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2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

Published on Dec 23, 2024 by Karl Geerts

2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder are both popular mid-size SUVs offering a mix of rugged capability, family-friendly features, and modern technology. Here’s a brief comparison:

Performance

•    Ford Explorer: The 2025 Explorer offers a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 hp) and a more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (400 hp). 
•    Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 284 hp, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It provides a solid balance between power and fuel efficiency but lacks the performance options found in the Explorer.

Interior & Comfort

•    Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a more modern interior, with up to three rows of seating for seven passengers. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 3 system, with an option for a larger 12-inch display and additional luxury features in higher trims.
•    Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder also seats up to seven passengers with an emphasis on comfort, offering a spacious cabin with soft-touch materials. It has a standard 8-inch touchscreen, but its interface is slightly less advanced than the Explorer’s. Higher trims offer premium features like a 9-inch touchscreen and tri-zone climate control.

Technology & Safety

•    Ford Explorer: The Explorer comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. It also offers an optional 360-degree camera system.
•    Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, which provides similar safety features. It also includes standard adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.

Towing & Off-Road Capability

•    Ford Explorer: With a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds (when properly equipped), the Explorer is well-suited for towing heavier loads. Its off-road trims (such as the Timberline) offer enhanced capability.
•    Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds, which gives it a slight edge for heavy towing. While it offers some off-road capability, it is more geared toward on-road comfort and family use.

Price

•    Ford Explorer: Prices for the 2025 Explorer typically start in the mid-$40,000 range, depending on the trim level and options chosen.
•    Nissan Pathfinder: The 2025 Pathfinder starts around $40,000, making it a slightly more affordable option compared to the Explorer, although higher trims can approach similar price points.

Conclusion

•    Ford Explorer: Ideal for those seeking a more performance-oriented SUV with a range of powertrain options and advanced tech.
•    Nissan Pathfinder: A great choice for families needing a spacious and comfortable ride, with superior towing capacity and a simpler, more traditional design.
Both are excellent choices, but the right pick depends on whether you prioritize performance and technology (Explorer) or towing capacity and family-oriented features (Pathfinder).

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