Nissan Pathfinder vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of packages tailored to different powertrains. The TX 350 came standard with the Luxury package, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the F Sport 3 package as an option. Higher packages included towing capabilities. The base models featured 20-inch wheels, while most packages upgraded to 22-inch wheels. The TX retained its large grille, reminiscent of the older spindle grille design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear showcased LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width, topped with a small roof spoiler. Roof rails were available for additional storage needs.

Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options: standard grey, light grey Birch, and dark brown Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth, and suede trim adorned the glovebox. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with noticeable plastic elements. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail over this innovation.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder combined smooth and chunky design elements, with contoured front and rear fenders and a truck-like dashboard. The restyled front bumper featured faux vertical air intakes, adding depth to the lower fascia. The grille lost its thick chrome outline, replaced by a thin chrome line intersecting the Nissan badge. Short chrome bars below the headlights mimicked extra lights but weren't functional grille lights. At the rear, vertical creases below the taillights were removed. New wheel designs, a Baltic Teal paint colour, and satin-coloured badges were the only other exterior changes.

Inside, the Pathfinder saw more noticeable updates. A 12.3-inch touchscreen replaced the previous 9-inch unit, with buttons relocated for better accessibility. The start/stop button moved to the left of the climate controls, and a silver strip above the controls spelled out "Pathfinder." The steering wheel adopted a polygonal shape, though the design was less appealing than the previous model. The centre console armrest no longer featured "Pathfinder" or "Rock Creek" accents. Overall, the interior was simple, with good materials for the price, and the semi-aniline leather on the Platinum trim added a touch of luxury.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid came with a six-speed automatic, preferred by some over the typical CVT in electrified powertrains. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system, distributing torque via electric motors. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder retained its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, or 295 hp and 270 lb-ft in the Rock Creek with premium fuel. AWD was standard, and both trims available in Canada could tow up to 2,720 kilograms. The nine-speed automatic transmission resulted in lazy acceleration and a laboured sound. Without turbocharging or hybrid options, power and efficiency lagged behind competitors. Fuel economy was estimated at 11.8 L/100 km city, 9.6 highway, and 10.8 combined for Platinum models, with slightly higher figures for the Rock Creek. 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 motion, detracting from its steering precision.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The test car featured captain’s chairs in the second row with a removable centre console, though some packages offered a bench seat. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. Each seat had its own cupholder and USB-C port. A one-touch button on the second-row seat facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. All models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured "Latch and Glide" second-row seats, allowing them to fold and slide forward with an installed car seat. Headroom and legroom were generous in the first and second rows, but the third row was tight for anyone over five feet tall. The Pathfinder seated eight passengers by default or seven in the Platinum trim with captain’s chairs. Heated outboard rear seats were standard on the Platinum, and a 10-way power driver's seat was included with Rock Creek. The Pathfinder offered 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,274 litres behind the second row, and 2,279 litres with all rear seats folded. Both trims had a power liftgate with motion activation and position memory. Visibility was good, with large mirrors and easy-to-use analog controls.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Satellite radio required scanning channels, and steering wheel buttons were multi-functional but unlabeled, complicating adaptive cruise control setup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity was essential, as in-dash navigation required a subscription. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with a 120-volt outlet in the second row for larger devices.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though factory navigation was no longer offered. The new system was user-friendly and responsive. SiriusXM satellite radio and NissanConnect subscription services were standard. The Pathfinder introduced Qi2, a next-generation wireless charger with a magnetic lock for better cooling. Invisible Hood View and Front Wide View were standard in Canada, and the Platinum trim included a head-up display and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to resume speed in traffic. The TX received five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured second-row side-impact airbags, curtain airbags for all rows, and front knee airbags. Standard driver aids included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warning, and active assists for lane keeping and blind spot systems. Traffic-sign recognition was included on the Platinum. The Pathfinder earned five stars from the NHTSA but only four stars in the frontal crash test. The IIHS awarded "Good" ratings in the side impact and small overlap front tests.