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2020 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2020 Toyota Highlander

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and 2020 Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2020 Toyota Highlander.

When we compare the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder's and the 2020 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. The 2020 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and 2020 Toyota Highlander have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder's and the 2020 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is a better car than the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.

Pricing: A used 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ranges from $18,406 to $29,851 while a used 2020 Toyota Highlander is priced between $26,390 to $39,475.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder loses 52.7 percent of its value and the 2020 Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Toyota Highlander retains 13.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Pathfinder is 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Pathfinder being ranked 11 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 9 out of 39. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 12 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10. The Nissan Pathfinder is also ranked 12 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10 out of 32.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Pathfinder is 8.6 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Pathfinder.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder’s base engine makes 284 horsepower, and the 2020 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 295 horsepower. Both the Pathfinder and the Highlander are rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 527 and 501 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and 2020 Toyota Highlander are comparable in regards to rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2020 Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2020 Nissan Pathfinder
2020 Toyota Highlander

2020 Nissan Pathfinder
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2020 Nissan Pathfinder for Sale

2020 Toyota Highlander
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2020 Toyota Highlander for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$31,980

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,923

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$23,675 - $36,120

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$34,600

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,923

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$23,675 - $36,120

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$23,638

Price Range:

$18,406 - $29,851

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,718

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$18,600 - $37,369

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

629

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

66,230

# Good or Great Deals:

306

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$32,721

Price Range:

$26,390 - $39,475

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,718

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$18,600 - $37,369

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

600

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

63,648

# Good or Great Deals:

179

Nissan Pathfinder Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.6 / 10

Retained Value:

7.2 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.9 / 10

Retained Value:

8.1 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Nissan Pathfinder

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.6

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.6 - 9.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

44.8%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Toyota Highlander

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.6 - 9.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

67.9%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

1

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1 - 31.3

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

5.5

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1 - 31.3

Nissan Pathfinder Rankings

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 39

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

4 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

4 / 39

Best Family Midsize SUVs

4 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

5 / 67

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

5 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

5 / 10

Safest Crossover SUVs

7 / 67

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

7 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

7 / 17

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

7 / 16

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

8 / 28

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

10 / 21

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

11 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

12 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs

12 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

13 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 39

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

21 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

22 / 30

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

24 / 39

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

25 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

30 / 32

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

31 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

32 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

34 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

35 / 39

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

40 / 59

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

45 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

49 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

56 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

66 / 67

Toyota Highlander Rankings

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

3 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

5 / 17

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

6 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

6 / 21

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 32

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

9 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

9 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

10 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

Best Family Crossover SUVs

11 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

11 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

13 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

13 / 32

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

15 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

16 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

16 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

17 / 30

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 32

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

18 / 28

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

19 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

21 / 39

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

26 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

26 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 32

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

28 / 39

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

30 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

31 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

38 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

52 / 59

Summary Review

The three-row Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new model features a more boxy facade, additional standard safety features, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium interior that can now seat up to eight passengers. This much-needed makeover of the aging Pathfinder, after nearly a decade, will better position the midsize SUV in this competitive segment.

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Summary Review

The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

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Pros and Cons

  • “Right-sized” for this three-row segment (not huge, but certainly not small) 
  • Selectable modes to optimize optional AWD system
  • Impressive suite of standard safety features
  • Intuitive touchscreen infotainment system

  • No green (hybrid/electric) version available
  • Handling can be lackluster

Pros and Cons

  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • No disappointing base engine
  • Legendary reliability

  • Third-row space a bit cramped

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2020 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels

Platinum, S, SL, SV

2020 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

284 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

259 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.066 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

295 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:

263 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.071 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / 4X4

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 27 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

390 / 527 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 28 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

358 / 501 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

Available

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

42.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

60.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

60.4 inches

Cargo Space:

16.2 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

79.5 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

154.0 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.9 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.7 inches

Cargo Space:

16 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

84.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

157.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4287 lbs

Width:

77.3 inches

Height:

70.6 inches

Length:

198.5 inches

Wheelbase:

114.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

7 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4145 lbs

Width:

76 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Length:

194.9 inches

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P235/65R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/65R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Magnetic Black Pearl

Blue

Caspian Blue Metallic

Gray

Gun Metallic

Silver

Brilliant Silver Metallic

White

Glacier White

Brown

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blueprint

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Blizzard Pearl

Brown

Opulent Amber

Interior Colors

Black

Charcoal

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

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