The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder vs Toyota Highlander. What's Your Choice?

Serving Hilton Head, Hardeeville, Bluffton SC

A lot of today's families prefer the multi-purpose design of a SUV. For more than three decades, the Nissan Pathfinder has remained one of the most versatile family vehicles on the road. Not only does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder deliver good fuel economy, but it also offers class-leading passenger comfort. The SUV's impressive crash test scores make it an even more attractive option. Like the Pathfinder, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is designed with three rows of seats. Some car shoppers will be drawn by the Highlander's smooth ride and simple technology. Let's see how the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder fares against the new Toyota Highlander.

Performance

Over the years, the Pathfinder's V-6 engine has won multiple awards for its outstanding design. The potent 3.5-liter engine churns out an invigorating 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. With a total output of 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the Highlander's base four-cylinder engine seems underpowered when compared to the Pathfinder's muscular engine. Luckily, Highlander buyers can opt for a larger V-6 engine. While the V6 Highlander delivers a strong performance, it is unable to equal the Pathfinder's solid fuel efficiency. The Pathfinder's Xtronic transmission helps it to return an impressive 27 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, no version of the Highlander can deliver more than 25 mpg on the highway.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Nissan Pathfinder has a reputation for being a rugged driving machine. If you love the thrill of going off-road, the Pathfinder's advanced AWD system will enable you to topple a variety of different landscapes. The All-Mode 4x4i Dial allows drivers to maximize SUV's traction when traveling in a rugged environment. Meanwhile, a locking center differential gives the Pathfinder an extra measure of toughness. You can also take advantage of the Pathfinder's hill descent control feature, which ensures outstanding stability in hilly environments. While the Toyota Highlander can be equipped with an AWD system, it is not nearly as sophisticated as the Pathfinder's system.

Interior

There is no overlooking the Nissan Pathfinder's family-friendly design. Whether you are taking a trip to the beach or dropping your kids off at school, you can expect the Pathfinder to offer more than enough room. Its three-row seating makes it more accommodating than the typical SUV. Edmunds was extremely pleased with the Pathfinder's accessible backseat. Nissan's exclusive EZ Flex seating system makes it easy for your family to get in and out of the Pathfinder. The Highlander is also a good choice for large families. Unfortunately, it fails to match the Pathfinder's overall roominess. The Pathfinder provides 3.3 inches more legroom for the second-row passengers. It also offers significantly more head- and legroom for the passengers who are sitting in the back.

The new Toyota Highlander deserves to be mentioned among the best family haulers. Nevertheless, it lacks the overall versatility of the new Nissan Pathfinder. The Pathfinder's efficient performance and accommodating interior give it the edge. To see how the new Pathfinder performs in person, stop by Vaden Nissan of Hilton Head for a test drive. 

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