2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design cues. The Sequoia featured hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance, all reminiscent of the Tundra. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork than other trims. Our tester, presented in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, evoking a "cop car" vibe. Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other contemporary Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dash layout, physical dials, and buttons for volume and climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across the lineup, enhancing seating customization. A power-tilt and -slide moonroof was standard, with an upgraded panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was tested during a snowstorm, showcasing its capability in adverse conditions. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, the Rock Creek trim excelled in snowy terrain. The Pathfinder's design, revamped for the 2022 model year, featured an assertive front end, protective cladding, and a stylishly slanted C-pillar. The Rock Creek trim stood out with a V-Motion grille, mesh pattern, and stacked LED lighting elements. A metal roof rack and exposed trailer hitch emphasized its adventurous nature. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and protective skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek trim featured leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange "Rock Creek" logos. The Pathfinder offered comfortable seating, with heated front seats and steering wheel standard in Canada. A moonroof was available on higher trims, but not on the Rock Creek due to its roof rack.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked an increase of 46 hp and 182 lb-ft over the 2022 model. Fuel economy improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km combined with four-wheel drive. The Sequoia featured a standard 4WD system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the on-road handling was adequate. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque in most trims. The Rock Creek trim received a boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft, with premium fuel recommended. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing decisive shifts. The Pathfinder's maximum towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms for the Platinum and Rock Creek trims, thanks to a transmission oil cooler. The Pathfinder's soft suspension offered a comfortable ride on bumpy roads but felt floaty on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek trim was 11.9 L/100 km city, 10.0 highway, and 11.1 combined. The Pathfinder featured seven drive modes, including Snow mode, which provided necessary traction in snowy conditions.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered automatic power-deploying running boards on the Capstone and Platinum trims, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,460 litres with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, it offered 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was slightly reduced, and rear-seat passengers experienced limited legroom. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, while smaller on paper, provided ample interior space. During a ski trip with four adults, it accommodated skis, luggage, and groceries comfortably. Cargo space behind the third row was 470 litres, expanding to 1,274 litres with the third row folded. With both rows down, capacity reached 2,279 litres. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seating. The Rock Creek's driver seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat had six-way manual adjustment. Second-row captain's chairs were available only in the Captain's Chairs trim. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 and a 14-inch screen on other trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on higher trims, aiding visibility. A 10-inch head-up display was standard on Capstone, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's tech lagged behind competitors and other Nissans. The infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated. Screen sizes ranged from 8 inches on lower trims to 9 inches on SL and Platinum. A 6-speaker stereo was standard, with a 13-speaker Bose system on Platinum. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless projection available only on the 9-inch screen for Apple devices. USB ports were plentiful, and voice recognition and Bluetooth connectivity were standard. Navigation was limited to higher trims, and a head-up display was exclusive to Platinum.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite as standard, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist on higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. ProPilot Assist and traffic sign recognition were standard on higher trims.