2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Audi Q5, in its third generation, embraced a robust SUV aesthetic. Its front end was marked by a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, creating an imposing presence. The body sides featured well-defined lines that added a muscular touch. Despite these changes, the new styling elements appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, giving the impression of a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The Q5 offered various trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with features like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights. The model was available in both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade stood out with increased power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements. Inside, the Q5's interior was a mix of top-notch materials and a somewhat discordant design, with a focus on piling on details to create a distinctive look.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in challenging snowy conditions near Mount Rainier National Park, showcased its capability with the Rock Creek trim. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder handled the terrain with ease. The Rock Creek trim featured a rugged look with beadlock-style wheels, a V-Motion grille, and stacked LED lighting elements. The Pathfinder, redesigned for the 2022 model year, offered various trim levels, including S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum. While the Rock Creek trim looked tough, it didn't offer additional ground clearance or protective skid plates. Inside, the Pathfinder provided a comfortable experience with leatherette-and-cloth upholstery, heated seats, and a practical EZ Flex Seating System. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was best suited for light off-roading and offered a comfortable ride on various terrains.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-liter turbo-four engine produced 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 delivered 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite these figures, the Q5 and SQ5 didn't feel as quick as expected, with noticeable turbo lag and rough shifts from the transmission. The air suspension, available on the Q5 Prestige and standard on the SQ5, provided capable handling but didn't encourage aggressive driving. The Q5 offered Off-Road and Off-Road Plus driving modes, but it was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet 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 Rock Creek and Platinum trims included a transmission oil cooler for increased towing capacity. The Pathfinder's soft suspension offered a comfortable ride on bumpy roads but felt floaty on twisty roads. The Rock Creek trim was best suited for light off-roading, with seven drive modes and hill-descent control enhancing traction. The Pathfinder's fuel economy was reasonable, with the Rock Creek trim achieving 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The Q5 featured a sliding and reclining second-row bench seat and increased cargo space compared to the previous model, with 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row. The Q5's towing capacity reached 4,400 pounds, surpassing some competitors. Standard features included a power tailgate and heated front seats, with additional amenities available on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, while not offering as much cargo capacity as some rivals, provided ample interior space for real-world needs. During a ski trip with four adults, the Pathfinder accommodated skis, luggage, and groceries comfortably. With the third row folded, cargo space expanded to 45 cubic feet, and with both rows down, it reached 80.5 cubic feet. The Pathfinder featured a power liftgate on SV and Rock Creek trims and offered a comfortable interior with three-zone climate control and supportive seats. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen available on the Prestige trim. The infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system on Premium Plus models. The Q5 also featured a built-in voice assistant, a head-up display, and digital key connectivity.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with an 8-inch screen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on SL and Platinum trims. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, 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 included voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation was standard only on SL and Platinum trims, and a head-up display was exclusive to the Platinum trim.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at press time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.

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