Nissan Pathfinder vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid underwent a redesign that introduced a more cohesive look for its sixth-generation model. While it lost some of its distinctiveness, the new design featured a blockier shape with less body sculpting, giving it a visual heft reminiscent of a compact Ford Explorer. The rugged appearance was enhanced by black plastic elements, hinting at its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester Hybrid retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard centre section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin combined hard plastics with soft-touch materials in high-contact areas, offering comfort and durability. The front seats provided ample cushioning and support, while the hybrid's ventilation system added to the comfort on warmer days.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder blended smooth and chunky design elements, with a restyled front bumper and faux vertical air intakes. The grille featured a single thin chrome line intersecting the Nissan badge, and the rear saw the removal of vertical creases below the taillights. New wheel designs and a satin-coloured badge added to its exterior changes. Inside, the Pathfinder boasted a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 9-inch unit. The interior was simple yet modern, with good materials for the price. The semi-aniline leather on the Platinum trim level added a touch of luxury, bringing the Pathfinder closer to Infiniti levels of refinement.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder engine, paired with a new parallel hybrid system. This setup produced a combined 194 horsepower, surpassing the standard Forester's 180 hp. The hybrid system featured an all-wheel drive (AWD) system with a traditional driveshaft, offering better traction and consistent off-road performance. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made it feel slower than it was. The ride quality was firm, with the larger 19-inch wheels contributing to some passenger jostling. Off-roading was a strong suit for the Forester Hybrid, thanks to its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control.

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 trim with premium fuel. Both trims offered AWD and could tow up to 2,720 kilograms. The nine-speed automatic transmission resulted in lazy acceleration, and the lack of turbocharging or hybrid options affected both power and efficiency. Fuel economy was estimated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city for the Platinum model. The Rock Creek trim, with its all-terrain tires, suffered from loud road noise and reduced grip, making it less appealing for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offered an unimpeded forward view from the driver's seat, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The front seats provided ample space, and the cockpit had an open, airy feel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by the standard panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and USB ports for rear passengers. The Forester Hybrid offered 779 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for added convenience.

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 could seat eight passengers or seven with captain's chairs in the Platinum trim. Standard features included a 10-way power driver's seat, twelve cupholders, and three-zone climate control. Cargo space measured 470 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,279 litres with the second and third rows folded. A power liftgate with motion activation and a thick tubular roof rack added to its practicality.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface and large on-screen buttons. The X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views enhanced its off-road capabilities. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new infotainment system was faster and easier to use, with SiriusXM satellite radio and NissanConnect remote services. The Pathfinder introduced Qi2, a next-generation wireless device charger with a magnetic lock for secure charging. The Invisible Hood View and Front Wide View cameras improved visibility, while the Platinum trim offered a head-up display and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model a Top Safety Pick, with "Good" ratings in most categories. Standard safety features included Subaru's EyeSight suite, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The top-trim Forester Hybrid added rear automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder came with a comprehensive set of airbags, including second-row side-impact and front knee airbags. Standard driver aids included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. The Pathfinder earned five stars in NHTSA tests, with four stars in the frontal crash test. The IIHS awarded "Good" ratings in side impact and small overlap front tests.