DecodedCarsFord Explorer vs Nissan Pathfinder
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Nissan Pathfinder — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Ford Explorer is more fuel-efficient: 24 vs 23 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $100 a year less in fuel for the Ford Explorer (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Nissan Pathfinder has had fewer recall campaigns (35 vs 105).
The two cars
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,478 lb (S/Sv 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2024 Explorer and the 2020 Pathfinder have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Explorer and the 2015 Pathfinder.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Nissan Pathfinder on any measure we track.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if…
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (35 vs 105 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Ford Explorer
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 15 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Ford Explorer specs →Full 2026 Nissan Pathfinder specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →