Find The Perfect SUV 

When finding the perfect three-row SUV for your family, the options can seem endless. Three top contenders in this highly competitive segment are the Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Each family sports utility vehicle offers a unique blend of features, capabilities, and performance, making it challenging to determine the best fit for your needs.

Let’s dive deep into the key factors that set these three-row SUVs apart, helping you decide which one is the right choice for you and your family.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many SUV buyers, especially those with long commutes or frequent family road trips. When it comes to fuel economy, the Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot offer similar ratings, with the Pathfinder achieving up to 11.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 L/100 km on the highway. At the same time, the Pilot can reach up to 11.8 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 L/100 km on the highway.

On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander outperforms both of its competitors in terms of fuel efficiency. The Highlander can achieve up to 11.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.1 L/100 km on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient option in this comparison.

Three-Row SUV Comparison

All three sports utility vehicles accommodate up to eight passengers, with ample seating space and versatile cargo areas. The Pathfinder and Highlander offer a standard three-row seating configuration, while you can configure the Pilot with either a second-row bench or captain’s chairs, depending on your preference.

Regarding overall passenger volume, the Highlander takes the lead, offering 141.3 cubic feet of space, compared to 135.3 cubic feet in the Pathfinder and 152.9 cubic feet in the Pilot. However, the Pilot’s unique seating configuration allows 

for more flexibility in terms of cargo and passenger arrangements.

Family SUV Comparison

When it comes to family-friendly features, all three SUVs meet the needs of growing families. The Pathfinder, Pilot, and Highlander all offer a range of advanced safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The Highlander sets itself apart with its available second-row captain’s chairs, which provide a more comfortable and accessible seating arrangement for families. The Pilot, on the other hand, offers a unique “walk-in” feature that allows for easy access to the third row, making it an excellent choice for families with young children.

Towing Capacity

For those who need to tow a boat, trailer, or other heavy equipment, towing capacity is a crucial factor to consider. In this category, the Pathfinder takes the lead, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, compared to 5,000 pounds for the Pilot and 5,000 pounds for the Highlander.

If you frequently need to tow heavy loads, the Pathfinder’s superior towing capacity could be a significant advantage, allowing you to transport your gear with ease.

Cargo Space

Regarding cargo space, the three-row SUVs in this comparison offer ample room for all your family’s belongings. The Pilot leads the pack with a maximum cargo capacity of 83.9 cubic feet, followed by the Highlander with 84.3 cubic feet and the Pathfinder with 79.5 cubic feet.

However, it’s important to note that the Pilot’s cargo space advantage is primarily due to its unique seating configuration, which allows for more flexibility in space. While slightly behind in overall cargo volume, the Highlander and Pathfinder still offer generous storage solutions for your family’s needs.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for many midsize sports utility vehicle buyers, and all three of these models are well-equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies. The Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, and Highlander all come standard with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The Highlander, however, sets itself apart with the availability of a surround-view camera system, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, enhancing visibility and safety in tight spaces.

Technology

When it comes to in-vehicle technology, the Pathfinder, Pilot, and Highlander, all offer a range of cutting-edge features to keep you connected and entertained. All three midsize SUVs have smartphone integration, wireless charging, and advanced infotainment systems.

SUV Resale Value

The Highlander has a proven track record of holding its value better than its competitors, making it a smart long-term investment for family SUV buyers. The Pathfinder and Pilot also hold their value well, but the Highlander’s reputation for reliability and longevity gives it a distinct advantage in this category.

SUV Interior Comfort

The interior comfort of a three-row sports utility vehicle is crucial for families who spend a lot of time on the road. The Highlander and Pilot both offer a premium, well-appointed cabin experience with high-quality materials and ample space for passengers. All three SUVs provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for the driver and passengers.

SUV Handling

When it comes to handling and driving dynamics, all three full-sized SUVs offer a smooth, composed ride with responsive steering and well-tuned suspensions. However, it’s important to note that the Pathfinder’s larger size and available all-wheel-drive system make it a more capable off-road performer, which could be a priority for some SUV buyers.

Off-Road Capability

Speaking of off-road capability, the Nissan Pathfinder stands out in this comparison, thanks to its available all-wheel-drive system and advanced terrain management features. The Pathfinder’s off-road-oriented capabilities make it a more suitable choice for those who plan to venture off the beaten path, whether it’s a family camping trip or a day exploring the great outdoors.

The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, while still capable of handling light off-road excursions, are more focused on on-road performance and comfort, making them better suited for everyday driving and family transportation.

SUV Infotainment System

The infotainment systems in the Pathfinder, Pilot, and Highlander all offer a range of advanced features, including smartphone integration, navigation, and voice control. 

Driver Assistance Features

All three SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features regarding driver assistance technologies. The Pathfinder, Pilot, and Highlander all come standard with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

SUV All-Wheel Drive

For those who need the added traction and capability of all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder, Pilot, and Highlander all offer available AWD systems. The Pathfinder, with its more off-road-oriented design, may be the best choice for those who frequently venture off the beaten path, while the Pilot and Highlander are better suited for everyday driving and light off-road use.

SUV Hybrid Options

If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient option, the Toyota Highlander is the only one in this comparison that offers a hybrid variant. The Highlander Hybrid can achieve up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it the most eco-friendly choice in this SUV segment.

SUV Maintenance Costs

The Pathfinder and Pilot have solid reputations for reliability. Still, the Highlander’s proven track record gives it a slight edge in this category, making it the most cost-effective option in the long run.

SUV Ride Quality

The ride quality of a three-row SUV is an essential factor for families who spend a lot of time on the road. The Highlander and Pilot both offer a smooth, comfortable ride, with well-tuned suspensions that soak up bumps and imperfections in the road.

SUV Acceleration

When it comes to acceleration, the Pilot and Highlander both offer ample power and responsiveness, thanks to their powerful V6 engines. The Pathfinder, on the other hand, may feel a bit less eager, especially when it comes to passing maneuvers or merging onto the highway. However, the Pathfinder’s larger size and available all-wheel-drive system can provide stability and confidence at higher speeds, which may be a priority for some SUV buyers.

SUV Styling

The styling of a three-row SUV is highly subjective, and all three of these models offer unique and appealing designs. The Pathfinder features a more rugged, off-road-inspired look, while the Pilot and Highlander have a more refined, family-friendly appearance.

Ultimately, the choice in styling will come down to personal preference and the overall aesthetic you hope to achieve with your SUV.

What Vehicle is the Best Fit For You

If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV that offers a winning combination of performance, technology, and family-friendly features, test drive the Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Visit your local dealership today to experience these impressive SUVs firsthand and find the one that’s the best fit for your needs.