2025 Ford Explorer vs Nissan Pathfinder
Which Family SUV Takes the Lead: Explorer or Pathfinder?
When shopping for a three-row SUV that balances family needs with capability, the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder frequently top the list. Both vehicles offer compelling features, but after diving deep into the specs and real-world performance, the Ford Explorer emerges as the clear winner. Here's how the Explorer outshines the Pathfinder in the areas that matter most to families and adventure-seekers alike.
Performance: Explorer Delivers More Power and Versatility
The Ford Explorer doesn't just edge out the Pathfinder in performance—it dominates. Under the hood, the Explorer's available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine produces an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Pathfinder's 3.5L V6 that generates 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.
This power advantage translates to real-world benefits. The Explorer accelerates more confidently when merging onto highways, especially when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The additional torque proves invaluable when navigating hills or challenging terrain.
The Explorer also features a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission compared to the Pathfinder's continuously variable transmission (CVT). This gives the Explorer more precise gear ratios and better power delivery across all driving conditions. The 10-speed transmission provides smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency during highway cruising.
Perhaps most importantly, the Explorer offers standard intelligent all-wheel drive with rear-wheel-drive bias, while the Pathfinder relies on front-wheel drive as standard. The Explorer's system includes six selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Sand, and Mud/Ruts. This versatility means the Explorer adapts to everything from daily commuting to weekend camping trips, giving families true go-anywhere confidence. 
Interior Space: Comfort Where It Counts
While both SUVs seat up to eight passengers, the Explorer makes better use of its interior space. The key difference lies in passenger comfort rather than raw seating capacity.
The Explorer's front seats come standard with power adjustment, ensuring both driver and passenger can find their ideal seating position. This feature remains optional on many Pathfinder trims, which can be frustrating for families where multiple people drive the vehicle.
Second-row passengers benefit significantly from the Explorer's superior legroom. With 39.0 inches of second-row legroom compared to the Pathfinder's 38.4 inches, longer-legged passengers and car seats fit more comfortably. The difference becomes even more pronounced in the third row, where the Explorer provides 33.5 inches of legroom versus the Pathfinder's 28.1 inches. This 5.4-inch advantage makes the Explorer's third row actually usable for adults on longer trips.
The Explorer's cabin design also prioritizes passenger comfort with available captain's chairs in the second row, making access to the third row easier and more dignified. The higher roofline provides better headroom throughout the cabin, reducing that cramped feeling common in three-row SUVs.
Cargo Capacity and Towing: Built for Real-World Needs
Cargo space tells an interesting story. While the maximum cargo capacity behind the first row is similar between both vehicles (87.8 cubic feet for the Explorer vs 84.5 for the Pathfinder), the Explorer's superior passenger space means you're not sacrificing comfort for cargo room.
The real differentiator comes in towing capability. The Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, compared to the Pathfinder's 6,000-pound rating. However, the Explorer includes trailer sway control as standard equipment—a crucial safety feature that helps maintain control when towing in crosswinds or emergency maneuvers. This technology automatically applies individual brakes and reduces engine power to help straighten the trailer, providing peace of mind for families towing boats, travel trailers, or utility trailers.
The Explorer's intelligent all-wheel drive system also provides better traction when launching boats or navigating slippery boat ramps, making it the more practical choice for families who actually use their towing capacity. 
Technology and Features: Explorer Active Leads the Way
The Ford Explorer Active trim showcases where the Explorer truly shines in the technology department. The centerpiece is the available 12-inch touchscreen display, significantly larger than the Pathfinder's 9-inch screen. This larger display makes navigation easier to read, provides better visibility for backup camera feeds, and creates a more premium cabin atmosphere.
The Explorer Active also features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces traditional analog gauges. This customizable display provides trip information, navigation directions, and vehicle settings in a clear, modern format that's easier to read in various lighting conditions.
Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology is available on the Explorer, offering Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities on over 130,000 miles of pre-mapped highways. While both vehicles offer adaptive cruise control, the Explorer's system is more advanced and provides a glimpse into the future of highway driving.
The Explorer Active's Terrain Management System deserves special mention. This feature works in conjunction with the intelligent all-wheel drive to optimize traction, stability control, and throttle response for different driving conditions. Whether you're navigating sand dunes, muddy trails, or snowy roads, the Explorer adapts its behavior to maximize capability and safety.
Standard features like remote start, wireless device charging, and Ford's SYNC 4A infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration make daily life more convenient.
The Verdict: Explorer Delivers Where It Matters
The Ford Explorer doesn't just compete with the Nissan Pathfinder—it outperforms it in the areas most important to three-row SUV buyers. Superior power, more usable interior space, advanced technology, and genuine all-weather capability are an unbeatable combination.
So while the Nissan Pathfinder has its strong points, the Ford Explorer stands as the clear winner in this competitive segment.
The next step is to get behind the wheel. Try out the Explorer for yourself.
Schedule a test drive at Rodeo Ford.
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