2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

What are the top things that you are looking for in a big SUV? You’ll find answers in this Nissan Pathfinder vs Hyundai Palisade comparison.

1. Size and Spaciousness

   Chances are, you need a 3 row SUV for a large family or a very busy one! A spacious cabin can go a long way toward keeping a family happy. In this case, the Palisade has the Pathfinder beat by about 10 cubic feet.

    How do those cubic feet translate into wiggle room? On the second row, the Palisade manages to provide an incredible 42.4 inches of legroom. Meanwhile the Pathfinder lags way, way behind with only 35.5 inches.

    On the third row, where it may count even more, legroom is 31.4 inches in the Palisade while it’s only 28 inches in the Pathfinder.

    As for cargo, the Palisade has a slightly bigger cargo hold, which is important for a family on the move. When you start folding the seats, the Pathfinder can’t keep up with the larger Palisade. 

2. Dash Technology

   Continuing the subject of size, the Pathfinder falls short when it comes to the entertainment touchscreen. While a Palisade screen is 12.3-inches, the Nissan 3 row SUV can only offer an 8- or 9-inch screen. Both big rigs offer a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

   Just as importantly, only the Hyundai has standard navigation to get you where you need to go. You will have to step up to a different trim level or package to find navigation on the Pathfinder SUV. To learn more about Palisade trim levels, check out this 2025 Review.  

3. Parenting Aids

   Exclusive to Hyundai SUVs, the speaker system has a rear quiet mode. At the touch of a button, the Palisade driver can silence sound on the rows where children are sleeping.

   Likewise, an in-cabin intercom is available on the Palisade but not listed for the Pathfinder. With this available microphone system, the driver can easily speak to the kids on the back row without turning around or raising their voice.  

   You may take it for granted that window sunshades will be available. However, there are none listed for the Pathfinder. The Palisade makes them standard on most trim levels. After all, the Scottsdale AZ sun is strong, and we often need to protect our kids from its rays.  

4. Drivability and Ride Quality

   Big SUVs need top power, and the Palisade doesn’t disappoint. It has more horsepower and torque than the Nissan Pathfinder in Scottsdale.

   Reviewers have pointed out that the Nissan feels a bit underpowered. It’s automatic transmission lacks refinement. The ride quality is rough, especially when compared to the smooth ride that passengers enjoy in the Hyundai.  

5. Stellar Reputation

   You’ll find the Pathfinder in the middle of the pack wherever you look. Meanwhile, the Palisade ranks in the top two at KBB, Motor Trend, and US News and World Report. It has a 9.5 out of 10 rating at Car and Driver.

   The 2024 Palisade took home award after award.It was named a Car and Driver Editors’ Choice. It won a consumer Guide 2024 Best Buy Award. After a week’s worth of trials, it scored the best in the Three-row SUV challenge by Cars.com.  

   It is a previous winner of Wards 10 Best Interiors. Plus it has earned a Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Best Resale Value Award.  

Conclusion

If you want a sophisticated 3 row SUV, you can’t do better than the Hyundai Palisade. Find a selection of these family SUVs at Earnhardt Hyundai in North Scottsdale.

Schedule a test drive.