Suv showdown: nissan pathfinder vs. altima – which one reigns supreme?

The Nissan Altima and Nissan Pathfinder are two of Nissan’s most popular vehicles, but they offer very different experiences. The Altima is a midsize sedan that’s known for its comfort, style, and fuel efficiency, while the Pathfinder is a three-row SUV that’s perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Which One is Right for You?

Deciding between the Nissan Altima and Nissan Pathfinder depends on your lifestyle and needs. If you’re looking for a stylish and fuel-efficient sedan for commuting or daily errands, the Altima is a great choice. If you need a versatile SUV with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, the Pathfinder is a better option.

Key Differences

Here’s a quick overview of the key differences between the Nissan Altima and Nissan Pathfinder:

• Body Style: The Altima is a sedan, while the Pathfinder is an SUV.
• Seating Capacity: The Altima has seating for five, while the Pathfinder has seating for seven or eight.
• Cargo Space: The Altima has 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Pathfinder has 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats.
• Fuel Economy: The Altima gets up to 32 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, while the Pathfinder gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
• Price: The Altima has a starting price of $24,990, while the Pathfinder has a starting price of $34,590.

Nissan Altima: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stylish and comfortable interior
• Fuel-efficient engine
• Sharp handling
• Value for the price

Cons:

• Not as spacious as some other sedans
• Limited cargo space
• Base engine is not very powerful

Nissan Pathfinder: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Versatile three-row SUV
• Spacious interior with plenty of cargo space
• Powerful engine
• Off-road capabilities

Cons:

• Not as fuel-efficient as some other SUVs
• Can be expensive to purchase and maintain
• Third row of seats is not very spacious

Interior and Technology

The Altima and Pathfinder offer very different interior experiences. The Altima has a more upscale and stylish interior, with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Pathfinder has a more rugged and utilitarian interior, with more durable materials and a focus on functionality.

Both vehicles offer a variety of standard and available features, including:

• Infotainment System: The Altima comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Pathfinder comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Both systems offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Navigation: Navigation is available as an option on both vehicles.
• Heated Seats: Heated front seats are available as an option on both vehicles.
• Ventilated Seats: Ventilated front seats are available as an option on the Pathfinder.
• Panoramic Sunroof: A panoramic sunroof is available as an option on both vehicles.

Performance and Handling

The Altima and Pathfinder offer very different driving experiences. The Altima is more fun to drive, with sharp handling and a responsive engine. The Pathfinder is more capable off-road, but it’s not as agile as the Altima on the road.

Engine Options:

• Altima: The Altima comes with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. A 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque is available as an option.
• Pathfinder: The Pathfinder comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. A 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque is available as an option.

Transmission Options:

• Altima: The Altima comes with a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). A six-speed manual transmission is available as an option on the SR trim level.
• Pathfinder: The Pathfinder comes with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy:

• Altima: The Altima gets up to 32 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.
• Pathfinder: The Pathfinder gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Safety

The Altima and Pathfinder have both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Standard Safety Features:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control
• Airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Available Safety Features:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control

Which One Should You Buy?

The Nissan Altima and Nissan Pathfinder are both excellent vehicles, but they offer very different experiences. If you’re looking for a stylish and fuel-efficient sedan for commuting or daily errands, the Altima is a great choice. If you need a versatile SUV with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, the Pathfinder is a better option.

Final Verdict:

If you’re looking for a stylish and fuel-efficient sedan, the Nissan Altima is the better choice. If you need a versatile SUV with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, the Nissan Pathfinder is the better choice.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy, the Altima or the Pathfinder?
A: The Altima has better fuel economy than the Pathfinder. The Altima gets up to 32 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, while the Pathfinder gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which vehicle has more seating capacity, the Altima or the Pathfinder?
A: The Pathfinder has more seating capacity than the Altima. The Altima has seating for five, while the Pathfinder has seating for seven or eight.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Altima or the Pathfinder?
A: The Pathfinder has more cargo space than the Altima. The Altima has 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Pathfinder has 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats.