2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that aimed to impress with its features rather than its looks. Despite its exclusive Incognito paint job and striking orange brake calipers, the RX Hybrid's design was largely unremarkable, with a massive front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX lineup offered three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying horsepower and fuel efficiency. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h delivered the most power. All models came with standard AWD in Canada, and the RX 450h+ offered a plug-in hybrid option. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials, though the controls were a mix of intuitive and baffling.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested during a severe snowstorm, proved its mettle with the Rock Creek trim's 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard AWD. Redesigned for 2022, the Pathfinder's fifth generation featured an assertive front end and protective cladding, with the Rock Creek trim adding a mesh-patterned V-Motion grille and stacked LED lights. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with cloth seats in lower trims and leather options in higher ones. The Rock Creek trim featured leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange logos. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance or skid plates. The Pathfinder's interior was generally good, with comfortable seats and solid material quality, though it lacked cutting-edge technology.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of performance options. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the least powerful but most efficient, thanks to its hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system, offering a rewarding driving experience despite its higher fuel consumption. However, the RX 500h's drivetrain occasionally hesitated, and its adaptive suspension produced unnatural sensations.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder came with a single engine option: a 3.5-litre V6, producing 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque in most trims, with the Rock Creek trim offering 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The Pathfinder's nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Rock Creek and Platinum trims included a transmission oil cooler for enhanced towing capacity. The Pathfinder's soft suspension was suitable for bumpy roads and light off-roading but resulted in a floaty ride on twisty roads. The Pathfinder's fuel economy was average, with the Rock Creek trim averaging 13.6 L/100 km. The Pathfinder offered seven drive modes and hill descent control, with snow mode providing excellent traction in snowy conditions.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space, with heated and ventilated front seats that felt snug due to enhanced bolstering. The panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, and the optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated rear seats were comfortable. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the second row folded. However, the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading large items.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller than some competitors, provided ample interior space. During a ski trip with four adults, the Pathfinder comfortably accommodated passengers and gear. With the third row folded, cargo space increased to 1,274 litres, and with both rows down, it reached 2,279 litres. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seats, with the Rock Creek trim offering 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. The Pathfinder's EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and potentially dangerous. The RX Hybrid's optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's technology was less impressive, with an older infotainment interface compared to other Nissans. The Pathfinder's screen sizes ranged from 8 to 9 inches, smaller than competitors. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on the Platinum trim. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless projection available only on the 9-inch screen for Apple devices. Navigation was standard on higher trims, and a 12.3-inch TFT driver-information display was exclusive to the Platinum trim.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but received a Poor rating from the IIHS in frontal-impact tests.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Pathfinder's standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and ProPilot Assist. Traffic sign recognition was available on higher trims.