FAMILY 3-ROW FIGHT! -- 2025 Honda Pilot Elite vs. Nissan Pathfinder Platinum: Comparison

[@CarConfections]

Are you looking to buy a Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder or any new vehicle? Go to carconfections.com/new-car-quotes to get the BEST price and access to invoice pricing information!

[@nickstark8640]

The Nissan offers over 44” of Front legroom. The Honda has significantly less. This is why the rear legroom in the Nissan is less. The measurement is taken with the front seat in its maximum position, thus shrinking the rear seats measurement. You two do absolutely the BEST Comparison videos.

[@hellkitty1014]

Yep, the Nissan has really long seat tracks. Honda seats never go back far enough for this 6'5 guy.

[@Hoosiertown]

We owned one of each. I definitely prefer the Honda Pilot. The Pathfinder wasn't horrible, but the Honda is a better drive.

[@vkchaitanya2003]

There is a 10K difference, is that difference worth it?

[@MerlinMoorlo]

Which car is smoother on bad pavement?

[@rapide12345]

I'd take the Pathfinder, Nissan needs to put the new Google infotainment system on this.

[@DesertRailProductions]

Pathfinder all the way. Nissans bigger suvs and their trucks are actually just as if not more reliable than hondas and toyotas, and they cost significantly less for more stuff. People just say nissan is bad all around cause they see the letters "cvt".

[@kevinsavee7954]

Yeah I agree also. Nissan vehicle models with the cvt destroyed the brand's reputation.

[@Brisco_County_Jr]

I mean I've watched previous vehicles just fall apart inside and out. They aren't made well. Looks like they actually tried with the Pathfinder though.

[@donrandle8999]

Wow! Finally it’s said on line! Thank you! Any Nissan owner who has own a few knows they are equally and in some cases more reliable than Toyota and Honda. I just get weary of people saying cvt and Nissan is not reliable, if you think that you don’t know the brands. Non of them is perfect, but Nissan surely makes a good car. I have my 2001 Xterra and I’ve own it from 23 years. It’s been super reliable from the engine to the power Windows all still original and I have 457,213 miles and still runs very good!

[@Brisco_County_Jr]

@donrandle8999 tell that to the numerous people having their Pathfinder dropping into neutral on the highway. Then the dealers take the parts cannon approach which means Nissan has no clue what the cause is. Others have leaking pano roofs. It's not good and seems it's typical Nissan assembly issues.

[@DesertRailProductions]

@Brisco_County_Jr the reason they shift onto neutral is because people hold the shifters as a wristrest, and accidentaly bump them into neutral since it's electronic. When I first got my rogue, I started doing it a bit. The shifter design imo is kinda dumb, but that's the reason why. When driving it has nothing preventing it from switching to neutral.

[@tayboogyy]

I do like the Pathfinder quite a bit, and I assume it COULD be much more reliable for many years to come! Especially considering Nissan pulled the plug on the CVT :D

[@kevinW826]

Having worked on both, for me I’m going with the Nissan because that VQ motor is just as reliable as the J35 Honda and will be cheaper on parts, at least in my area. Plus I’m not a fan of push button shifters so Honda looses me on that.

[@hellkitty1014]

I'd even argue the VQ is more proven than this Honda 3.5 because it is the first to have a DOHC design, aside from the J35. VQs have timing chains vs belt, and we all know the internals on VQs are pretty stout!

[@antoniocognato5023]

The infiniti qx60 is the same engine and truck pretty much?

[@ApArt1003]

you forgot to mention the timing belt.

[@JDM_PLUS]

The VQ35DD is not as reliable as the pre 2016 VQs

[@trenton737]

I'd take the Pathfinder. I do like the Grand Highlander, Explorer, Traverse/Acadia/Enclave a little bit more tho.

[@ryanb8736]

I drove them all. Pilot was the best. Felt a lot smaller than what it was. Very good handling. Engine sounded great. Plus it has lots of room. Looks the best too.

[@trenton737]

@@ryanb8736 Hard to believe you drove an Explorer and came to the conclusion that the Pilot drove better. The Explorer handles better and has more power and a more balanced ride.

