Ford Explorer vs. Nissan Pathfinder
When we compare the Ford Explorer to the Nissan Pathfinder, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer versus the Nissan Pathfinder, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Nissan Pathfinder.
Ford Explorer versus Nissan Pathfinder Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Ford Explorer ranges from $34,452 to $54,990 while a used Nissan Pathfinder from the same model year range is priced between $25,498 to $37,575. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $36,442 and $59,358, with the Nissan Pathfinder priced between $34,834 and $50,826.
Ford Explorer versus Nissan Pathfinder Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10 while the Nissan Pathfinder's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 25 Best Midsize SUVs and the Nissan Pathfinder being ranked 6 out of 25. Out of 61 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 61 and the Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 9. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 7 out of 31 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 8 out of 31.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Nissan Pathfinder base engine makes 284 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and trunk space. The Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering higher ground clearance and payload capacity, while the Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage of offering higher towing capacity.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$36,442 - $59,358
Used Asking Price:
$34,452 - $54,990
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$34,834 - $50,826
Used Asking Price:
$25,498 - $37,575
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
53%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 25Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
43 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
8 out of / 61Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 25Ranking
8 out of / 25Ranking
9 out of / 61Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
44 out of / 61Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
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.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
XLT, Base, Police Interceptor Utility, Platinum, ST, Limited, King Ranch, ST-Line, Timberline
Trim Levels
Rock Creek, S, SL, SV, Platinum
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 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 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 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:
164.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4317 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:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/60R18
