Nissan Pathfinder vs. Ford Explorer

Interior Space and Comfort

The Pathfinder is equipped to carry eight passengers, while the Explorer can carry a maximum of seven. This puts the Pathfinder a little bit ahead thanks to its capacity to welcome more riders. 

Each of these rides boasts three rows of seating, which means extra space for family and furry friends. When it comes to space within the cabin, the Nissan Pathfinder comes with a maximum front headroom of 42.3 inches, which overtakes the Explorer’s 40.7 inches of front headroom. You’ll also get more legroom in the Pathfinder with 44.3 inches compared to the Explorer’s 43 inches.

Interior Amenities

You’ll have a plush cloth seat trim as well as a 6-way manual driver’s seat with lumbar support in the Pathfinder. You can also opt for available climate-controlled front seats (heated and cooled), a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more.

If you’re looking for enhanced comfort, the Nissan has what you’re looking for.

Exterior Dimensions

Dimensions can change the way your driving experience feels. When you get behind the wheel to cruise in the Nissan Pathfinder, you’ll find:

• Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
• Length:197.7 inches
• Height:70.9 inches

In the Explorer, however, the exterior will look like:

• Wheelbase: 119.1 inches
• Length:198.8 inches
• Height:69.9 inches

While the Explorer is slightly larger, it really comes down to your needs as a driver. Consider it for a moment: What are you specifically looking for? 

Which One Is Easier to Manuever?

With a width of 77.9 inches, the Pathfinder is more compact while providing greater space within the actual cabin for the driver’s comfort, which in turn also allows you to navigate tight roads easily. Parallel parking is made easier in smaller vehicles, and you’ll be able to explore them in your new set of wheels.

In comparison, the Explorer measures 89.3 inches wide, making it harder to park and navigate tight streets.

Entertainment and Technology

You’ll find these rides equipped with a 6-speaker sound system to deliver audio entertainment from the radio as well as the CD player. That means, you’ll be able to listen to your favorite tunes in high-quality sound.

Both vehicles feature an infotainment system for ease of accessing your media selections. For example, the Nissan Pathfinder offers a standard NissanConnect® 8-inch color touch-screen display. You’ll also be able to enjoy an Advanced Drive-Assist® Display, Voice Recognition, and more. The Ford Explorer also offers a standard 8-inch screen.

Digital Instrument Cluster

The Nissan Pathfinder offers more amenities than the Ford Explorer. You can utilize the available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This feature is completely customizable so you can always see the information that’s most important to you. Plus, the Nissan Pathfinder offers a Head-Up Display with all the essential information.

While the Ford Explorer can be equipped with a 12.3-inch instrument panel on top trims, you won’t find a Head-Up Display with this model.