What Powertrain Drives the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot?

Both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Honda Pilot are powered by naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engines. The Pathfinder uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque paired with a 9-speed automatic, while the Rock Creek trim boosts output to 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter V6 making 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque connected to a 10-speed automatic.

When evaluating how these two midsize family crossovers perform during daily driving, transmission tuning plays a major role in engine responsiveness. The Pathfinder’s 9-speed automatic replaces older continuous variable designs, delivering decisive downshifts when accelerating onto fast-moving highway traffic. Front-wheel drive comes standard on most Pathfinder trims, with intelligent all-wheel drive available across the lineup. Opting for all-wheel drive on the Pathfinder equips the vehicle with a seven-position drive mode selector, including specific settings for sand, mud, and rutted surfaces.

The Honda Pilot delivers comparable baseline output through its 10-speed automatic, offering standard front-wheel drive on entry trims and available all-wheel drive. While both vehicles rely on proven six-cylinder powerplants rather than smaller turbocharged four-cylinders, Nissan’s powertrain tuning achieves a refined power delivery that feels smooth around town and competent when hauling heavy loads.

When buyers test-drive both models, our team frequently notices they ask about how the 9-speed automatic shifts under highway acceleration before they ask about general fuel economy. Experience on the road shows that the Pathfinder maintains low interior noise levels at cruising speeds while keeping engine revolutions low. Drivers looking to compare driving dynamics firsthand can easily get directions to our Gallatin dealership location or place a quick call to our sales staff for inventory availability.

Table of Contents

• What Is the Starting Price Difference Between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Honda Pilot?
• Which Has More Cargo Space and Passenger Seating, the 2025 Pathfinder or Pilot?
• Does Either Vehicle Offer Standard Leather Seating on Mid-Tier Trims?
• How Does Ground Clearance Compare Between the Pathfinder Rock Creek and Pilot TrailSport?
• What Driver-Assist Technology Is Standard on the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
• Common Questions About the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Honda Pilot

What Is the Starting Price Difference Between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Honda Pilot?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder carries a starting base MSRP of $36,400 for the entry S 2WD trim, while the 2025 Honda Pilot starts significantly higher at approximately $40,000 for its base LX configuration. This gives the Pathfinder an initial price advantage of nearly $3,600 at the entry level, offering substantial upfront savings for budget-conscious families.

Across the entire lineup, Nissan structures the Pathfinder trims to deliver high equipment levels at competitive price points. Adding a $1,495 destination charge to each configuration, the Pathfinder model hierarchy offers flexible options for various budgets:

• S 2WD: Base MSRP $36,400
• S 4WD: Base MSRP $38,400
• SV 2WD: Base MSRP $39,390
• SV 4WD: Base MSRP $41,390
• SL 2WD: Base MSRP $42,090
• SL 4WD: Base MSRP $44,090
• Rock Creek 4WD: Base MSRP $44,490
• Platinum 2WD: Base MSRP $48,640
• Platinum 4WD: Base MSRP $50,640

By comparison, mid-level and upper-tier trims on the Honda Pilot consistently command higher entry points, with fully loaded Pilot trims climbing past the $52,000 mark. The Pathfinder allows families to step up to well-equipped mid-tier trims like the SV 2WD or SL 2WD for less than the starting price of many competing all-wheel-drive crossovers.

For families in Portland commuting toward employment centers or school districts, keeping initial vehicle acquisition costs lower means retaining financial flexibility for household expenses and travel. Choosing a Pathfinder over a Pilot yields immediate savings on purchase price while supplying comprehensive standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control and advanced driver-assist systems. Shoppers interested in exploring affordable family options can visit our showroom location or check out our selection of pre-owned vehicle inventory to evaluate overall total cost of ownership.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

Pricing (continued)

Pricing (continued)

Which Has More Cargo Space and Passenger Seating, the 2025 Pathfinder or Pilot?

The 2025 Honda Pilot offers slightly more total interior volume with up to 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, whereas the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder provides up to 81 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Both vehicles accommodate up to eight passengers in standard seating configurations or seven passengers when equipped with available second-row captain’s chairs.

