Compare the2026 Nissan PathfinderVS 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Both the Pathfinder and the Outlander PHEV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seat center airbag, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Nissan Pathfinder has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Outlander PHEV has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2025.

The Pathfinder’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Outlander PHEV’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 3 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Pathfinder’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Pathfinder third among upper midsize SUVs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Outlander PHEV isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 53 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is ranked 25th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi With 41 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Nissan higher than Mitsubishi.

The Pathfinder’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 36 more horsepower (284 vs. 248) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Pathfinder Rock Creek’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 47 more horsepower (295 vs. 248) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

The Pathfinder has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander PHEV (18.5 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Pathfinder has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better traction, the Pathfinder has larger tires than the Outlander PHEV (255/60R18 vs. 235/60R18).

The Pathfinder has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander PHEV; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Pathfinder’s wheelbase is 7.7 inches longer than on the Outlander PHEV (114.2 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Pathfinder is 4.1 inches wider in the front and 3.8 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Outlander PHEV.

The Nissan Pathfinder may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 250 pounds less than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Pathfinder has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander PHEV has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Pathfinder has standard seating for 8 passengers; the Outlander PHEV can only carry 7.

The Pathfinder has 25.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Outlander PHEV (148.5 vs. 122.9).

The Pathfinder has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 2.6 inches more front legroom, 4.3 inches more front hip room, 2.9 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom, 3 inches more rear hip room, 3.7 inches more rear shoulder room, 4.7 inches more third row headroom, 8.9 inches more third row legroom, 4.6 inches more third row hip room and 7.2 inches more third row shoulder room than the Outlander PHEV.

The Pathfinder’s cargo area provides more volume than the Outlander PHEV.

The Pathfinder’s cargo area is larger than the Outlander PHEV’s in almost every dimension:

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Pathfinder. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Pathfinder’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander PHEV’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is only 1500 pounds. The Pathfinder offers up to a 6000 lbs. towing capacity.

The power windows standard on both the Pathfinder and the Outlander PHEV have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Pathfinder is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Outlander PHEV prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Pathfinder’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander PHEV’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

On a hot day the Pathfinder’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Outlander PHEV can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Pathfinder’s standard Intelligent Key allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the Outlander PHEV only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL.

The Pathfinder’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Outlander PHEV’s power window, power lock and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Pathfinder’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Pathfinder Platinum keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the Pathfinder’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation that can trigger allergies or asthma. The Outlander PHEV’s air conditioner doesn’t offer a filtration system.

The Nissan Pathfinder has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the infotainment. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Mitsubishi charges extra for Homelink® on the Outlander PHEV.

The Pathfinder is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Nissan Pathfinder outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by over two to one during 2025.