When searching for a midsize, three-row SUV built to meet the needs of growing families around Broken Arrow and Tulsa, Oklahoma, it's important to consider reliability, space, performance, and value. Jackie Cooper Nissan has long served our community with honesty and care since 1946, and we understand the priorities of local drivers. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll explore how the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder decisively outshines the 2025 Toyota Highlander, providing a blend of power, safety, and family-ready practicality that's a perfect fit for Oklahoma lifestyles.
Table of Contents
- Overview and Clear Recommendation
- Introducing the Pathfinder and Highlander
- Performance and Driving Character
- Exterior Styling and Design Insights
- Interior Space, Comfort, and Quality
- Technology and Connectivity Excellence
- Safety Features and Driver Assistance
- Fuel Economy and Efficiency
- Practicality and Daily Usability
- Value Proposition and Ownership Costs
- Final Verdict and Why the Pathfinder Wins in Tulsa
Overview and Clear Recommendation
For families in Tulsa and Broken Arrow looking to invest in a midsize SUV that prioritizes family comfort, safety, power, and thoughtful technology, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder stands as the smarter choice. While the 2025 Toyota Highlander has a well-earned reputation for fuel efficiency and safety, the Pathfinder combines strong V6 power, impressive towing capacity, and flexible interior space.
This comparison will reveal how the Pathfinder's proven V6 engine offers more confident acceleration and greater towing capabilities, while its spacious cabin with user-friendly access makes everyday family life easier. Additionally, Nissan's standard Maintenance Care program and a suite of intuitive technology features help uphold the value of Pathfinder ownership throughout the Tulsa area.
Though both vehicles offer competitive safety systems and modern infotainment, the Pathfinder edges ahead by blending rugged versatility and driver assistance features tailored to Tulsa families' needs.
Introducing the Pathfinder and Highlander
2025 Nissan Pathfinder – The Family-Ready SUV That Cares
Launched in its current generation in 2022, the Nissan Pathfinder presents itself as a durable, family-focused midsize SUV that easily seats up to eight passengers. The Pathfinder's wide rear doors and sliding second-row seats provide excellent third-row accessibility, ideal for families managing young children or passengers with ease. Its versatile cargo area is great for daily errands and weekend excursions near Tulsa's parks or Broken Arrow's scenic spots.
Nissan's Maintenance Care program, included on 2025 models, offers peace of mind with complimentary oil changes for the first 24,000 miles—a genuine demonstration of Nissan's care for our local neighbors.
2025 Toyota Highlander – Efficient and Safety-Conscious, but Room-Constrained
The Toyota Highlander continues as a staple midsize SUV with a strong emphasis on fuel economy and extensive safety features. Newly standard AWD on all hybrid trims reflects Toyota's shift towards electrification. However, the Highlander's tighter third-row and cargo space may prove limiting for families seeking more room, typical of those in Tulsa and Broken Arrow who value comfort on daily school runs and weekend travels.
Its gas-powered turbo-four engine offers reasonable torque but delivers slower acceleration, which may feel modest when fully loaded or towing recreational equipment around northeastern Oklahoma.
Performance and Driving Character
Powertrain Strength: Where the Pathfinder Shows Its Muscle
The Pathfinder's naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 supplies a robust 284 horsepower (up to 295 hp on the Rock Creek trim) and 259 to 270 lb-ft of torque, delivering responsive acceleration that family drivers appreciate, especially when merging onto Tulsa's highways or towing heavier loads up to 6,000 pounds. A smooth nine-speed automatic transmission complements this powertrain, providing a refined driving experience despite the SUV's size and weight.
In comparison, the Highlander's turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces less horsepower (265 hp) but a slightly higher peak torque figure (310 lb-ft). However, acceleration tests reflect the Pathfinder's edge, with 0–60 mph in approximately 6.6 seconds versus the Highlander's roughly 7.2–8.0 seconds, ensuring less stress during highway merges and safer passing maneuvers.
Drive and Handling
Pathfinder drivers benefit from a relaxed, stable ride suitable for city streets and local roads near Broken Arrow, while the optional all-wheel-drive models come with seven drive modes, including Mud, Sand, and Tow. The Rock Creek trim further uplifts ground clearance and sits on all-terrain tires, geared toward weekend outdoor outings around the Tulsa region—while still delivering a composed highway ride.
The Highlander offers precise steering and multiple drive modes, yet some find its ride less settled on rough patches, which may influence passenger comfort during longer drives through rural Oklahoma. Aside from basic AWD settings, it also lacks the Pathfinder's off-road-ready features.