Interior utility involves more than raw volume numbers; the ease of reconfiguring passenger and cargo space in daily use determines real-world convenience. The Pathfinder features 17 cubic feet of storage capacity directly behind the third-row seatback, expanding to 45 cubic feet when the third row is stowed flat into the floor. Nissan’s EZ FLEX second-row seating system allows the middle seats to pitch and slide forward with a single touch—even with a child safety seat securely installed—providing effortless entry to the third row.

While the Honda Pilot holds 19 cubic feet behind its third row and 48 cubic feet behind its second row, the Pathfinder compensates with higher maximum towing capacity. When properly equipped, the Pathfinder achieves a maximum tow rating of 6,000 pounds on Rock Creek 4WD and Platinum trims, as well as on SV and SL models outfitted with the optional towing package. The Honda Pilot tops out at a 5,000 pounds maximum tow rating when equipped with all-wheel drive.

Standard towing capacity on base Pathfinder trims like the S 2WD and SV 2WD sits at 3,500 pounds, supported by payload capacities ranging from 1,295 pounds on rugged configurations up to 1,583 pounds on standard two-wheel-drive models. Curb weights range from 4,317 pounds for the S 2WD up to 4,625 pounds for the Platinum 4WD.

Residents around Shackle Island who regularly haul sporting gear, camping equipment, or tow utility trailers down Old Shackle Island Road find that the Pathfinder’s 6,000-pound towing capability easily manages small boats and campers that exceed the Pilot’s limit. To see how your current vehicle aligns with a new SUV purchase, you can easily value your trade-in online before visiting our showroom.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

Dimensions & Capacity (continued)

Dimensions & Capacity (continued)

Does Either Vehicle Offer Standard Leather Seating on Mid-Tier Trims?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers synthetic leather upholstery on the rugged Rock Creek 4WD and standard genuine leather-appointed seating starting on the mid-tier SL trim, while the Honda Pilot introduces leather seating beginning on its mid-level EX-L trim. On the Pathfinder, premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with quilted inserts is reserved for the top-tier Platinum trim.

Interior trim progression on the Pathfinder is structured logically to balance practical durability with luxury options:

• S: Cloth seating surfaces built for easy cleaning and stain resistance.
• SV: Upgraded cloth upholstery with available heated front-row seats and power adjustments.
• Rock Creek 4WD: Water-repellant synthetic leatherette seating with cloth inserts and distinctive orange contrast stitching.
• SL: Standard genuine leather-appointed seating in the first and second rows, accompanied by a heated steering wheel.
• Platinum: Semi-aniline leather-appointed seats with climate-controlled (heated and ventilated) front seating and heated outboard second-row seats.

The Honda Pilot follows a similar tier structure, keeping cloth on Sport models and moving to leather on EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims. Nissan gives buyers greater seating flexibility by making second-row captain’s chairs available on mid-tier models like the SV and SL, allowing parents to customize seating layouts for seven or eight occupants without forcing a jump to the most expensive trim level.

Combining soft-touch interior surfaces, generous legroom across the first two rows, and optional panoramic glass moonroofs, the Pathfinder interior creates a comfortable environment for long commutes and weekend family travel. Shoppers searching for specific cabin materials can browse our current new Nissan Pathfinder inventory or complete an online auto financing application to start the purchase process.

How Does Ground Clearance Compare Between the Pathfinder Rock Creek and Pilot TrailSport?

The 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport provides 8.3 inches of ground clearance, whereas the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek offers 7.7 inches of ground clearance. While the Pilot TrailSport holds an advantage in absolute underbody height, the Pathfinder Rock Creek counters with higher engine horsepower, elevated torque ratings, and a heavier maximum towing capacity.

