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Toyota 4runner vs Nissan Pathfinder : Differences & Comparison

Toyota 4runner vs Nissan Pathfinder : Differences & Comparison

The Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner may appear identical at first sight, but they couldn’t be more dissimilar. In this comparison, we’ll look at each car in greater detail so that drivers can decide which SUV is best for them.

We’ll look at the interior space, performance, and safety ratings. The Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame SUV that can go off-road while remaining comfortable enough to drive around town. Despite competition from SUVs such as the Nissan Pathfinder, the 4Runner continues to set the bar. On this page, we’ll take a deeper look at the features of these two SUVs.

Toyota 4Runner vs Nissan Pathfinder

Design & Space: Toyota 4Runner vs Nissan Pathfinder

The Toyota 4Runner exudes more capability in terms of design, and its features also support it. Take, for example, fog lights. These are basic features on every Toyota 4Runner. However, only the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has them as an option.

Heated exterior mirrors and skid plates are examples of this. Although the Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row SUV, the Toyota 4Runner has more options. It has two rows of seating and 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space as standard. The 4Runner also comes in a three-row version if you need to transport more people.

Interior Comfort and Technology Features of the Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinder

The Toyota 4Runner is the vehicle of choice for keeping you comfortable on and off the road. The 2020 Toyota 4Runner starts with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, whilst the Nissan Pathfinder starts with conventional manually adjustable front seats! While both SUVs include an 8-inch touchscreen, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner has more options for infotainment. The JBL® w/ Clari-Fi® audio system has fifteen high-quality speakers, but the Nissan Pathfinder only has thirteen.

Performance Comparison: Toyota 4Runner vs Nissan Pathfinder

SUVs like this are known for their powerful performance, and the Toyota 4Runner does not disappoint. It has a V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower, more significant than the Nissan Pathfinder.

The Toyota 4Runner shines in terms of raw power and duration of off-road travel. The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, with its famed off-road capability, will appeal to true adventurers.

Its robust suspension has TRD-tuned FOX® high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs and TRD-tuned front springs, and it’s a significant upgrade over any Nissan Pathfinder’s suspension.

Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires are included with the 4Runner TRD Pro. Even if you don’t go for the TRD Pro, the Toyota offers more substantial off-road capabilities, including optional CRAWL control. This system adjusts the brakes and throttle to provide maximum off-road capability across uneven ground.

Driver Assistance Technology in the Toyota 4Runner versus. Nissan Pathfinder

Driver assistance methods, like automated emergency braking, are standard on both SUVs. The 2020 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, comes with more standard equipment that is only available as upgrades in the Nissan Pathfinder.

One of these technologies is Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a terrific method to alleviate strain on the highway while maintaining a safe distance. Also missing from the Nissan Pathfinder is a lane departure warning, which comes standard on the Toyota 4Runner.

Safety Comparisons Between Pathfinder and 4Runner

When evaluating SUVs, it’s crucial to consider each vehicle’s safety ratings and the essential safety features. The National Highway Administration gave the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, and in contrast, the Toyota 4Runner received only four ratings.

During this time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety designated the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder a 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK, while the 2017 4Runner was passed over owing to its poor performance in small overlap front crash tests.

Toyota 4Runner vs Nissan Pathfinder: What’s the Difference?

When comparing prices, you’ll notice that the Toyota 4Runner costs more than the Nissan Pathfinder. You do, however, receive a lot more. When it comes to capability, cutting-edge technology, and safety, the Toyota 4Runner is well worth the extra cash. Go for a test drive!

So is Toyota 4Runner a Good SUV?

The Toyota 4Runner is a decent SUV, but it has far too many problems to be considered reasonable in most areas. Most other midsize SUVs can’t match Toyota’s off-road ability, thanks to the V6 engine’s ample power. Inside, there are two rows of comfortable seats and plenty of cargo capacity. The infotainment system is straightforward to use.

The 4Runner’s off-road performance is excellent, but it suffers on the road. Every bump and pothole will be felt, and the abundance of body roll prevents any form of spirited driving on curving roads. Because of its old style and uninteresting cabin materials, the 4Runner looks and feels a step behind practically every competition on the inside.

Toyota has yet to expose the pricing for the 2022 4Runner, but it will most likely be revealed before the car goes on sale at the end of this summer. We can still recommend the TRD Off-Road model because we predict only a slight increase in the price of each trim. It isn’t as capable off-road as the raised TRD Pro, but it is a better bargain because of its lower cost.

The TRD Off-Road gets pieces of equipment that satisfy its name, in addition to primary four-wheel drive and some TRD-specific exterior and interior components. An electrically locking rear differential is included for maximum traction in slick or muddy weather. It also boasts adjustable drive modes (Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control) to change the SUV’s engine performance to fit different driving circumstances.

We’d opt for the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension, which allows for better wheel articulation when off-roading. Another option is the movable rear cargo deck, which makes hauling big stuff simpler and even provides tailgate seats.

A 270-hp 4.0-liter V-6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission power every 4Runner. The antiquated power plant, available with rear-wheel drive and either full-time or part-time four-wheel-drive systems, gives a mediocre performance, needing 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph in the latest version we tested.

The automatic’s sluggish reflexes don’t help the engine’s erratic behavior, and downshift frequently necessitates forceful right-foot inputs to propel the 4Runner forward. However, on the road, the Toyota feels more composed than the more ungainly Wrangler.

The SUV’s considerable ground clearance and body-on-frame design were backed by a soft suspension that absorbed a variety of terrain during our time behind the wheel of the Venture model.