Performance and Acceleration Table
| Specification | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 (284–295 hp) | 2.4-liter turbo inline-4 (265 hp) |
| Torque | 259–270 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Nine-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD (Hybrid AWD only) |
| 0–60 mph Acceleration | 6.6–7.1 seconds | 7.2–8.0 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 6,000 pounds | Up to 5,000 pounds |
| Drive Modes | 7 terrain modes, including Tow & Off-Road | 4 terrain modes (AWD only) |
Exterior Styling and Design Insights
Nissan's Pathfinder shows a contemporary yet rugged aesthetic well-suited to the hardworking and outdoor-loving families of Tulsa and Broken Arrow. The Rock Creek trim, in particular, presents upgraded bumpers, beadlock-style wheels, and roof racks capable of handling heavy gear for camping or fishing. Meanwhile, power-operated rear liftgates come standard on various trims—features often reserved for higher trims on competitors—offering everyday convenience when loading groceries or sports equipment.
The Highlander maintains a sleek, modern look with updated front grilles and available moonroof options. Though its design stresses aerodynamic efficiency and road manners, it lacks the Pathfinder's rough-and-ready visual cues that many families in Oklahoma appreciate for their active lifestyles.
Dimensions at a Glance
| Dimension | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7–198.8 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Width | 77.9 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 70.7–73.7 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Ground Clearance (Rock Creek) | Higher (specific value varies) | Standard |
Interior Space, Comfort, and Quality
Spaciousness for Families
One of the Pathfinder's strongest suits is its well-thought-out interior, accommodating up to eight passengers on comfortable, adjustable seating configurations. Second-row seats slide and tilt with ease, streamlining third-row access. This is a significant advantage over the Highlander, whose third row offers less legroom and headroom, making it snug for anything beyond children or short trips.
Families near Tulsa managing school carpools or weekend excursions will appreciate the Pathfinder's:
- 44.3 inches of front legroom
- 35.5 inches in the second row
- 28.0 inches of third-row legroom
- 16.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row, scaling up to 80.5 cubic feet behind the first row
In comparison, the Highlander's interior volume favors fewer cubic feet behind each row, sometimes making it less adaptable for larger loads or pets.
Material Quality and Comfort Features
Pathfinder interiors balance durability with style, featuring available semi-aniline leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a cabin designed to reduce outside noise substantially—a benefit keenly appreciated on longer drives back to Broken Arrow or Tulsa. Storage compartments abound to organize daily essentials efficiently.
Toyota's Highlander delivers similarly quality-focused interiors with SofTex® leather and available heated seats, but trails in cabin quietness and ease of third-row entry.
Passenger and Cargo Volume Comparison
| Metric | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Front Legroom (inches) | 44.3 | 42.3 |
| Second-Row Legroom (inches) | 35.5 | 38.9 |
| Third-Row Legroom (inches) | 28.0 | 27.7 |
| Cargo Volume Behind 3rd Row (cu ft) | 16.6 | 16.0 |
| Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row (cu ft) | 45.0 | 48.4 |
| Cargo Volume Behind 1st Row (cu ft) | 80.5 | 84.3 |
Note: While Highlander offers marginally larger cargo with seats folded, Pathfinder's superior legroom and accessibility provide better daily comfort.
Technology and Connectivity Excellence
Nissan equips the Pathfinder with the latest technology that families in Tulsa expect. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, upgraded to 9.0 inches on higher trims, accompanied by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features like a 12.3-inch customizable digital driver display, built-in navigation, and a Bose premium audio system enrich road trips or daily errands.
Toyota's Highlander includes a matching standard 8.0-inch screen alongside wireless smartphone integration. Higher trims offer a 12.3-inch display and JBL sound systems. However, Nissan's standard inclusion of NissanConnect® with remote vehicle management through the MyNISSAN app gives Pathfinder owners greater convenience—especially for busy Tulsa families managing school pickup schedules and errands.
Technology Feature Comparison
| Feature | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Base Touchscreen Size | 8.0 inches | 8.0 inches |
| Upgraded Touchscreen | 9.0 inches (SL trim and above) | 12.3 inches (Limited trim and above) |
| Digital Gauge Cluster | 12.3-inch customizable | 12.3-inch (Limited and Platinum) |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Premium Audio | Optional 13-speaker Bose | Optional 11-speaker JBL |
| Wireless Charging | Available | Available |
| Integrated Navigation | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Vehicle Management | Included (MyNISSAN app) | Included (Entune app) |
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Safety is paramount for families across Tulsa and Broken Arrow, and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder meets this with top-tier protections. Both the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star NHTSA rating recognize its commitment to occupant safety. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite offers front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist across most trims.
The ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous suite, available on SV and higher trims, brings adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology—ideal for long highway drives between Tulsa suburbs or out-of-town trips.
