Acura MDX vs. Nissan Pathfinder
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura MDX and Nissan Pathfinder 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 Acura MDX and the Nissan Pathfinder.
In comparing the Acura MDX's and the Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the Acura MDX has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Acura MDX's and the Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the Acura MDX is a better car than the Nissan Pathfinder.
Pricing: A used 2026 Acura MDX ranges from $55,350 to $70,850 while a used 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is priced between $36,707 to $54,024. For a new model, the Acura MDX's price is between $55,950 and $77,785, with the Nissan Pathfinder priced between $37,917 and $54,221.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Acura MDX loses 53.7 percent of its value and the Nissan Pathfinder loses 55.8 percent of its value. This means the Acura MDX retains 2.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Pathfinder.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura MDX is 8.5 out of 10 while the Nissan Pathfinder's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Acura MDX being ranked 1 out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs and the Nissan Pathfinder being ranked 4 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura MDX is 8.0 out of 10. For the Nissan Pathfinder the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Acura MDX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Pathfinder.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura MDX’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the Nissan Pathfinder base engine makes 284 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Acura MDX has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Acura MDX and the Nissan Pathfinder have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
55950 - 77785
Starting MSRP:
51800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
77833
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
51200 - 138300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37917 - 54221
Starting MSRP:
36400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
66659
Price Range:
55350 - 70850
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
73712
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
60234 - 92425
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
44412
Price Range:
36707 - 54024
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
27937
Depreciation %:
0.53931912
Resale Value $:
23863
Residual Value %:
0.46068087999999996
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.56208052
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.41556056 - 0.61479035
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20443
Depreciation %:
0.56163117
Resale Value $:
15957
Residual Value %:
0.43836883000000004
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Acura MDX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Acura MDX
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
12.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
9.7 - 13.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.317
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Pathfinder
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.21
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8111312754086826
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Acura MDX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 68Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 27Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
27 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 64Ranking
34 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 68Ranking
48 out of / 68Ranking
49 out of / 68Nissan Pathfinder Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
37 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Acura MDX Trim Levels
Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC w/Advance, SH-AWD Type S w/Advance Package, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Tech, w/Tech
Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Platinum, Rock Creek, S, SL, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
267 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.068 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
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:
3500 lbs
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
155.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
165.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4268 lbs
Width:
78.7 inches
Height:
67.9 inches
Length:
198.4 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4325 lbs
Width:
77.9 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
197.7 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/55R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Gray
Liquid Carbon Metallic
Silver
Solar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Charcoal