The 4Runner’s powertrain choices betray their age at the pump, with each model rated at 16 mpg mileage in the cities and 19 mpg mileage on the highway.

The V-6-powered Wrangler gets 19 mpg in the city and 24 on the interstate. The most recent 4Runner we tested returned 22 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, part of our rigorous testing procedure.

A touchscreen infotainment system is standard on every 4Runner. Physical buttons and rotational volume and tuning knobs are included in the user interface. Android Auto, Apple Play, and a subscription-basis Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard features. Upgrades include a navigation system with built-in navigation and a 15-speaker JBL audio system.

How good is the Nissan Pathfinder?

The revised Nissan Pathfinder for 2022 is a solid midsize SUV that improves on the one it replaces. The 2019 Pathfinder boasts a striking, squared-off appearance enhanced by a refined V6 power plant, composed handling, and strong towing capability. It offers an elegant cabin with high-end materials, innovative technology, and seating for up to eight passengers.

While the 3.5-literature V-6 from the previous generation is retained, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is replaced with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 engine produces 284 horsepower in most models, but 295 in the Rock Creek trim. All-wheel drive mode is optional on all models, and Front-wheel drive is standard.

When you upgrade to all-wheel drive, you get a set of seven drive modes, including the off-road-focused Sand and Mud/Rut model. Our front-wheel-drive Pathfinder SL test vehicle reached 60 mph in 6.7 seconds on our test track, while the all-wheel-drive variant took 6.6 seconds. These figures indicate that the Pathfinder is faster than the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient Pathfinder is the one with optional all-wheel drive, which got 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined; the front-wheel-drive model got the same combined ratings but only 26 mpg mileage on the highway. Our all-wheel-drive test vehicle outperformed its EPA rating and earned 28 mpg on the interstate at 75 mph.

The interior of the Pathfinder is modern and truck-like, with comfy front seats. Three rows of seating inside the car can accommodate up to eight passengers.

However, customers can opt to replace the conventional second-row bench seat with captain’s chairs, which lower the capacity to seven passengers. Nissan has built-in storage cubbies throughout the cabin, including a massive bin beneath the center console that the driver or front-seat passenger may access. Luxury features include:

  • Semi-aniline leather upholstery.
  • Heated and ventilated front seats.
  • A panoramic sunroof on higher specification levels.

Nissan’s warranty coverage is nothing extraordinary, especially when compared to Hyundai and Kia’s illustrious 10-year or 100,000-mile warranties.

Toyota 4Runner vs Nissan Pathfinder: which one do we recommend?

Comfort

In comparison to the Toyota 4Runner, rear passengers in the Nissan Pathfinder will be able to stretch out a lot more. Because the Nissan Pathfinder has more front head- and legroom than the Toyota 4Runner, it will appeal to taller drivers and passengers in the front seat.

Convenience

Because the Nissan Pathfinder and the Toyota 4Runner can go equal distances on a single tank of petrol, you’ll make roughly the same number of trips at the gas station.

Cost

When evaluating the entire cost of a vehicle, there are numerous elements to consider. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is an essential factor to consider (MSRP). The Nissan Pathfinder will have a less financial impact than the Toyota 4Runner if you solely consider the MSRP.

Dimensions

Because the Nissan Pathfinder is significantly broader than the Toyota 4Runner, finding a parking location that is wide enough may be more difficult. Some people believe that bigger is better, and if that’s the case, the Nissan Pathfinder, which is somewhat extended than the Toyota 4Runner, will suit you better.

Handling

Because the Nissan Pathfinder has a greater turning radius than the Toyota 4Runner, it is significantly more difficult to move in and out of tight spaces.

Performance

In terms of towing capability, the Toyota 4Runner outperforms the Nissan Pathfinder when hauling hefty objects. The Toyota 4Runner boasts a few more horsepower than the Nissan Pathfinder.

Powertrain

The Nissan Pathfinder does not transmit power to its wheels and the Toyota 4Runner due to its lower torque engine.

Utility

The Nissan Pathfinder has more seating capacity than the Toyota 4Runner, making it a better option for folks who frequently transport others. The Nissan Pathfinder offers less cargo room than the Toyota 4Runner, which is fine if you don’t need to transport many items in one trip.

Warranty

The Nissan Pathfinder’s basic warranty is more generous than the Toyota 4Runner’s, giving you more peace of mind.

Points 2020 Toyota 4Runner 2020 Nissan Pathfinder
Starting MSRP* $36,120 $31,680
Horsepower 270 284
Torque 278 lb.-ft. 259 lb.-ft.
Maximum Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs. 6,000 lbs.
Third-Row Seating Available Standard
Maximum Cargo Capacity 89.7 cu. ft. 79.5 cu. ft.
Adaptive Cruise Control Standard Available Upgrade
Power Driver’s Seat Standard Available Upgrade
Standard Speakers 8 6
Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive (4×4 Available) Front-Wheel Drive (4WD Available)

Conclusion

When it comes to finding a capable SUV with a plethora of technology, dynamic performance capabilities, and space for seven, drivers have a lot of alternatives. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is an all-new SUV with a distinctive look, incredible abilities, and many innovations that make every drive more enjoyable.

When looking for a new vehicle, shoppers should consider the Toyota 4Runner 2022. The Nissan Pathfinder beats the Toyota 4Runner in 2022 and can seat up to seven people. The 2022 Pathfinder, like the 2022 4Runner, comes equipped with intuitive technology such as improved safety features, digital displays, and remote controls.

The Pathfinder is a good family car with a beginning MSRP of $33,410, whereas the 2022 4Runner has an almost $3,000 higher starting price. After negotiating all the terms, you will get the best car.