[@RysterARCEE]

Both are solid choices. However, both suffer from less than ideal dealership experiences. Honda dealers won't budge on price because they can sell every Pilot they get in. Nissan dealers will discount Pathfinders all day long, but when it comes to service are very spotty. If I had to choose anything in this segment, I would go either Highlander or Traverse. If I had to choose between only the Pilot or Pathfinder, I would choose the Pathfinder because of the more refined interior, slightly larger front row room, and I think it just looks a little better on the exterior. Not to mention the Pathfinders are readily available and dealers are discounting them.

[@ryanb8736]

Nissans are a nightmare when they break. I know from experience with being a mechanic for 36 years. Only Nissan I liked was my GTR. I still put over 40k into it for parts. Kept breaking.

[@lermuhtoo9453]

the honda looks better on the exterior

[@mitchellkramer229]

traverse 💀💀💀

[@karbs76]

Traverse is a pos . Small engine too

[@chrissmith1246]

We recently test drove both. The shifter in the Pathfinder is pretty wonky going into neutral. I could see panic attacks going thru car washes. Pilot is only banking on the Honda name at this point. If I had to choose 1, I would pick the Pathfinder, the front seats were amazingly comfortable.

[@Neb2117]

I am the original owner of a 2006 Honda Pilot with well over 200,000 miles. The car still runs like new, both the interior and exterior have worn like steel, only advanced safety features have me looking at the 2025. With this experience, if I were to break rank and be the least bit disappointed, I would always regret the decision. So a new Pilot it will be. Nuff said.

[@mark8684]

You overlooked the passenger power seat adjustments. The Pathfinder has full power adjustments, including power lumbar adjust while the Pilot only has 4-way power adjustment. The Pilot has no passenger seat height adjustment and no lumbar adjustment! That alone would prevent me from buying the Pilot. Also, the Pathfinder can accommodate 48” wide material in the rear cargo area while the Pilot cannot. This is because the width between the rear wheel housings is over 48” in the Pathfinder while the Pilot is narrower.

[@edoliver4255]

IMO the Pilot looks better

[@omarturkostani680]

I think you missed one part which is maintenance costs and spare parts pricing. Honda is sooo much expensive than Nissan (at least in my country) Please include the total costs of regular maintenance from 10000 KM to 100 k KM (or miles) for both cars According to what I saw (in my country from 0-100k KM maintenance for Honda pilot is around 5k $ and for nissan Pathfinder around 2.7k $)

[@nobunaga-oda]

👍🏻

[@apt62]

Honda also has much better resell value.

[@randallbollinger1449]

No one cares about your country

[@jppilotadventurez5251]

After owning 6 Honda from 2020-now I’ll gladly take a Nissan pathfinder. Honda quality control has taken a 💩. I traded my 2022 piece of 💩 pilot in for a 24 AWD Nissan ariya. This thing drive like a DREAM! Only noises I hear are tire/road contact, no wind no nothing. I’m still in shock on how I hear 0 wind noise. Sadly I’ll probably never go back to Honda again.

[@john12354]

so, you owned 6 Hondas in 4 years? and now finally not going back? They were all bad? tf, you sound dumb af, TBH

[@john12354]

@@67keyakaren68 fan boy of your mom

[@rossanoevangelista8512]

Nissan has timing chain and pilot has timing b elt. Timing belt requires to be changed every 100000 miles and it cost close to 1200 while nissan does not recommend changing timing chain as long as oil change and other maintenance are done. So you save maintenance cost.

[@Erdie5]

Can't go wrong with either, really. One caveat, we own a '20 Odyssey, and there's a "feature" of Honda cars that has been around for years and years. If you can take some sort of extended test drive, do so. Seats in Honda's cars are notoriously uncomfortable for a lot of people. They tend to be stiffer, but in a bad way if that makes sense. My wife doesn't complain about her Odyssey, but I do. Basically, if you're built like me with very little, ahem, derriere, you may not be comfortable, especially on longer trips. Funny that it's paired up with the Pathfinder, as I've found Nissan to have the most comfortable seats of all brands for people like me (seats are extremely subjective). And it isn't even close. (We currently own 1 Honda and 1 Nissan). But at the end of the day, both our cars have been fantastic as far as mechanical issues. Nothing to speak of.

