The Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer are strong options to consider if you’re looking for a three-row SUV to travel with your family or friends. Nissan has given the Pathfinder a complete redesign for the 2022 model year, helping it compete even more strongly in the midsized SUV class. The two vehicles stack up well against each other, with the Pathfinder offering slightly more passenger space than the Ford. Here’s a rundown of how these vehicles’ key features compare.
Pathfinder vs. Explorer Engine and Performance
The base engines in the Pathfinder and Explorer compete closely in terms of power and acceleration. Nissan’s three-row crossover has a 3.5-liter V-6 that puts out 284 horsepower, while the Explorer features a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that can generate 300 horsepower. The Explorer has an optional engine upgrade: a twin-turbocharged V-6 that churns out 400 horsepower. However, keep in mind that you’ll pay for the additional power with poorer gas mileage.
The Pathfinder and Explorer achieve 21 mpg with their base engines on city roads. The larger Explorer engine manages 18 mpg on city roads and 26 mpg on the highway.
The Pathfinder has a slight edge in towing if you need to haul heavy items at the rear, such as a trailer or camper. It offers a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds when equipped with the optional Class III trailer hitch, while the Explorer manages a respectable 5,600 pounds. Both vehicles’ towing capacities are more than adequate to tow a generous-sized camper or boat to the lake.
Nissan Pathfinder vs. Ford Explorer Cargo and Seating
Both crossovers have expansive interior dimensions. The Pathfinder has a maximum capacity of eight passengers, while the Explorer holds up to seven. The passenger capacity drops by one for both vehicles if you opt for captain’s chairs in the second row rather than a bench seat.
The Pathfinder and Explorer have 16.6 cubic feet and 18.2 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row of seats, respectively. That’s enough for a large load of groceries or a couple of luggage bags for a weekend trip away. With both rear rows folded flat, the Explorer has a modest advantage in total cargo space, offering about 87 cubic feet behind the front row compared with the Pathfinder’s 80 cubic feet.
Both crossovers’ standard setups have cloth upholstery and automatic climate control. As you move up through the trims, you can add luxuries, such as leather seats, power adjustments for the driver and passenger’s seat, and a heated steering wheel.
Pathfinder vs. Explorer Infotainment and Safety Features
The infotainment systems in the Pathfinder and Explorer are evenly matched. Each has an 8-inch screen and six-speaker stereo in its standard setup. Ford equips the Explorer with smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports. Meanwhile, the Pathfinder offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity.
You can upgrade your Nissan’s entertainment offerings with a 9-inch screen, a 13-speaker premium sound system, and a navigation system. Wireless device charging is also available, so you can keep your devices’ batteries full wherever you’re headed. Ford offers a 10.1-inch screen, 14-speaker stereo, and a rear-seat infotainment system that allows second-row passengers to select their own music or videos to enjoy on long drives.
Both vehicles boast a long list of standard safety features to help keep you and your passengers safe. These features include rear parking sensors, collision warning, and emergency braking. The Explorer and Pathfinder also offer a driver drowsiness monitor, which observes your reaction times and other driving behaviors so it can alert you when it’s time to take a break. One feature that sets the Pathfinder apart is the rear-door alert, which helps prevent you from leaving behind pets or kids in the back seat when you exit the vehicle.
Several optional safety features help improve your driving experience. You can equip either crossover with a surround-view parking camera to give you an aerial view of your vehicle as you maneuver it into position. Other popular features include road sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.
Pathfinder vs. Explorer Trims
The Pathfinder is available in four trims for the 2022 model year: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Meanwhile, the Explorer is available in eight trim options, including Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST-King Ranch, and Platinum. Pricing for both vehicles is about the same, with both base models having MSRPs of just over $33,000.
The SV trim offers heated front seats and power adjustments for the driver in the Pathfinder. This trim also offers an optional upgrade package that adds second-row captain’s chairs and a moonroof. The SL trim is a good option if you want to ride in a more upscale cabin with leather upholstery, rear-row sunshades, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. Finally, the range-topping Platinum features ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a 13-speaker premium stereo.
The main difference to note about the Explorer’s trim lineup is that you’ll have to select one of the top two trims if you want the more powerful twin-turbocharged engine. Apart from that, the Limited trim is a good choice if you’re looking for leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, and ventilated seats up-front. The Timberline trim is well equipped for off-roading fans, with skid plates, off-road struts, and four-wheel drive.
Now you know how the Pathfinder and Explorer stack up, we hope it’ll be easier to choose your next SUV. If you’d like to find out more about the Pathfinder or arrange a test drive in Kansas City, feel free to contact our team of Nissan experts today.
Here at Reiselman Nissan, we have a broad range of Nissan crossovers in our showroom, and we provide competitive financing and a professional service center to support your auto purchase. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Reiselman Nissan. You can also browse our online inventory or stop by our dealership to chat with one of us in person.
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