Ford Explorer vs. Nissan Pathfinder
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer and the Nissan Pathfinder.
When comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume 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 reliability. The Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Nissan Pathfinder.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Explorer ranges from $37,722 to $57,414 while a used 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is priced between $36,707 to $54,024. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,643 and $61,641, 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 Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the Nissan Pathfinder loses 55.8 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 2.9 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 Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder is 8.4 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. Ford Explorer is ranked 5 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 4 out of 34, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 5 and the Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 4. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 8 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 7 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the Nissan Pathfinder the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Pathfinder a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
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. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 539 miles. The Pathfinder is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 500 miles. This gives the Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Pathfinder. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Explorer and the Nissan Pathfinder have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40643 - 61641
Starting MSRP:
40050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
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:
46451
Price Range:
37722 - 57414
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
16122
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
703
# Good or Great Deals:
514
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 $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20443
Depreciation %:
0.56163117
Resale Value $:
15957
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 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 Ford Explorer
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
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:
0.153
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:
35.73669729298925
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
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
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Nissan 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 / 67Summary 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
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line
Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Platinum, Rock Creek, S, SL, SV
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
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:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
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:
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):
20 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 539 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 / 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
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
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
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot 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
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot 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
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.2 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:
4303 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 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:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White / Space White / Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Gray/Onyx / Light Space Gray/Onyx
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Charcoal
