What To Know
- The Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Pathfinder gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.
- In terms of safety features, the Pilot and Pathfinder both come standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
- If you’re looking for a spacious and powerful SUV with a long list of standard features, the Honda Pilot is a great choice.
The Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder are two of the most popular 3-row SUVs on the market. Both offer spacious interiors, powerful engines, and a variety of features that make them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Honda Pilot against the Nissan Pathfinder to determine which SUV comes out on top.
Performance and Power: A Close Match
Under the hood, both the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder offer impressive powertrains. The Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Pathfinder, on the other hand, comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. While the Pathfinder has a slight edge in horsepower, the Pilot’s torque advantage gives it better low-end acceleration.
Both SUVs come standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option on both models. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Pilot and Pathfinder are fairly comparable. The Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Pathfinder gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder’s fuel economy drops slightly to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Cargo Space: Room for the Whole Family
When it comes to interior space, both the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Pilot has a seating capacity of eight, while the Pathfinder can accommodate up to seven passengers. Both SUVs offer spacious front and second rows, with ample headroom and legroom for adults. The third row is a bit tight in both vehicles, but it’s still usable for children or occasional adult passengers.
In terms of cargo space, the Pilot offers 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 83.9 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The Pathfinder offers slightly less cargo space, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79.8 cubic feet with both rows folded down.
Features and Technology: A Battle of Gadgets
The Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder come loaded with a variety of features and technology to keep passengers entertained and connected. Both SUVs offer a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system. The Pilot’s infotainment system is slightly larger, with a 9-inch touchscreen compared to the Pathfinder’s 8-inch touchscreen.
In terms of safety features, the Pilot and Pathfinder both come standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Pathfinder offers a few more standard safety features than the Pilot, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Price and Value: A Matter of Perspective
The Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder are both priced competitively in the 3-row SUV segment. The Pilot starts at $39,150, while the Pathfinder starts at $34,980. However, the Pilot offers more standard features than the Pathfinder, so it may be a better value for the money.
Which SUV Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and powerful SUV with a long list of standard features, the Honda Pilot is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a few extra standard safety features, the Nissan Pathfinder is a solid option.
The Verdict: A Tie for the Top Spot
In this comparison, the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder proved to be evenly matched in many areas. Both SUVs offer spacious interiors, powerful engines, and a variety of features that make them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Summary: A Tale of Two Titans
The Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder are both excellent choices for families and outdoor enthusiasts who need a spacious and capable SUV. The Pilot offers more standard features and a slightly more powerful engine, while the Pathfinder is more affordable and comes with a few extra standard safety features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Discussed Topics
- Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Honda Pilot or the Nissan Pathfinder?
A: The Nissan Pathfinder has a slightly more powerful engine, with 284 horsepower compared to the Pilot’s 280 horsepower.
- Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Honda Pilot or the Nissan Pathfinder?
A: The Honda Pilot has slightly more cargo space, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 83.9 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The Pathfinder offers 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79.8 cubic feet with both rows folded down.
- Q: Which SUV has more standard safety features, the Honda Pilot or the Nissan Pathfinder?
A: The Nissan Pathfinder has more standard safety features than the Honda Pilot, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Q: Which SUV is more affordable, the Honda Pilot or the Nissan Pathfinder?
A: The Nissan Pathfinder is more affordable than the Honda Pilot, with a starting price of $34,980 compared to the Pilot’s starting price of $39,150.
- Q: Which SUV is better for families, the Honda Pilot or the Nissan Pathfinder?
A: Both the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder are great choices for families, offering spacious interiors, powerful engines, and a variety of family-friendly features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.