Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| Pathfinder | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nissan | Toyota |
| Starting price | $39,990 | $42,260 |
| Monthly payment | $465 | $491 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Hybrid |
| Fuel economy | 22.5 mpg | 34.0 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 381 g/mi–422 g/mi | 246 g/mi–401 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The 2019-2020 Pathfinder uses a Jatco CVT8 that often shudders at low speeds and suffers from premature belt or pulley failure. Symptoms include a rhythmic judder during gentle acceleration from a stop and eventual loss of drive. If ignored, the torque converter or belt can fail completely, leaving the vehicle stranded. Independent rebuilds cost about $4,000, while dealer replacement runs $5,500–$7,000.
The 2022-2024 Pathfinder's ZF 9-speed automatic may exhibit harsh downshifts, audible clunks, and delayed engagement from Park to Reverse. These problems are often linked to transmission control module programming, which Nissan addresses with TCM reflash TSBs, though some vehicles require valve body replacement. Symptoms include jerking when slowing or accelerating around corners and occasional limp mode. A TCM reflash costs $150–$250, while valve body replacement is $1,200–$1,800.
A defective low-pressure fuel pump impeller can swell and seize, causing the engine to stall without warning. This is covered by NHTSA recall 22V662, so dealers repair it free of charge. If the recall has not been performed, replacement costs $600–$900. Symptoms include difficulty starting, loss of power, and potential loss of power steering or braking assistance during a stall.
The NissanConnect touchscreen may freeze, go black, or reboot spontaneously, affecting climate controls and the rear camera display. Nissan has released software update TSBs, but some vehicles require head unit replacement. Symptoms include loss of touch functions and intermittent blank screens, which can distract the driver and make backing up unsafe. Software updates are often free, while head unit replacement costs $1,200–$1,800.
The electric-hydraulic power steering rack can develop seal leaks, leading to fluid loss and heavy steering. Symptoms include a whining noise when turning and visible fluid under the front end. If not addressed, the pump can fail entirely, causing a loss of steering assistance. Replacement of the rack costs $1,100–$1,500, while a dealer replacement of the rack and pump runs $1,800–$2,400.
Common-issue data is not available yet.
Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Grand Highlander suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Pathfinder starts at $39,990; Grand Highlander starts at $42,260. The difference is $2,270, making Pathfinder about 5% cheaper before financing.
Estimated monthly payment: Pathfinder — $465; Grand Highlander — $491. The difference is $26 per month, with Pathfinder lower.
The models use different powertrains: Pathfinder — Gasoline; Grand Highlander — Hybrid. The better choice depends on your daily route and access to charging.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
Want to compare other models? Return to the full catalog or calculate financing using your own terms.
