Cherry Hill Nissan - Which three-row SUV tows better around Marlton, NJ — the 2026 Pathfinder or 2026 Highlander?
Shoppers ask us this all the time: which family SUV is the better tow partner for boats, campers, and utility trailers? When you zero in on the real-world differences between the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Toyota Highlander, the towing answer becomes clear fast—especially for weekend plans that include garden projects, lakeside launches, or a pop-up headed for Wharton State Forest. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what each SUV can handle and why it matters.
Pathfinder is rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, while Highlander tops out at 5,000 pounds when configured for towing. That 1,000-pound gap is more than a number; it often determines whether you can bring an extra ATV, choose a larger single-axle camper, or avoid leaving cargo behind. Pathfinder pairs its V6 with a nine-speed automatic and a Tow drive mode, and Intelligent 4x4 models give you a rotary selector with seven positions, including Tow, Sand, Mud, and Rut. You also get available camera tech that’s incredibly helpful around the ramp or campsite: HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor with Invisible Hood View can help you line up wheels precisely and see low obstacles you’d otherwise miss. Highlander delivers confident manners, and its turbocharged four-cylinder makes strong torque, but when you’re hauling heavier gear, the Pathfinder’s broader towing envelope and low-speed visibility tools offer a built-in advantage.
What does “when properly equipped” really mean?
In both SUVs, towing ratings depend on configuration. For Pathfinder, you’ll want the factory towing equipment available on SV and SL via packages or built into Rock Creek and Platinum grades. Highlander’s 5,000-pound rating arrives when it’s set up with the proper towing gear. The idea is to ensure the engine cooling, hitch receiver, wiring, and vehicle software are all calibrated for steady-state towing in a range of conditions.
How does this play out around Marlton, NJ?
If your weekends include towing to local lakes, a community field, or a site closer to the Pines, you’ll appreciate how Pathfinder’s Tow mode and nine-speed gearing help you pull smoothly from short neighborhood ramps or manage rolling grades on Route 70. On trickier terrain—soft surfaces, slick grass, or a washed-in path—the seven-position selector makes it simple to pick grip for the moment. Highlander’s strength is refined road feel and confident daily manners, but heavier trailers ask more of the platform; that’s where the Pathfinder’s higher rating and extra traction modes are hard to beat.
Key towing considerations
- Trailer type: Know whether you’re pulling a boat, camper, utility trailer, or a pair of personal watercraft; each varies in wind resistance, weight, and tongue weight demands.
- Weight math: Confirm full trailer weight and tongue weight, and remember to account for passengers, gear, fuel, and accessories inside the vehicle.
- Hitch and wiring: Use the factory receiver and wiring harness; they’re designed to integrate with the vehicle’s stability systems and lighting.
- Braking plan: Heavier setups may require trailer brakes; plan for a brake controller and verify state requirements before you roll.
- Visibility: Practice low-speed maneuvers; Pathfinder’s available camera views can help you avoid curbs, angled driveways, and ramp edges.
Setup tips before your first tow
- Measure and match: Choose a ball mount that keeps the trailer level to reduce sway and uneven tire wear.
- Balance the load: Target proper tongue weight distribution to keep steering feel steady and braking predictable.
- Practice the path: Rehearse slow-speed turns, backing, and braking in an empty lot before you add passengers or hit traffic.
- Select your mode: Engage Tow mode and, if conditions are loose or slick, choose Sand or Mud/Rut on Pathfinder’s selector for better traction.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can either SUV tow a 21-foot bowrider?
Many 21-foot boats plus trailer and fuel cross 4,500 to 5,500 pounds. Highlander’s 5,000-pound ceiling can be tight, especially with added gear and passengers. Pathfinder’s up-to-6,000-pound rating, when properly equipped, offers more breathing room for that class of boat.
Does AWD make a difference at the boat ramp?
Yes. AWD or 4x4 helps with traction on wet concrete, algae-slick surfaces, and soft approaches. Pathfinder’s available Intelligent 4x4 plus Sand and Mud/Rut modes provide additional traction logic you can call up from the rotary selector.
How do the camera systems help with towing?
Pathfinder’s available HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor with Invisible Hood View can help you place front wheels precisely and avoid low obstacles while lining up to a hitch or threading a narrow approach. Highlander’s available Panoramic View Monitor provides helpful 360-degree perspectives but does not include an invisible hood function.
Can I tow with either SUV on steep grades near the Shore?
Yes, but mind your ratings and choose the right mode. Pathfinder’s nine-speed automatic with Tow mode maintains steady power delivery, and its higher rating gives you more margin when you add beach gear, coolers, and passengers.
Ultimately, if towing confidence is central to how you’ll use your SUV, Pathfinder’s extra capacity and traction tools make it the more flexible partner. If you’re focused on a lighter trailer and prioritize a gas-hybrid powertrain, Highlander’s hybrid path may appeal. For most families balancing cargo, passengers, and a trailer on busy weekends, the Nissan earns the nod as the more capable, less-compromised solution. Cherry Hill Nissan is here to help you match the right configuration to your specific trailer and routine, serving Sewell, Woodbury, and Marlton with straightforward guidance and setup support.