[@lowkeybuchi]

I've always been a honda fan so i would choose the pilot for this comparison because my mom has her 2023 Honda pilot and shes in love with it.

[@chetpietras8402]

Purchased a 2025 Pilot Touring almost 2 months ago, and so far, this is the best riding, handling, (for it's size) and most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned, period. We'll see how it holds up over time, but so far, VERY impressed.

[@Pdep90]

I like the pathfinder a bit more. Aesthetically speaking

[@markdimartino6820]

I like the styling of the Pathfinder. I’m sure they are both going to be reliable vehicles so you can’t go wrong with either one.

[@willmoore5862]

We looked at all the mid size 3 row SUV’s & it only really came down to the Pilot & Grand Highlander. We loved both but the Grand Highlander was a bit more expensive and had a monthly subscription for some of their services. We got the Pilot Elite & don’t regret it at all.

[@hellkitty1014]

Saved yourself about $10K in the process and Toyota is having some serious quality lapses at the moment.

[@444thunderstr0ke]

Me personally, I'll take the Pilot any day over the Pathfinder

[@TwoPair72]

Go with the Honda. As an owner of a '23 Pathfinder with only 15K miles on it, it's a hunk of junk. Tomorrow will make the fifth trip to the dealer. I'm still under warranty, thank God. To many electronic, build quality and now the transmission has issues. As soon as the '25 Passport comes out, I'm punting it.

[@timj.8056]

After looking at Honda, Toyota and Nissan we went with the Pathfinder. All three very nice but one the most important feature for me was the 44.3" front leg room which is the most of these 3 vehicles. Price wise we went with the Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4wd. Nissan has made the Pathfinder for over 30 years and starting with the 2022 model they improved immensely with the 2nd gen. 9 speed transmission and many refinements with body style and interior design.

[@jordanimatedstreaming]

CC does the best car comparisons

[@CarConfections]

Thank you!

[@carlosurdaneta2834]

Before watching this video I’ve always like the Pathfinder because of its design, but now seeing the new generation of Pilot I would probably go with Honda and also for its reliability

[@doolittlegeorge]

I think Pathfinder "wants it more" if that makes sense with a more truck like build. Verdict: just say no to 50 grand or more

[@juelzm149]

Man! Listen to that Honda V5! But i actually prefer the Pathfinder's styling, especially inside.

[@Tiffany-RemoteOfficeGirl]

Thank you super informative and love the side-by-side comparisons making it so easy to follow! How about The 4 x 4 modes like snow, mud, ice, etc. I currently have a 2023 Pathfinder and I'm about to lease a new one unless I switch to the pilot. I live in a four season climate. What about safety ratings?

[@MarcoGallo-ud8qd]

I’ll take the Pathfinder all day SV trim level. I’m biased towards Nissan though lol lol but still Pathfinder all day. I’m glad they got rid of the CBT in it. Nissan and Ford are probably my favorite brands so I’m a little biased lol lol but buy what you like. Everything has problems and nothing perfect it’s made by humans and we’re not perfect at all. Have an awesome weekend everybody And God bless and gentlemen keep up the great work.

[@zoomizoomi6047]

Pilot for sure as I have Pilot 2022 and its amazing car.

[@magnoliap5824]

Pathfinder all day.

[@thebig12conference73]

Engineering background my uncle was a mechanic he said he made money off of Nissan and Mitsubishi he said as far as Japanese cars goes Toyotas and Hondas are the best along with their luxury arm the Lexus and the Acura Nissan and Mitsubishi’s are not good so based on that I would pick the Honda pilot

[@KrazeTec07]

Times have changed. Toyota has taken hit after hit in the reliability department over the past few years and these Honda Pilots still use timing belts instead of timing chains like the Pathfinder and most other modern SUVs. These current model Pathfinders have also ditched those horrible CVTs that have ruined Nissan's reputation.

[@thebig12conference73]

@@KrazeTec07 This is true Toyota has taken some hits lately

[@MarcoGallo-ud8qd]

I love that V6 growl sailing that’s going away. We’ll see how much longer these two keep the V6. I have a feeling they’ll jump on the bed wagon eventually and get rid of them, but we’ll see. Maybe I’m wrong.

