When Lexus introduced the TX in 2023, it used to be filling an opening the emblem had left open for rather some time. Consumers who sought after a three-row Lexus had lengthy been directed towards the bigger, costlier LX or requested to make compromises in different places within the lineup. Or in a worst-case situation, have a look at every other logo altogether.
The TX gave Lexus a aggressive access into the midsize three-row phase, and it arrived with credentials and attributes one would possibly be expecting from a Lexus. As an example, a polished and sumptuous cabin, daring external styling, and the emblem’s long-standing recognition for reliability.
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, now in its 5th era, has been on this house since ahead of Lexus arrived. Present process a mid-cycle refresh for 2026, the Pathfinder begins at $39,900, which is $17,290 not up to the Lexus TX and its base value of $57,190.
That hole is the place to begin for this comparability, however it isn’t the entire tale. And despite the fact that it will appear ordinary to match a Nissan to a Lexus, one of the most numbers listed below are fascinating when having a look on the Pathfinder and the TX side-by-side. This is how the 2 stack up.
- Base Trim Engine
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3.5-liter V6
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-Pace Auto
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Entrance-Wheel Force
The associated fee hole
Just too large to forget about
As famous a second in the past, over $17,000 separates the bottom Pathfinder SV from the Lexus TX 350.
At that access value, the Pathfinder contains Nissan Protection Defend 360 with six driver-assistance options, ProPILOT Help, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seating for 8 passengers. The TX 350 comes with a 14-inch touchscreen, the Lexus Protection Machine+ 3.0, heated entrance seats, and a 12-speaker audio gadget.
Neither SUV is underequipped at its base value. Actually, each are well-equipped relative to their beginning MSRPs and goal demographic.
QuizThe Nissan Pathfinder
Learn on and take a look at your wisdom
From rugged off-roader to circle of relatives SUV — how nicely do you in point of fact know the Nissan Pathfinder?
Historical pastDesignEfficiencyGenerationsOptions
In what yr did the Nissan Pathfinder make its debut?
Right kind! The Nissan Pathfinder used to be presented in 1985 as a 1986 style yr car. It used to be designed to compete with different compact SUVs of the technology, just like the Toyota 4Runner and Chevrolet Blazer.
No longer rather. The Pathfinder in fact debuted in 1985 as a 1986 style yr car. It entered a aggressive compact SUV marketplace along competitors just like the Toyota 4Runner and Chevrolet Blazer.
What car platform did the first-generation Pathfinder proportion with?
That is proper! The unique Pathfinder used to be constructed at the identical body-on-frame platform because the Nissan Hardbody (D21) pickup truck. This gave it a rugged, truck-like personality nicely suited to off-road use.
No longer rather. The primary-generation Pathfinder used to be constructed at the identical body-on-frame platform because the Nissan Hardbody (D21) truck. This truck-derived underpinning gave it authentic off-road credentials in its early years.
Which era of the Pathfinder marked the shift from a body-on-frame to a unibody building?
Right kind! The third-generation Pathfinder, presented for the 2005 style yr, switched from body-on-frame to a unibody platform. This transformation made it extra car-like and at ease however lowered its off-road capacity in comparison to previous fashions.
No longer rather. It used to be the third-generation Pathfinder (2005 style yr) that made the transfer to unibody building. This used to be a arguable exchange for fanatics who valued the truck-like, off-road-oriented nature of the sooner fashions.
What used to be the towing capability of the fifth-generation (2022) Nissan Pathfinder when correctly geared up?
Neatly finished! The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is rated to tow as much as 6,000 lbs when correctly geared up. This used to be an important development over the fourth era and helped the Pathfinder higher compete within the three-row circle of relatives SUV phase.
No longer rather. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder can tow as much as 6,000 lbs when correctly geared up. This used to be a significant promoting level for the fifth-generation redesign, giving it a significant edge over some circle of relatives SUV competition.
What seating configuration did the fifth-generation (2022) Pathfinder introduce as a notable new function?
Right kind! The 2022 Pathfinder presented an to be had second-row captain’s chair format with a singular heart pass-through, making it more straightforward for passengers to get right of entry to the 0.33 row. This used to be a standout function within the phase and a significant comfort improve.
No longer rather. The large seating information for the 2022 Pathfinder used to be an to be had second-row captain’s chair configuration with a artful heart pass-through. This made third-row get right of entry to a ways more straightforward, a considerate contact for households with babies.
In Japan, the Nissan Pathfinder used to be offered below what other title?
That is proper! In Japan and several other different markets, the Pathfinder used to be advertised because the Nissan Terrano. The Terrano title used to be additionally utilized in Europe, whilst North The usa caught with the Pathfinder branding right through the style’s historical past.
No longer rather. The Pathfinder used to be offered because the Nissan Terrano in Japan and portions of Europe. Apparently, the Nissan Safari used to be a separate, higher 4×4 car offered in Japan and different world markets.
What engine powers the fifth-generation (2022 and more recent) Nissan Pathfinder?
Right kind! The fifth-generation Pathfinder is powered through a three.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine generating 284 horsepower. It is paired with a nine-speed automated transmission, changing the CVT used within the earlier era — a welcome exchange for plenty of drivers.
No longer rather. The 2022 Pathfinder makes use of a three.5-liter V6 engine making 284 horsepower. One of the vital highlights of the redesign used to be the alternative of the unpopular CVT transmission with a traditional nine-speed automated gearbox.
Which of those Nissan Pathfinder competition used to be it maximum without delay designed to rival when the 5th era introduced in 2022?
Spot on! The fifth-generation Pathfinder used to be squarely geared toward three-row circle of relatives SUVs just like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. Nissan gave it extra towing capability, a greater transmission, and progressed internal high quality in particular to compete on this widespread phase.
