2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2026 Honda Passport Specs, Features, Price & Verdict

It’s challenging to choose between the new 2026 Honda Passport and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, especially since both SUVs are equipped with a wide range of exciting features and have well-established reputations. Whether you are a commuter keeping your eye out for the commuter vehicle with enough YOSS (youth-oriented style and Livability) or an off-road weekend warrior, there’s something for everyone in these SUVs. In this comprehensive face-off, we’ll examine the specs and features, the price, and the real-world appeal and assign a score to help you make the right choice.

A handful of years ago, I was shopping for an SUV for family road trips. But when I went out to test-drive both the Pathfinder and the older Passport, I discovered that, twist my arm, but the world of midsize SUVs is, in fact, painfully nuanced after all. Fast forward to 2025—2026, and both have now taken significant steps forward. Nissan has refined the Pathfinder to strike a balance between practicality and polish, while Honda’s Passport arrives in 2026 with a bit more confidence and a fresh emphasis on adventure.

These are not just cars — they are lifestyle solutions. So which is better for your daily life?

Must Check: 2026 Honda Passport vs 2025 Honda Passport: More Power or Just More $$$?

Side-by-Side Specs Table

Specification	2025 Nissan Pathfinder	2026 Honda Passport
Engine	3.5L V6	3.5L V6 (revised)
Horsepower	284 hp	290 hp
Torque	259 lb-ft	267 lb-ft
Transmission	9-speed automatic	10-speed automatic
Drivetrain	FWD / AWD	Standard AWD
Seating Capacity	7 or 8	5
Towing Capacity	6,000 lbs (max)	5,000 lbs (max)
Fuel Economy (Est.)	20/27 mpg (city/hwy)	20/26 mpg (city/hwy)
Cargo Space (Max)	80.5 cu. ft	100.8 cu. ft
Starting MSRP	$37,000	$43,000

Performance and Driving Experience

The Pathfinder will still utilize the tested 3.5L V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission. The acceleration is seamless and predictable, great for merging onto highways or towing trailers. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 6,000 pounds, making it ideal for pulling small boats or trailers.

There’s also the Passport, which, despite having an engine of similar size, utilizes an improved 10-speed automatic transmission to execute its gear changes more quickly and smoothly. And all those models come with standard AWD, which, of course, adds traction on wet or off-road surfaces.

Both SUVs respond with confidence, but the Passport’s tuning makes it feel more athletic — especially in TrailSport trim, which features an off-road-ready suspension.

Winner: Passport for agility and standard AWD; Pathfinder for power and towing.

Ride Quality and Handling

They’re both pretty nice to drive on the road. The Pathfinder offers a smooth ride that effectively soaks up bumps, even when tasked with carrying a heavy load. Its larger framing may make it less agile in tight urban conditions, but it performs well on highways.

The Passport, shorter and with a 2-row design, feels lighter on its feet. It also corners better and provides excellent visibility. The TrailSport trim also features skid plates and all-terrain tires, making it suitable for mild off-roading.

Winner: Tie — For comfort and stability, the Pathfinder, for urban life and trail duty, the Passport.

Interior Design and Comfort

In the Pathfinder, however, you will discover a family-friendly arrangement with, if need be, eight places, depending on how it is configured. The second row is captain’s chairs or a bench, and the third row is genuinely usable for short trips. Interior materials are premium, particularly in SL and Platinum trims.

The Passport, which is constricted to only two rows of seating, provides a cavernous interior with additional cargo room behind the second row. In the cabin, there is best-in-class legroom in the seating rows, along with a more open and upscale feel.

Pathfinder prioritizes flexibility and families. Passport is more focused on the comfort of smaller groups or couples.

Winner: Pathfinder for seating capacity; Passport for roominess and comfort.

Technology and Infotainment

Both of its models are teched out:

2025 Nissan Pathfinder:

12.3-inch touchscreen on upper trims
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Wireless charging pad
Premium 13-speaker Bose audio
Head-up display

2026 Honda Passport:

12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster
OTA (over-the-air) software updates
Google Built-in (select trims)
HondaLink app integration
Premium 540-watt audio on Elite trim

The Pathfinder’s infotainment system is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The Passport, by contrast, is more digitally connected, particularly to tech-junkie motorists.

Winner: Passport for the innovative features and OTA updates.

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Safety and Driver Assistance

Both SUVs are incredibly safe and well-outfitted:

Automatic Emergency Braking
Lane Departure Warning
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Adaptive Cruise Control

ProPILOT Assist (Nissan’s semi-autonomous driver assistance system) is now an option with the Pathfinder. It does particularly well in stop-and-go traffic and on the highway.

The Honda Sensing suite is improved on the Passport. It’s much smoother than it used to be and more intuitive as well, particularly thanks to better lane centering.

IIHS crash test data As of this review, there’s official testing data on record for the 2026 Passport. Although it’s still too early to conclude what the 2025 model will receive, Honda has traditionally posted competitive scores.

Winner: Pathfinder for its semi-autonomous ProPILOT Assist.

Price, Trims, and Value

Trim Level	2025 Pathfinder	2026 Passport
Base	$37,000 (S)	$43,000 (Sport)
Mid-Range	$42,000 (SL)	$47,000 (TrailSport)
Top-End	$50,000 (Platinum)	$49,000 (Elite)

The Pathfinder is trimmer and has lower entry pricing. That makes it great for value shoppers. The Passport is more expensive, but even at the base level, it comes with AWD and trail-capability features.

Winner: Pathfinder for price; Passport for AWD package value.

Ownership Costs & Warranty

Nissan Pathfinder:

Fuel economy: 20/27 mpg
Maintenance: More affordable
Warranty: 3 yr/36k miles basic, 5 yr/60k powertrain

Honda Passport:

Fuel economy: 20/26 mpg
Maintenance: Slightly costlier, but fewer long-term issues
Warranty: Same as Nissan; HondaCare extended options avail

Honda cars have always had higher resale value, and Nissan is closing the gap with improved quality.

Winner: Honda for longevity; Nissan for a lower upfront price.

Real-World Usability

Let’s talk about real life. I know a family who drove its 2023 Pathfinder cross-country with three kids and a golden retriever. The third row and 6,000-lb towing capacity turned it into a road warrior.

Then there’s my pal Alex, who just ordered the 2024 Passport TrailSport. (He’s a weekend hiker and takes advantage of the AWD on the SUV to get to trailheads without fearing the conditions of the road.)

“The Pathfinder afforded us the space, comfort, and tech without breaking our bank.” — Rachel, NY.

“I love that the Passport feels so capable on dirt roads without being as much of a tank. — Alex, CO

Winner: Depends on how you’ll use it – Pathfinder for bigger families; Passport for adventure seekers.

Final Verdict: Which SUV Is The Right One For You?

So, which one should you buy?

You should buy the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder if:

Three rows of seating
More towing capability
Lower starting price
Family-focused features

Purchase the 2026 Honda Passport if you:

Standard AWD
More rear cargo and legroom
Off-road readiness (TrailSport)
Sleeker, more modern tech

Overall Winner:

Both vehicles are great, but the Pathfinder takes the win with families and budget-minded buyers, while the Passport appeals to adventure seekers or tech-focused drivers.