Nissan Pathfinder vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a bold and intricate design, characterized by its large, dark spindle grille and squinting LED headlights. The aggressive front end was complemented by a sporty profile with minimal lines and rounded edges, suggesting a focus on road performance rather than off-roading. The F Sport elements, including dark trim and 20-inch wheels, added to its sporty appeal, while the fastback roof shape echoed the style of coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX Hybrid combined a sporty aesthetic with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled towards the driver. The F Sport 3 model stood out with its dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, offering a high-quality and upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder blended smooth and chunky elements, with a restyled front bumper and a simplified grille design. The exterior changes included new wheel designs and satin-coloured badges, while the interior saw more significant updates. A 12.3-inch touchscreen replaced the previous 9-inch unit, and the dashboard featured a truck-like design. The Pathfinder's interior was simple yet modern, with good materials for its price. The semi-aniline leather on the Platinum trim added a touch of luxury, bringing it closer to Infiniti levels. The steering wheel's new polygonal shape and the repositioned controls contributed to a refreshed cabin experience.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, was not as sporty as its name suggested. Despite having adaptive dampers and a firmer suspension, it leaned in corners and lacked agility. The steering was weighty but offered little feedback. The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, providing standard all-wheel drive and a total of 240 horsepower. The NX Hybrid accelerated from 0 to 96 km/h in 7.2 seconds, but the power delivery felt slushy, and the engine droned under hard acceleration. The ride was firm yet comfortable, with the Sport damper setting making it busy on rough surfaces. For those seeking more power, the NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered 340 horsepower.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder retained its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, or 295 hp and 270 lb-ft in the Rock Creek trim with premium fuel. The Pathfinder's nine-speed automatic transmission resulted in lazy acceleration and a laboured sound. It was comparable to other V6 engines in its segment but lacked the power and efficiency of turbocharged or hybrid options. The Pathfinder's fuel economy was estimated at 11.8 L/100 km city and 10.8 combined for the Platinum model. The Rock Creek trim, tested during a media evaluation, was not recommended due to its loud all-terrain tires and lack of off-road enhancements. The Pathfinder's suspension was soft, allowing more lean and mid-corner motions, but it excelled in straight-line comfort.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model offered well-bolstered front seats with ample room for tall adults. Power adjustments for the seats and steering wheel, along with heated and ventilated front seats, enhanced comfort. The rear seats provided enough space for two average-sized adults, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. The NX Hybrid's cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. The coupe-like roof shape contributed to this limitation, but the cargo hold remained practical for everyday use.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured "Latch and Glide" second-row seats, making it family-friendly. It offered generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows, while the third row was tight for taller passengers. The Pathfinder seated eight by default or seven with captain's chairs in the Platinum trim. It provided 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,274 litres behind the second row, and 2,279 litres with both rows folded. The Pathfinder's power liftgate, thick tubular roof rack, and good visibility added to its practicality. The interior was equipped with 12 cupholders, three-zone climate control, and multiple USB-C ports, enhancing convenience for passengers.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was optional, along with a head-up display and wireless phone charger. The NX Hybrid included a three-year Remote Connect subscription, allowing remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a volume dial and embedded temperature controls for easy access. Navigation required a Remote Connect subscription.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though factory navigation was not offered. The new infotainment system was faster and easier to use. The Pathfinder introduced Qi2, a next-generation wireless device charger with a magnetic lock for improved charging efficiency. The Invisible Hood View and Front Wide View cameras enhanced visibility, while the Platinum trim offered a head-up display and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid performed well in crash tests, earning the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and high ratings from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including features like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The systems worked effectively during testing, though the adaptive cruise control was slightly complex to operate.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder included a comprehensive set of airbags and standard driver aids such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The ProPilot Assist highway driving aid was standard, though it lacked hands-free capability. The Pathfinder received five stars from the NHTSA but only four stars in the frontal crash test. It earned "Good" ratings in the IIHS side impact and small overlap front tests.