No longer rather. The 2022 Pathfinder used to be designed to tackle mid-size three-row SUVs just like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. Nissan invested closely in making improvements to towing, transmission, and internal refinement to make the Pathfinder aggressive in that crowded circle of relatives hauler marketplace.
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However $17,000 is a determine that merits a moment glance, although you’ll come up with the money for the Lexus. It represents a yr or extra of vehicle bills for plenty of patrons, a school tuition installment, or years of insurance coverage premiums.
Powertrain and gasoline financial system
Two other engines, one unexpected consequence
The Pathfinder is powered through a three.5-liter V6 generating 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft. of torque, paired with a nine-speed automated. The Lexus TX 350 makes use of a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft. of torque, attached to an eight-speed direct-shift automated.
The TX could also be to be had as a hybrid (TX 500h with 366 overall gadget horsepower) and a plug-in hybrid (TX 550h+ with 404 overall gadget horsepower and 33 miles of electrical vary). For this comparability, we’re that specialize in the TX 350, the bottom fuel style, since it’s the direct an identical to what the Pathfinder gives.
The powertrain tale has an surprising twist as each automobiles use totally other engines but arrive on the identical EPA gasoline financial system score. Each the 2026 Pathfinder SV and TX with front-wheel force are rated at 21 within the town, 27 at the freeway, and 23 mixed.
Nissan leverages a naturally aspirated V6, whilst Lexus makes use of a turbocharged four-cylinder that trades displacement for low-end torque. The Pathfinder has extra top horsepower, but the TX generates extra torque. For on a regular basis riding, regardless that, neither SUV will really feel slow.
- Base Trim Engine
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2.5L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-Pace Computerized
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Entrance-Wheel Force
Max towing capability
The place the Pathfinder pulls forward
The Pathfinder can tow as much as 6,000 lbs. when correctly geared up with the to be had tow bundle, which comes usual at the Rock Creek and Platinum. The Lexus TX is rated for five,000 lbs. throughout its lineup.
A 1,000-lbs. distinction won’t subject to a circle of relatives that by no means tows. Those that pull a ship, a camper, or a software trailer, then again, might really feel other about that further 1,000 lbs. of capability.
Word, then again, that through default, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder has a regular towing capability of three,500 lbs. Consumers will want to be certain that the Pathfinder they’re making an allowance for has both the SV Top rate or the SL Top rate bundle to obtain the 6,000-lbs. max towing capability.
I ran a dealership specific lube—those 4 services and products lend a hand your vehicle remaining 200,000 miles
With new vehicle costs at an all-time prime, I’ve resolved to stay my present car so long as imaginable.
How the security suites examine
Each have sturdy protection credentials
The 2026 Pathfinder earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Protection (IIHS), a five-star general protection score from NHTSA, and used to be named a Absolute best New Car for Teenagers through the IIHS and Shopper Stories.
The Lexus TX comes usual with the Lexus Protection Machine+ 3.0, which incorporates a pre-collision gadget with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise keep an eye on (i.e., adaptive cruise keep an eye on), and lane departure alert with guidance lend a hand, amongst different options. The TX additionally provides two options referred to as Chance Avoidance Emergency Steer Help and Left Flip Oncoming Car Detection, which may give a caution and automated braking when the gadget detects the driving force turning left in entrance of an oncoming car.
The Pathfinder counters with a function referred to as Clever Ahead Collision Caution, which screens a car two positions forward reasonably than simply the automobile without delay in entrance. ProPILOT Help could also be usual on each 2026 Pathfinder, offering hands-on freeway riding help with automated acceleration, braking, and guidance improve.
The TX and its protection suite have a couple of extra scenario-specific options, even though the Pathfinder’s suite comes usual on a car that prices significantly much less.
- Subject material
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Oxford
- Particular Characteristic
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Foldable
This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer options compartments to arrange and retailer groceries, sports activities apparatus, emergency provides, and different day by day necessities.
Inner room and load house
Lexus wins a ways and away
The Lexus TX wins the shipment comparability, and the margin isn’t in point of fact even shut.
At the back of the 0.33 row, the TX supplies 20.2 cubic ft of garage; the Pathfinder gives 16.6 cubic ft. With all rows folded, the TX has a complete capability of 97 cubic ft, as opposed to 80.5 cubic ft within the Pathfinder. For households who pack the entirety and the kitchen sink, that distinction presentations up on each street commute.
3rd-row legroom additionally favors the Lexus. The TX 350 gives 33.5 inches of third-row legroom in comparison to 28 inches within the Pathfinder. That 5.5-inch hole is significant for any circle of relatives with youngsters who settle in again there regularly.
The TX’s 14-inch touchscreen is bigger than the Pathfinder’s 12.3-inch show, and the inner fabrics at the TX Luxurious grade, together with semi-aniline leather-based, constitute a real step up in high quality.
Against this, the Nissan Pathfinder makes its case on overall seating capability. 8 passengers have compatibility as usual; the TX 350 seats seven, with a six-passenger captain’s chair configuration to be had as an choice. That further seat within the Pathfinder could have sensible worth for larger households at the pass.
Lexus TX for luxurious, Nissan Pathfinder for worth
The Lexus TX is a more potent choice than the Pathfinder in particular spaces, akin to shipment house, third-row legroom, and general internal refinement. Consumers who prioritize the ones forms of options will to find the TX is price the additional cash.
The Pathfinder makes its case on worth, then again. Beginning at $39,900, it contains extra seats, extra towing capability, and similar gasoline financial system to a car that prices over $17,000 extra. For households who want a succesful three-row SUV with out the posh value, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is tricky to argue towards.