[@allenbazar8984]

Nissan way better looking vehicle exterior and interior best seats in the business.You can have a bench or captain chairs in the mid.seats plus you have a removable center console/.Where’s the points guys.Nissan is more truck/suv style while Honda has more of a mini van feel.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent comparison and happy Father’s Day!

[@GarlandTexasSpotter2024]

Good comparison! Just waiting for an Odyssey vs Pilot Comparison Video!

[@X2p5423videolover]

I owned a last generation Pilot Ex-L. It was fine until 3900 miles it started cackling noises from the speaker and then the infotainment goes black. I drove it 10000 more miles and made 15+ trips to dealership before i traded it for a highlander. No intention to go back to Honda brand and its crook dealerships.

[@ChesterSm-ge1hb]

I’ve experienced similar conditions/circumstances only worse with Toyota, I’ve owned 6. Last one was a Highlander, dumped it at 13,400 miles, don’t need the headaches. Myself and family stick mostly with Honda, Never had Any issues.

[@X2p5423videolover]

@@ChesterSm-ge1hb Great to hear. End of the day we all buy to have a reliable transportation for our family. Cheers.

[@spowell71]

with suv & trucks rates should account for tow hitch (may be looks) ... pathfinder comes with but pilot only certain trims have a factory installed option and its a $990 option cost.

[@coryredick]

I'm a life long Nissan and Infiniti lover who veered away and bought a 2020 Pilot. Worst decision ever, electronics problems, transmission problems and it drove like crap and Honda service was terrible too. Traded it in on a new Pathfinder and love it.

[@chargedx1]

Pilot has front heated windshield, acoustic glass, more advanced AWD system and a top safety rating. I've owned many nissan vehicles, but will be making the switch to the pilot here soon.

[@mica122213]

also has reinforced sides, if you can get past the crappy dealers and timing belt go for it, i only run chains 400k miles no service

[@bflathead]

I presently own a 2003 Pathfinder LE with 150K miles. It’s still running but the body is starting to rust in a few different areas so it’s time to upgrade. I have looked closely at both models and am having a tough time deciding. I will be leasing. Is it worth the money to purchase the maintenance packages the dealers offer ?

[@WVBUCK1]

Excellent video! We are shopping these vehicles.

[@CarConfections]

Thanks, glad to help!

[@MerlinMoorlo]

What car has bigger external radius of wheels and what car has better mpg?

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Love your car video

[@samuelbaker4759]

LOVE your comparison videos! Will you be reviewing the 2025 Odyssey?

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! Yes, we are planning on it when it comes out

[@enessapan919]

Thank you for the review 👍

[@6thgen002]

both good choices but for me, Honda is the better choice. nissan would have to be considerably cheaper for me to consider it.

[@fredtrevino9201]

Great Review. Thank You

[@CarConfections]

Thanks for watching!

[@zydrunasnormaliai6997]

Honda Pilot mutch better car

[@adamwright9741]

Two things that make me pick the Pilot over the Pathfinder.. If somebody is smart enough to buy the the new Pilot with a darker color, that thing looks entirely much better than that Pathfinder looks. (Of course sometimes I wish the exterior look gave any points) Also with the Pilot having the more refined interior experience, AS WELL as the all-important to me - under console storage for my wife's work notebooks and purse, I'm not sure that even if your points doubled the Pilot that I would pick the Pathfinder.

[@adamwright9741]

@@magnoliap5824 uh oh.. my bad

[@magnoliap5824]

@@adamwright9741 😂😂😂 I’m driving a Pathfinder. Love it!

[@christians218]

You sound like you only wear shein.

[@sponaugle4]

Any input or opinions on the fuel for both. It looks like the pathfinder requires high octane fuel, where the pilot still allows regular unleaded. I was looking at these 2 vehicles but not sure I want to sign up for paying for premium unleaded for the next 10-15 yrs for a non premium vehicle..

[@jeffbartig7815]

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum reviewed in the video and the SV and SL trim levels use regular unleaded. The Pathfinder Rock Creek edition, marketed for more offroad type use, does use premium unleaded. All trim levels of the 2025 Honda Pilot, including the TrailSport trim, use regular unleaded.

