2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and Fort Explorer are ideal if you’re looking for a three-row SUV in Cortlandt or the wider Westchester County area. While both are excellent choices, they offer unique strengths. The Pathfinder excels in towing capacity and passenger space, while the Explorer offers impressive technology features. In this three-row SUV comparison, our team at AutoCenters Nissan provides everything you need to know to choose the best vehicle for your family.

Overview of the Pathfinder and Explorer

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is perfect if you need maximum space and towing power for boat trips or camping adventures. It has earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2025 Explorer appeals to suburban families and younger drivers who prioritize performance and technology.

Engine Options, Performance, and Handling

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque on most models, while the Rock Creek Edition produces 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft on premium fuel. This nonturbo V-6 is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and optional intelligent four-wheel drive.

Ford offers two engine options. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque in the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models. The ST has a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both models utilize a 10-speed automatic transmission for smoother shifts and improved fuel economy. The 2.3-liter version accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, while the 3.0-liter option achieves this in 5.1 seconds.

Towing and Capability

The Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Premium Package. Standard models have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which is sufficient for family campers, small boats, and trailers. The Pathfinder also offers several drive modes, including Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut, and Tow.

The Explorer has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across all models with the Class III Trailer Tow Package. The ST with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine can tow 5,600 pounds. The Terrain Management System enhances traction, while towing equipment includes a 2-inch receiver with a cover, four-pin and seven-pin connectors, trailer sway control, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. This is 1,000 pounds less than the Pathfinder’s maximum capacity, which is an important consideration when towing larger boats or campers in the Hudson Valley.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is consistent across all trims. In front-wheel drive, all models get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 combined. In four-wheel drive, the S, SV, and SL trims achieve 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the top-of-the-range Platinum all-wheel-drive version gets 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The sportier Rock Creek Edition manages 20 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The Explorer’s fuel figures vary according to the engine and drivetrain configuration. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost gets 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway in rear-wheel drive, and 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway in all-wheel drive. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine achieves 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.

Seating, Space, and Cargo Capacity

The Pathfinder comfortably accommodates eight passengers with standard bench seats, or seven with second-row captain’s chairs. This SUV provides 44.3 inches of front legroom, 35.5 inches in the middle row, and 28 inches in the third row, which is more comfortable for kids if you plan a long journey. The Pathfinder offers 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to a total of 80.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The EZ FLEX second row allows easy access, while under-floor storage keeps items secure.

The Explorer seats seven in most versions and six in the ST with standard captain’s chairs. It offers 43 inches of front legroom, 39 inches in the middle row, and 32.2 inches in the rear. This SUV features 16.3 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row, providing a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Technology, Infotainment, and Driver-Assistance Features

All Pathfinder trims feature Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes standard features such as front and rear automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist. Higher trims offer three-zone climate control, ProPILOT Assist, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system that simplifies parking.

The Ford Explorer offers a large 13.2-inch touch screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with its Digital Experience package, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Co-Pilot360 safety suite includes auto emergency braking, a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, a backup camera, and auto high-beam headlights. Higher trims offer Ford BlueCruise for hands-free driving on compatible highways.

Discover the 2025 Pathfinder at AutoCenters Nissan

If you’re in Herculaneum, Missouri, visit us to explore the new Nissan Pathfinder firsthand. Our friendly team will walk you through its features, help you explore your financing options, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to browse our extensive inventory or to schedule a test-drive to help you decide whether the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the right SUV for your family adventures.