Differences Between 2019 Nissan Pathfinder & 2019 Honda Pilot

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The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is a roomy vehicle that boasts plenty of comfort and standard amenities, and it passes the driver experience test with flying colors as well. This vehicle class is loaded, but most interested buyers will also check out the 2019 Honda Pilot as a matter of course. This popular model is extremely passenger-friendly, but it actually falls a bit short of the Pathfinder when it comes to driver operation, roominess of the cabin, and the ease of use and dependability of the standard and optional safety systems. Below, we outline these differences a bit further, and this should help the shopper make an informed buying decision.

Driving Experience

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is fitted with a 3.6L V6 rated at 284 horsepower, and the engine is paired to a CVT. Now, many shoppers balk at the idea of operating a continuously variable transmission, but once the Pathfinder is test-driven, this balking will disappear. This is one of the smoothest CVTs ever designed. The acceleration recalibration, performed by Nissan engineers last year, results in much smoother shifting than what one would expect in a CVT that's paired to a V6. The broad torque band is a real plus. There's good top-end punch. The 2019 Honda Pilot has a similarly sized engine, but the multiple mode options offered really only help with slippery road surfaces. The vehicle body approach and departure angles aren't the best in this class, outpaced by the Pathfinder and other models.

Third-Row Usability

The 2019 Honda Pilot is a three-row, but there isn't much room in the rear seating area. It's quite narrow, and entry and exit are a real problem. Although there's a single push-button control for the sliding of the second-row seats, access to the third row is still cramped, and the pass-through area is very small. The third row also has a low-mounted seat, and this affects everyone who tries to get comfortable back there. On the other hand, the 2019 Pathfinder has a spacious third row, and the middle row of seats is fitted rather high. This means excellent outward visibility, and those who sit in the second row aren't going to suffer from a lack of headroom because of the tall roof. If the third row isn't needed, the huge second-row seats slide nearly all the way back, opening up the cabin even more.

Dependable Safety System

Some of the most desired safety and security systems on the 2018 Pathfinder weren't available on the lower trims, but that has changed for 2019. Standard on all trims are a rearview camera and a frontal collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. Reverse parking sensors are also included. The SV and above trims come with the full drive aid package. The 2019 Honda Pilot now offers the Honda Sensing suite as standard on all trims, but many drivers have found this system to be too sensitive. The lane keeping feature seems to want to interfere even around gradual turns, and the adaptive cruise control only works at high speed, meaning a real problem if the driver is in stop-and-go traffic.

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Come see the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder today at Jeff Wyler Nissan. Schedule a test drive online or by phone, and see why this affordable, well-rounded three-row SUV is a worthy competitor to the Honda Pilot and other models in this segment.