Key Takeaways
- The Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder, are just about the same size, however the Explorer has more cargo space than the Pathfinder.
- The Ford Explorer gets more gas mileage and has more powerful engines than the Pathfinder.
- For its large list of pros, the Ford Explorer is the superior full sized SUV when compared to the Pathfinder.
Is the Ford Explorer bigger than the Nissan Pathfinder?
The Ford Explorer and the Nissan Pathfinder are just about the same size. The two vehicles are the same length, the Explorer is one inch wider, while the Pathfinder is one inch taller. The two SUVs offer just about the same interior space as well, making it hard to base the decision off space alone.
The main difference is that the Ford Explorer offers 18.8 cubic feet behind the third row while the Pathfinder only has 16.6 cubic feet in its trunk area. This makes the Explorer have a big leg up when it comes to being a family hauler. That trunk space can make a huge difference when it comes to packing a family into any car, and at that point any mom can tell you, even cubic inches matter.
Does the Nissan Pathfinder get better gas mileage than the Ford Explorer?
The Nissan Pathfinder does not get better gas mileage than the Ford Explorer. The Ford Explorer gets up to 27 mpg in town and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Pathfinder maxes out at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This might not initially seem like a huge difference, but the extra gas mileage in the city could potentially save you hundreds of dollars every year, if not a cool thousand. Having a hybrid engine makes a big difference and the Explorer’s is a great hybrid powertrain.
Is the Nissan Pathfinder more powerful than the Ford Explorer?
The Nissan Pathfinder is not as powerful as the Ford Explorer. The Ford Explorer has three engines, the base 4 cylinder gets 300 horsepower, the hybrid engine gets up to 318 horsepower, and the fastest engine gets 400 horsepower out of its twin turbo V6 engine.
The Pathfinder at its best gets up to 295 horsepower out of its V6 engine, but on base models only gets 284 horsepower. This makes the Explorer more fun to drive and more athletic. While the Pathfinder handles alright, the Explorer gets up to 60 mph almost a whole second faster. This makes driving the family around town just a tad bit more interesting, and if you are a lead foot driver, spring for the 400 horsepower engine on higher models for some more fun.
Which is better: the Ford Explorer or the Nissan Pathfinder?
The Ford Explorer is better than the Nissan Pathfinder for its hybrid powertrain, available higher performing engine, and classy design. The Pathfinder unfortunately does not have a hybrid powertrain while most vehicles in the segment all have a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Explorer has a hybrid powertrain that makes driving around town that much more fuel efficient, getting 6 more mpg in town than the Pathfinder does. Although the base powertrain on the Explorer generates more horsepower than the Pathfinder, the Explorer also has a 400 horsepower twin turbo V6 that makes driving fun again. To top it off though, the Explorer is better looking, with its upscale, athletic appearance the Explorer is hard to beat. This is why it's our number one pick as a full sized SUV.