Mind the (price) gap: Ford Explorer vs Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder are rival mid-size SUVs, and their starting price differential begs the question of whether the former’s higher cost is justified. The Ford Explorer offers a mid-cycle refresh for its 2025 production year, which includes a grille design tweak, new soft-touch surfaces on areas like the center console and door panels, additional colors, and an updated software system for app, streaming, and internet integration. The 2025 Explorer introduces some other minor changes in upper trims, while the 2025 Pathfinder is a carryover model with no adjustments to its base trim. Discover key details highlighting how the 2025 Ford Explorer Active and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S compare with the rest of our guide below.
Power and efficiency spotlight
Ford’s base 2025 Explorer Active trim features a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Entry-level Explorer drivers also receive a 10-speed automatic transmission, standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a terrain management system, and optional four-wheel drive (4WD). In comparison, you’ll get a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine providing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque and a 9-speed automatic transmission with a 2025 Pathfinder S. The base Pathfinder offers a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and 4WD, but you won’t get a terrain management system when selecting 4WD, like you would with an Explorer. A 2025 Ford Explorer with the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine gets 20/29 city/highway mpg in RWD and 20/27 city/highway mpg in 4WD. The 2025 Pathfinder S is rated at 20/27 city/highway mpg in FWD and 21/27 city/highway mpg in AWD.
The Explorer’s exterior is equipped with more standard practicality
Compare an entry-level 2024 Explorer with a 2025 Explorer Active, and you’ll find that Ford has altered the 2025 model’s grille with a black mesh insert and chrome bars. LED headlights and taillights, a power liftgate, and roof rack side rails are standard on the 2025 Explorer, along with front skid plate elements, a rear bumper step pad, and 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels. The base Explorer’s standard colors offered at no extra cost include Iconic Silver Metallic, Agate Black Metallic, and Carbonized Gray Metallic.
The Nissan Pathfinder S features roof rails and 18-inch Dark-painted aluminum-alloy wheels, but you’ll get a manually-operated rear liftgate instead of a power-adjustable version like the Explorer. Still, this Nissan offers five exterior colors at no extra cost, including Glacier White, Super Black, Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic, and Deep Ocean Blue Metallic.
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The Explorer’s displays steal the show
The 2025 Ford Explorer Active impresses with its 13.2-inch central infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that easily outshine its Nissan rival’s 8-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital cluster. While cloth seating material comes standard in the Explorer, the Active trim allows you to upgrade to synthetic leather, unlike the Pathfinder S. You’ll also get more maximum cargo space in the Explorer, with 87.8 cu ft when folding the rear seats, 47.9 cu ft behind the second row, and 16.3 cu ft behind the third row. The Pathfinder S has 80.5 cu ft of storage with folded rear seats, 45 cu ft behind the second row, and 16.6 cu ft behind the third row. As for legroom, the Explorer wins in the second and third row, but its first row falls short of the Pathfinder S.
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Final thoughts
Despite the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S holding its own against the pricier 2025 Ford Explorer Active in areas like cargo capacity, mileage, and legroom, the Explorer is well worth its extra cost. On the power front, the Explorer easily outperforms its Nissan rival, and the competition isn’t even close when it comes to display tech. Additionally, unlike the Pathfinder S, the 2025 Explorer Active’s 4WD option comes with a terrain management system and provides more cargo space with the rear rows folded. Although the entry-level 2025 Explorer justifies its more expensive price tag, ensure you test drive both options before making a commitment.
About the author
Cody Carlson
Contributing Writer, Autoblog