2025 Hyundai Palisade SE vs 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S
On paper, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S wins on 2 MPG better. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $300 price gap, 291 vs 284 hp, 21 vs 23 MPG.
The Pathfinder S leads on 2 MPG better. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE | 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $39,200 | $39,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 284 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 21 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.8 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,100/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,356 lbs | 4,482 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 114.2" |
| Length | 196.7" | 197.7" |
| Width | 77.8" | 77.9" |
| Height | 68.9" | 70.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE and 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE starts at $39,200, $300 less than the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S at $39,500. That gap is small enough that monthly payments are nearly identical. Focus on which vehicle fits your life, not the sticker.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $300 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $174/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE or 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S rates 23 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE or 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE produces 291 hp, 7 more than the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S at 284 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 259 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S uses a 3.5L V6. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE, 4WD on the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE bigger than the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S is 1.0″ longer at 197.7″ vs 196.7″.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE and 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE comes with AWD, while the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S uses 4WD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Palisade comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Nissan Pathfinder offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Palisade trims, Nissan trims, Nissan Pathfinder trims
The Palisade–Pathfinder Decision
Cross-shopping midsize SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Palisade and Pathfinder compare. The $300 price gap works out to less than $10/month on a typical loan, so the cost difference is negligible. Pick on fit, not on price.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S uses a 3.5L V6. The 7 hp difference (291 vs 284) is marginal in daily driving. Drivetrains differ: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE, 4WD on the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S saves roughly $174/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $870. The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S costs more upfront but recovers some of that gap through lower running costs. At $174/year in savings, it takes about 1.7 years to close the $300 sticker difference.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE when you want to keep $300 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $174/year less on fuel.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Nissan or any dealership.