier, came equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, making it well-suited for challenging terrains. The Rock Creek trim, with its adventurous look, featured a V-Motion grille, stacked LED lighting, and a metal roof rack. 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 logos, while higher trims featured leather and quilted semi-aniline leather. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with heated front seats available on most trims, though a heated steering wheel was limited to higher trims. The Pathfinder's interior was generally well-received, offering comfort and solid material quality.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available as a hybrid, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro trim featured a part-time 4WD system with a skid plate, while other trims offered 4WD as an option. The Sequoia's 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and its on-road handling was typical for its class. The TRD Off-Road package added off-road features like all-terrain tires and Bilstein shocks. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque in most trims, while the Rock Creek trim offered 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The Pathfinder's nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Platinum and Rock Creek trims included a transmission oil cooler, increasing towing capacity to 6,000 pounds. The Pathfinder's soft suspension provided a comfortable ride but felt floaty on twisty roads. The Rock Creek trim was best suited for light off-roading. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined. The Pathfinder offered seven drive modes, including Snow mode, which effectively provided traction in snowy conditions.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Cargo space measured 86.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, 49 cubic feet behind the second row, and 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid battery, did not create a flat load floor when folded, affecting headroom and legroom. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering width but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller on paper, provided ample interior space. During a ski trip with four adults, it accommodated skis, luggage, and groceries comfortably. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seats. The Rock Creek trim included captain's chairs and a removable center console. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone came with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashy design. A 12.3-inch driver-information display was standard, along with a Panoramic View monitor. The Capstone and Platinum trims offered a 10-inch head-up display, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with an older interface. The screen size ranged from 8 inches on lower trims to 9 inches on higher trims. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on the SL and standard on the Platinum. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless projection limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, with additional ports on higher trims. Navigation was standard on the SL and Platinum trims, and a 12.3-inch driver-information display was exclusive to the Platinum.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning were standard. The Tow Technology Package, available on higher trims, added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It received four stars in frontal crash testing and rollover evaluation. The Pathfinder included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and rear automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control was standard on most trims, and ProPilot Assist was available. Traffic sign recognition was standard on the SL and Platinum trims.