[@chrissullivan5752]

Which one gets stolen more often

[@Shizzle700]

I owned a Nissan Altima once. Failed instrument lights on the dash, failed fuel injectors, and the exhaust pipe rusted at just over 60k ... neva eva going to own a Nissan again. Isn't it a French owned company now?

[@magnoliap5824]

No, they have teamed up with Renault but it’s Japanese.

[@mitchellkramer229]

the pathfinder will also tow my boat better

[@VinitAwatramani]

My 2022 Pathfinder has been a nightmare to own. Skip both these and get a Highlander. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Both of these utilize problematic transmissions.

[@magnoliap5824]

What? You know Toyota has turbo bangers in their highlanders now right? 😂 I’m driving the pathfinder, no issues.

[@bk_atl2436]

What issues have you had? We bought a new 2022 Pathfinder 2wd platinum and it currently has 36k miles. It hasn't had a single issue. Still runs and drives like the first day. Oil changes at 5k miles, break flush 20k miles. Rear brake pads wear out a bit sooner , but that many types of cars now.

[@vincentfontanez9334]

Nissan need to step up the game for 25 MY, it needs quite a couple updates.

[@japerezo75]

Does Honda still use a timing BELT on their V6 engines like it’s 1991? Belts have to be replaced at $2500 cost every 90K miles

[@rossanoevangelista8512]

Yes and it's costly

[@greensandbeansgaming1358]

Which one has a higher up riding position? I test drove the Pathfinder it felt like a go-kart, really low.

[@CarConfections]

Everything in the class will be about the same as the Pathfinder in terms of ground clearance (between 7 & 8 inches)

[@greensandbeansgaming1358]

@@CarConfections When I test drove the 4runner it was really high and nice. Cant get them no more and not interested in turbos or hybrid, doesnt make sense to maintain 2 other systems to do the same exact thing.

[@Tom-ej8bb]

Pilot.... Reliability!!! The lower models are reasonably priced unlike TOYOTA$$$$$

[@christians218]

Honda reliability has been going downhill last few years..

[@ravenguard1495]

That central screens (and the digital cluster of the pilot) are ridiculous in cars this big and fairly expensive. Both really need to up their game

[@christians218]

What do you want a 60" OLED in there...

[@ravenguard1495]

@@christians218 for sure better than what they have since now even city cars go with 12.3 inches

[@CarGeek360]

@naveenthemachine is probs gonna lecture here about how both options are infinitely better than the Highlander and for once be correct

[@tinhinnh]

😂 neveen, its between the GH and Pilot for me, PF is very far down my list

[@CarGeek360]

@@tinhinnh I like everything other than the new Highlander (regular one) but my personal choice would probs be a Pathfinder or Palisade

[@md8744]

It's shame on what you said about Pathfinder . One day my friend 2023 pilot was going up mountain at 8 k attitude and he cried a lot while seeing my pathfinder 2022 passed him earlier and left him way behind like a mile , finally he sold it already.

[@yankeesusa1]

What model year did pathfinder start using this non cvt transmission?

[@magnoliap5824]

2022

[@reyneldimas4816]

Definitivamente el Nissan pathfinder. Ese motor y transmisión es de lo mejor se mira imponente. La espalda de la Nissan se mira perrisima además tengo la rockcreek 2024. Probe toda la competencia. Treverse. Pilot. Highlander palizade teluride. Mazda subaru ascent subaru. Atlas y ninguna se maneja mejor que la rockcreek. Además 43 mil dólares. Que buen precio. Y con muchos jugetitos

[@tpcthepatrickchannelOFFICIAL]

Pilot is obviously better

[@DanielleGailSelera]

you two are honda boys.

[@ApArt1003]

i'll take the nissan's VQ35DE(multi point/port injection) and timing chain over the honda's s2pid timing belt and direct injection engine.

[@theskeptik1]

Pathfinder for me.

[@grippysockssenpai]

Really going to post this as I’m in the middle of my competition videos and think I wouldn’t notice? 😂😂😂

[@gokukakarott3466]

Nissan all the way, its better off-road, the driving position is better and more comfortable, and tows more still has a better design than that squared Honda.

