Nissan Pathfinder vs. Nissan Xterra
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Pathfinder and the Nissan Xterra.
When comparing the Nissan Pathfinder's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Pathfinder's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Pathfinder is a better car than the Nissan Xterra.
Pricing: A used 2015 Nissan Pathfinder ranges from $7,660 to $18,695 while a used 2015 Nissan Xterra is priced between $10,213 to $25,498.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Pathfinder’s base engine makes 260 horsepower, and the Nissan Xterra base engine makes 261 horsepower. The Pathfinder is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 527 miles. The Xterra is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. This gives the Nissan Pathfinder the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Xterra. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the areas of front leg room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Nissan Pathfinder has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,510
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$28,869
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$20,695 - $33,975
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,660
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$12,829
Price Range:
$7,660 - $18,695
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$15,966
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$10,496 - $24,772
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
227
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
116,800
# Good or Great Deals:
77
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,781
Price Range:
$10,213 - $25,498
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
47
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
109,282
# Good or Great Deals:
26
Nissan Pathfinder Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Xterra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Pathfinder
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.1 - 4.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
44.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Xterra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
38%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.8 - 9.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
Nissan Pathfinder Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 17Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 59Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Nissan Xterra Rankings
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.
Summary Review
The Nissan Xterra is a rugged two-row SUV with plenty of cargo space and a suspension designed for those with adventurous lifestyles. The Xterra was discontinued after the 2015 model year.
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
- Powerful engine
- Off-road capability
- Durable interior materials
- Unrefined on-road ride
- Short list of standard features
- Low fuel economy
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Platinum, S, SL, SV
Nissan Xterra Trim Levels
PRO-4X, S, X
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
240 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 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:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
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
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
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:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.4 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
173.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
136.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4260 lbs
Width:
77.2 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
197.2 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4148 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
74.9 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 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:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P265/70R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Magnetic Black
Blue
Arctic Blue Metallic
Brown
Java Metallic
Gray
Gun Metallic
Green
Midnight Jade
Red
Cayenne Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Pearl White
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Metallic Blue
Brown
Not available
Gray
Night Armor
Green
Not available
Red
Cayenne Red / Lava Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Yellow
SolarFlare Yellow
Interior Colors
Beige
Almond
Gray
Charcoal
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Gray
Gray