2026 Honda Pilot vs. Nissan Pathfinder Comparison Test: Two Popular Three-Row SUVs Face Off
Key takeaways
- Some SUVs have flashy designs and hybrid powertrains, but here we're choosing a winner between practical, middle-of-the-road models with old-school V-6 engines.
- Michael Simari|Car and Driver There are more ambitious three-row SUVs on the market.
- We brought together two top-end trims to sample all the features they have to offer.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
Some SUVs have flashy designs and hybrid powertrains, but here we're choosing a winner between practical, middle-of-the-road models with old-school V-6 engines.
Michael Simari|Car and Driver There are more ambitious three-row SUVs on the market. The Honda Pilot and the Nissan Pathfinder do without the hybrid powertrains, the flashy styling, and the luxury-grade interiors found in some competitors. They play it straight down the middle, and it's paying off in sales: Both sold over 100,000 units in 2025. These two well-known nameplates were also both refreshed for 2026. So we decided to pit these similar mid-size entries against each other to find out which comes out on top.
We brought together two top-end trims to sample all the features they have to offer. Our 2026 Pilot was the Elite trim level (only the Black Edition is above it), which comes standard with all-wheel drive; a few accessories pushed its as-tested price to $57,689. Nissan dubs the top-of-the-line 2026 Pathfinder the Platinum; our all-wheel-drive example stickered for $56,285 with optional second-row captain's chairs, lighting accessories, carpeted floor mats, and Baltic Teal Pearl premium paint.