Toyota's Highlander matches several of these features within its Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system, but Pathfinder's full inclusion of blind-spot monitoring as standard on base trims and broader ProPILOT feature availability gives it a safety edge, backed by refined system performance according to driver feedback in the Tulsa area.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance Comparison
| Safety & Driver Assistance Feature | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars (2025 model) | 5 stars (2025 model) |
| IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | Yes (2024 and 2025) | Yes (2024) |
| Front and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard on all trims | Standard on all trims |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Standard across trims | Standard across trims |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard | Standard |
| ProPILOT Assist (Semi-autonomous Drive) | Available SV and above | Available (Limited and Platinum trims) |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Available | Standard |
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder balances performance with respectable fuel economy: the front-wheel-drive versions offer up to 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while AWD models vary slightly but remain in a competitive range. The Pathfinder's focus on a V6 engine tuned for power offers pragmatic efficiency ideal for typical family driving patterns around Tulsa, combining smooth acceleration with reasonable economy without sacrificing towing strength.
Toyota's hybrid Highlander excels in fuel economy, reaching up to 35 mpg combined, with gasoline variants rated slightly better in highway efficiency but generally close to the Pathfinder's figures. However, many families prioritize overall SUV versatility, where Pathfinder's extra power and towing ability justify the marginal fuel trade-off.
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates
| Model/Trim | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD | 20 | 27 | 23 |
| Pathfinder AWD versions | 20–21 | 23–27 | 21–23 |
| 2025 Toyota Highlander Gasoline | 21 | 28 | 24 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD | 35 | 35 | 35 |
Practicality and Daily Use
Pathfinder's well-engineered, wide-opening rear doors and sliding second-row seats create effortless third-row access, a great benefit for parents managing child seats or adults hopping into the back, especially when parked in tighter Tulsa spaces or suburban driveways. With ample cargo capacity — conveniently expandable from 16.6 to more than 80 cubic feet — it suits family road trips, sports gear loading, and daily grocery runs alike.
Though Highlander fares adequately in cargo volume, it offers tighter access and less cargo flexibility, particularly impacting those who routinely carry children and bulky gear together.
Ownership Convenience
Nissan's Maintenance Care program comes standard for 2025 Pathfinder buyers, covering up to three oil changes or 24,000 miles during the first two years, demonstrating Nissan's commitment to long-term vehicle ownership without added hassle. Jackie Cooper Nissan proudly supports this with local service expertise at our convenient Tulsa location, 9898 S Memorial Dr, where both scheduled service and parts are readily available.
For owners concerned about repair or replacement parts, the Pathfinder's availability of genuine components through our Parts Department ensures reliable maintenance to keep your SUV running smoothly.
Value Proposition and Ownership Costs
The Pathfinder's base price starting around $36,400 offers a competitive entry to the midsize three-row SUV market, below the Highlander's base price near $39,820. Across trims, Nissan delivers strong value through:
- Powerful standard V6 engine
- Generous towing capacity up to 6,000 lbs (significantly above Highlander's 5,000 lbs)
- Included Maintenance Care, reducing early ownership costs
- Standard and available technology enhancing driver convenience and safety
- A comprehensive warranty with 3 years/36,000 miles basic coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain warranty
Ownership costs over time benefit from Nissan's long-standing reliability as demonstrated in local Tulsa service history, and flexible trim configurations let drivers prioritize needs without overpaying. For drivers seeking certified pre-owned options, Jackie Cooper Nissan offers a trusted range of this model with warranty-backed confidence through our Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles.
Warranty Coverage Comparison
| Coverage | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Limited Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 years / 24,000 miles (oil changes) | 2 years / 25,000 miles (limited) |
Final Verdict and Why the Pathfinder Wins in Tulsa
When considering a new midsize three-row SUV here in Tulsa or neighboring Broken Arrow, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder stands out as the practical, powerful, and technologically thoughtful choice. It offers exactly what local families need: solid V6 performance matched with outstanding towing capabilities, a spacious and accessible interior, cutting-edge safety features, and the assurance of included maintenance that translates to lower ownership hassle.
While the Toyota Highlander markets itself on fuel efficiency and safety technology, its underwhelming third-row comfort and modest towing, paired with a higher starting price, make it less ideal for those who value true family versatility and power—even on Oklahoma's varied roads.
We invite you to visit Jackie Cooper Nissan at 9898 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133, or call us at (918) 921-6531 to experience the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder firsthand. Discover how its family-friendly features, dependable performance, and value-driven ownership can support your needs in Tulsa's unique driving environment. Schedule a test drive through our service department or explore our newest inventory at All New Vehicles and great options in All Used Vehicles.
Don't forget to check your current vehicle's trade-in value with our trusted Trade Valuation, making your transition to the Pathfinder even smoother.
Jackie Cooper Nissan has been serving Tulsa Families with Honesty and Care Since 1946 — let us help you find the SUV that truly fits your family's priorities.
© 2025 Jackie Cooper Nissan