[@CANADAWEST8131]

Pathfinder 👍👍

[@alihassan4654]

Nissan pathfinder

[@tahran5782]

Honestly IDK

[@jackosullivan1034]

Sooooo much is going on. I was totally wrong last time. It took me until the 301st time you asked AND to be called a hater for my sarcastic comment to realize just How Much Is Going On. Hide your kids. Hide your wife. Cus that sound level meter is about to break from what’s about to go on!

[@jackosullivan1034]

I have waayyyyy too much time on my hands

[@FlowerChild95]

Nissans have been known for more than just poor engine reliability. The current pathfinder’s are getting horrible reviews on things like electronics failures which is on track for Nissan. I say all this to say…. PILOT ALL DAY!

[@maxtheaxe79]

Only honda ... Best Japanese car ever!

[@1967onebob]

If you plan to keep the vehicle longer than 3 years then you better stay away from the Nissan. Pilot is built to last.

[@mica122213]

Mom bought a 2015 Polit new, boy was it smooth riding, like a tank, then i found it has a hitch.. but no wiring had to pay extra, also cheeped out on passenger power seat extras. Dealership was crap, stuck up and rude.. I only run Lexus and they treat you like a king in service and dealership no matter what since I was a kid w a 20 year car, honda is a joke, pathetic at best. not sure about nissan, she traded that vehicle and will never buy one again..

[@Ryang170]

Honda baby

[@BegForMyMercy]

Honda Pilot Trailsport ftw.. Ya'll don't wanna talk about the steel undercarriage on the Trailsport package? :D and the dynamic torque applied to the wheels during slippage? Or the adaptive cruise control that comes standard on all Hondas? This isn't even a close race either. Nissan sucks, and their advertising against men sucks.

[@christians218]

Pilot for the wife to shop and dine, Pathf for the weekly costco, home depot haul like the real truck it is!

[@2steaksandwiches665]

We bought a pilot about eight months ago. I never considered Nissan because Nissan. The Pathfinder and frontier may be good, but the rest of the stuff they make is garbage. I don’t have respect for companies phone it in. Altima, Sentra, versa, cvt. It’s like Nissan chooses not to be successful.

[@devongee1776]

I've had two Altima 's in my life. Both were perfectly fine vehicles and drove all the miles I asked of them without hiccups. They also came from a time where Nissan was offering you more for your money than the Honda's, which was just fortunate timing. Doesn't seem like they get away with that anymore, on any model. Most redeeming part of the Nissan experience is that you're far more likely to find good deals on them. But one could argue you could get even better deals by going to Mitsubishi for a crossover instead, where they may practically GIVE you the car.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

@@devongee1776 I always looked at that value equation that was saying OK. The Honda is 15% more but it’s significantly better. Even when I didn’t have any money. I found a way.

[@hellkitty1014]

As much as I don't like CVTs, the JATCO has come a long way in terms of refinement and reliability. Nissan's VQ V6 is probably one of the most proven on sale in the industry as well. Honda's DOHC 3.5 is technically new and not as proven as the J35 SOHC. That said, you really can't go wrong with either and the Pilot is a great choice!

[@velboone6041]

Clearly you've never owned a Nissan to be making such a statement...😒

[@2steaksandwiches665]

@@velboone6041 correct. I know better. I’ve rented enough of them because they are mostly rental cars. Nissans are appliances. Then again most cars in this category are. Generally speaking, Nissans are for people with bad credit that want a new car. Just like Mitsubishi. My point is this, why have a car company that’s just mediocre? Why not try to be better?

[@thebigone6969]

Both these cars need to step up that game boo boo!!!! 9 inch screens???? Y’all must be cray cray to buy these cars when you could get a Bimmer and maybe have a chance of tasting these chocolate cakes!!!!!

[@lundywang2002]

Too bad, Toyota has left this game table.

[@abadrivera2526]

Honda pilot look like dodge 😂

[@waderussell2005]

I don't like the exterior styling of the Nissan Pathfinder. I'll take the Honda Pilot, all the way.

[@chrisgray4239]

Nissan is owned by Renault and is the poor cousin of Japanese automakers…not overly reliable

[@TheLMarie74]

Pilot

[@MerlinMoorlo]

Which car is smoother on bad pavement?

[@bricks-mortar]

5th Excuse me, if I missed a view of the engine compartments.