Yahoo Autos Honda Pilot vs Nissan Pathfinder: 2024 Comparison
The 2024 Honda Pilot is one of the most popular and well-rounded three-row family SUVs on the market. It has clever storage and unique second-row functionality, and after a full redesign a few years ago, no longer screams “child transport!” The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder seems to be often forgotten when discussing three-row crossovers, largely because its own predecessor was an even more depressing appliance. That’s a shame, because the Pathfinder is a well-rounded family SUV itself, and we really dig the cool, go-anywhere vibe of its Rock Creek edition.
As you’ll see below, Nissan also manages to net quite a few victories in our various categories. Now, choosing a car is more complicated than tabulating points like a basketball game. Some categories are inherently weighted more than others, so one particular win is bound to be a much bigger deal for you and your family’s needs.
Read our full 2024 Honda Pilot Review
Read our full 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Review
Which has a nicer interior?
Winner: Pathfinder
This is a close one, and for many it might be a coin flip. We ultimately like the Pathfinder’s look and materials better. There’s padded simulated leather on the dash and across the center console, and two-tone color schemes or contrast stitching on upper trim levels. In short, it looks and feels “nicer.” We still like the Pilot, though, and there’s something to be said for its minimalist aesthetic and slightly more useful storage up front.
Which has better infotainment technology?
Winner: Pathfinder
Both the Pathfinder and Pilot’s top-end touchscreen measures 9 inches, but the base Nissan system is 8 inches versus 7 inches in the Pilot. Moreover, we prefer Nissan’s crisper and more colorful graphics – especially with the smaller screen. Both are similarly user friendly.
Which is safer?
Winner: Tie
Both the Pathfinder and Pilot were given the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Pilot got a “Good” rating for its headlights, while the Pathfinder got an “Acceptable” rating. Both received the same marks for their accident prevention tech. We prefer the Pathfinder’s ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control and steering assist system to the comparable feature in the Pilot.
Which has the bigger back seat?
Winner: Pilot
The Pilot has a more comfortable and spacious third row than the Pathinder’s, which is closer to the floor. The Pathfinder’s tilting-and-sliding second-row makes it easier to get back there from outside, however. Space in the second row is comparable, but the Pilot offers something the Pathfinder and nothing else in the segment does: a second-row middle seat that can be removed (admittedly with some back-bending effort) and stored under the cargo floor. Or in the garage if you want to maintain max cargo space. This means you don’t have to choose between seven- or eight passenger capacity at the dealership, or rather, middle bench or captain’s chairs. You do with the Pathfinder. Note, however, that the desirable Pilot TrailSport does not have this feature.
Pilot top, Pathfinder bottom
