2026 Nissan Pathfinder S vs 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L
This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a midsize SUV or a minivan. Key numbers: $3,295 price gap, 284 vs 280 hp, 23 vs 22 MPG.
The Pathfinder S leads on $3,295 less, 4WD. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 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 | 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S | 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $39,500 | $42,795 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 284 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 19.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $2,000/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,482 lbs | 4,526 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 118.1" |
| Length | 197.7" | 205.2" |
| Width | 77.9" | 78.5" |
| Height | 70.9" | 69.6" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S and 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S starts at $39,500, $3,295 less than the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L at $42,795. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $58/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S is the stronger pick when you want to keep $3,295 in your pocket and the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $83/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where 4WD keeps you planted.
Who should choose the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is the stronger pick when your priority is maximum passenger and cargo room.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S or 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S rates 23 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S or 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S produces 284 hp, 4 more than the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L at 280 hp. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 259 lb-ft. Drivetrains differ too: 4WD on the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S, FWD on the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L.
Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S bigger than the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is 7.5″ longer at 205.2″ vs 197.7″. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L has a 3.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (midsize SUV vs minivan), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.
Do the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S and 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S comes with 4WD, while the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L uses FWD. 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.
Can I cross-shop a midsize SUV against a minivan?
Yes, and many buyers do. A midsize SUV and a minivan solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: cargo room and passenger space. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Nissan trims, Nissan Pathfinder trims, Honda trims, Honda Odyssey trims
Pathfinder vs Odyssey: What This Matchup Is Really About
A midsize SUV against a minivan is not a typical matchup, but buyers with flexible needs compare them more often than you might think. The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S ($39,500) and 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L ($42,795) solve different problems at different price points. The $3,295 gap adds up to $58/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Under the Hood
Both run the same 3.5L V6 engine. The 4 hp difference (284 vs 280) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S comes with 4WD; the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
Running Costs: Pathfinder vs Odyssey
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S saves roughly $83/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $415.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S is designed around passenger space, cargo flexibility, and a higher seating position. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is built to move the most people and cargo in the most space. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S when you want to keep $3,295 in your pocket and the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L when your priority is maximum passenger and cargo room. At $58/month more, the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
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 Nissan or Honda or any dealership.