2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial look. The exterior featured deep beveled creases on the side body panels, blending seamlessly with the flared wheel arches, giving the SUV a broad-shouldered stance suitable for off-road adventures. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout. The interior was functional, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort, offering a quality that surpassed the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, though not quite reaching the luxury of a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in snowy conditions near Mount Rainier National Park, showcased its capability with the Rock Creek trim. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires, standard AWD, and seven driving modes, including a snow mode, the Pathfinder handled the challenging terrain with ease. Redesigned in 2022, the Pathfinder featured an assertive front end, protective cladding, and a stylish C-pillar. The Rock Creek trim added a V-Motion grille with mesh patterns and stacked LED lights. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and protective skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek offered leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange logos, while higher trims provided more luxurious seating options. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with a focus on practicality, though it lacked some cutting-edge technology.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, offering enhanced power for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement, with reduced nosedive and body roll, while maintaining its off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with varying approach and departure angles and ground clearance.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder came with a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6. The engine produced 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque in most trims, while the Rock Creek trim offered 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing smooth shifts. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the Platinum and Rock Creek trims, thanks to a transmission oil cooler. The Pathfinder's ride was soft, suitable for light off-roading but less composed on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, with other 4WD trims offering slightly better efficiency. The Pathfinder featured seven drive modes and hill-descent control, with snow mode proving effective in snowy conditions.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew five inches longer, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. While front-seat space was ample, the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs and camera views. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the Hybrid due to battery placement. A sturdy roof rack supported up to 800 pounds.

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. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with it folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seating, with 10-way power adjustment for the Rock Creek's driver seat. 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 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens offered logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were available. Off-road models included external camera views and automatic activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was optional, with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring, a digital key function, and a smartphone app added convenience.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's tech lagged behind competitors. It featured an older interface compared to other Nissans, with an 8-inch screen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on higher 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, with wireless projection for Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. USB ports were standard, with additional ports on higher trims. Navigation was limited to SL and Platinum trims, with a 12.3-inch driver-information display and head-up display exclusive to the Platinum.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were unavailable, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. The 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was included but could be disabled. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

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