Designed for light off-road trails and outdoor recreation, the Pathfinder Rock Creek 4WD features specialized hardware tuned for active lifestyles:

• Engine Output: Tuned to produce 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel (compared to 284 hp on standard trims).
• Off-Road Suspension: Factory-tuned suspension calibrated for unpaved trails and dirt roads.
• Wheels and Tires: 18-inch beadlock-style aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
• Exterior Utility: Tubular roof rack rated to hold up to 220 pounds of cargo gear.
• Towing Capability: Standard 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity with integrated tow hitch receiver and harness.

The Honda Pilot TrailSport incorporates steel skid plates and off-road dampers, but its standard engine output remains identical to other Pilot models at 285 horsepower, and its maximum tow rating stays capped at 5,000 pounds. The Rock Creek trim provides an ideal middle ground for drivers who want rugged utility, eye-catching exterior styling, and strong trailering capability without sacrificing daily highway ride comfort.

For owners looking to customize their vehicle further for outdoor gear, roof boxes, or bike racks, our service center makes it simple to order genuine Nissan accessories designed specifically for your vehicle trim.

What Driver-Assist Technology Is Standard on the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?

Every 2025 Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of six active safety and driver-assist technologies. Standard safety equipment includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking.

In addition to standard Safety Shield 360 features, all Pathfinder models include rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, and driver alertness monitoring. Higher Pathfinder trims expand safety coverage with advanced automated driving support:

• ProPILOT Assist: Combines adaptive cruise control with steering assist to help manage acceleration, braking, and lane centering during single-lane highway driving.
• ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link: Uses navigation data on SL and Platinum trims to proactively adjust vehicle speed ahead of freeway curves, off-ramps, and junction interchanges.
• Intelligent Around View Monitor: Provides a 360-degree virtual bird’s-eye camera view on Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum models to simplify tight parking maneuvers and off-road trail navigation.

The 2025 Honda Pilot includes its standard Honda Sensing suite, which offers comparable forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. However, Nissan’s inclusion of standard Rear Automatic Braking across all trims gives the Pathfinder an advantage in preventing low-speed parking lot collisions—a feature often reserved for expensive options packages on competitor models.

Equipped with top crash-test ratings and comprehensive camera systems, the Pathfinder delivers total peace of mind during daily school drop-offs and crowded highway commutes. Drivers seeking guidance on driver-assist options can reach out to our local team for detailed feature demonstrations during a test drive.

Common Questions About the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Honda Pilot

Pricing varies notably between these two SUVs, with the Pathfinder starting at $36,400 and the Pilot closer to $40,000.
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $36,400 base MSRP for the S 2WD trim, while the 2025 Honda Pilot starts around $40,000 base MSRP. This gives the Pathfinder an initial price advantage of approximately $3,600 at entry level, allowing families to access mid-tier Pathfinder features for less than the starting price of many competing base-model three-row crossovers.

Q: Which SUV can tow more, the 2025 Pathfinder or the Honda Pilot?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped on Rock Creek 4WD, Platinum, or tow-package-equipped SV and SL trims. The 2025 Honda Pilot reaches a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when equipped with all-wheel drive, giving the Pathfinder a 1,000-pound towing advantage for pulling boats, campers, and utility trailers.

Q: Does the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder come with complimentary scheduled maintenance?
Every new 2025 Nissan Pathfinder includes Nissan Maintenance Care, which provides up to three complimentary scheduled oil changes within the first two years or 24,000 miles of ownership. This factory-backed coverage helps reduce maintenance costs during the initial years of ownership.

Q: How many passengers can sit in the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Honda Pilot?
Both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Honda Pilot seat up to eight passengers in standard configurations featuring a second-row bench seat. Both models offer available second-row captain’s chairs on select mid- and upper-tier trims, which reduces total seating capacity to seven passengers while creating a center passthrough aisle.

Q: What are the primary engine and transmission specifications for the Pathfinder?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque (boosted to 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque on Rock Creek models). The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive.

When you are ready to explore the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder in person and compare trim levels side-by-side, visit Newton Nissan of Gallatin at 1461 Nashville Pike in Gallatin or call our team at (615) 442-3090 to schedule your test drive today.