NissanWhen Lexus launched the TX in 2023, it was filling a gap the brand had left open for quite a while. Buyers who wanted a three-row Lexus had long been directed toward the larger, more expensive LX or asked to make compromises elsewhere in the lineup. Or in a worst-case scenario, look at another brand altogether.The TX gave Lexus a competitive entry into the midsize three-row segment, and it arrived with credentials and attributes one might expect from a Lexus. For example, a refined and luxurious cabin, bold exterior styling, and the brand’s long-standing reputation for reliability.The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, now in its fifth generation, has been in this space since before Lexus arrived. Undergoing a mid-cycle refresh for 2026, the Pathfinder starts at $39,900, which is $17,290 less than the Lexus TX and its base price of $57,190.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat gap is the starting point for this comparison, but it is not the whole story. And even though it might seem odd to compare a Nissan to a Lexus, some of the numbers here are interesting when looking at the Pathfinder and the TX side-by-side. Here is how the two stack up.The price gapSimply too big to ignore2026-nissan-pathfinder-21.jpgAs noted a moment ago, over $17,000 separates the base Pathfinder SV from the Lexus TX 350.At that entry price, the Pathfinder includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 with six driver-assistance features, ProPILOT Assist, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seating for eight passengers. The TX 350 comes with a 14-inch touchscreen, the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, heated front seats, and a 12-speaker audio system.Neither SUV is underequipped at its base price. In fact, both are well-equipped relative to their starting MSRPs and target demographic.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut $17,000 is a figure that deserves a second look, even if you can afford the Lexus. It represents a year or more of car payments for many buyers, a college tuition installment, or years of insurance premiums.Powertrain and fuel economyTwo different engines, one surprising result2026-nissan-pathfinder-3713.jpgThe Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft. of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic. The Lexus TX 350 uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft. of torque, connected to an eight-speed direct-shift automatic.The TX is also available as a hybrid (TX 500h with 366 total system horsepower) and a plug-in hybrid (TX 550h+ with 404 total system horsepower and 33 miles of electric range). For this comparison, we are focusing on the TX 350, the base gas model, since it is the direct equivalent to what the Pathfinder offers.The powertrain story has an unexpected twist as both vehicles use completely different engines yet arrive at the same EPA fuel economy rating. Both the 2026 Pathfinder SV and TX with front-wheel drive are rated at 21 in the city, 27 on the highway, and 23 combined.AdvertisementAdvertisementNissan leverages a naturally aspirated V6, while Lexus uses a turbocharged four-cylinder that trades displacement for low-end torque. The Pathfinder has more peak horsepower, yet the TX generates more torque. For everyday driving, though, neither SUV will feel sluggish.Max towing capacityWhere the Pathfinder pulls aheadNissanThe Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 lbs. when properly equipped with the available tow package, which comes standard on the Rock Creek and Platinum. The Lexus TX is rated for 5,000 lbs. across its lineup.A 1,000-lbs. difference may not matter to a family that never tows. Those who pull a boat, a camper, or a utility trailer, however, may feel different about that extra 1,000 lbs. of capacity.Note, however, that by default, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder has a standard towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Buyers will need to ensure the Pathfinder they are considering has either the SV Premium or the SL Premium package to receive the 6,000-lbs. max towing capacity.How the safety suites compareBoth have strong safety credentials2026-nissan-pathfinder-16.jpgThe 2026 Pathfinder earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and was named a Best New Vehicle for Teens by the IIHS and Consumer Reports.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Lexus TX comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control (i.e., adaptive cruise control), and lane departure alert with steering assist, among other features. The TX also adds two features called Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection, which can provide a warning and automatic braking when the system detects the driver turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle.The Pathfinder counters with a feature called Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, which monitors a vehicle two positions ahead rather than just the car directly in front. ProPILOT Assist is also standard on every 2026 Pathfinder, providing hands-on highway driving assistance with automatic acceleration, braking, and steering support.The TX and its safety suite have a few more scenario-specific features, although the Pathfinder's suite comes standard on a vehicle that costs considerably less.Interior room and cargo spaceLexus wins far and away2026-nissan-pathfinder-3662.jpgThe Lexus TX wins the cargo comparison, and the margin is not really even close.AdvertisementAdvertisementBehind the third row, the TX provides 20.2 cubic feet of storage; the Pathfinder offers 16.6 cubic feet. With all rows folded, the TX has a total capacity of 97 cubic feet, versus 80.5 cubic feet in the Pathfinder. For families who pack everything and the kitchen sink, that difference shows up on every road trip.Third-row legroom also favors the Lexus. The TX 350 offers 33.5 inches of third-row legroom compared to 28 inches in the Pathfinder. That 5.5-inch gap is meaningful for any family with teenagers who settle in back there on a regular basis.The TX's 14-inch touchscreen is larger than the Pathfinder's 12.3-inch display, and the interior materials on the TX Luxury grade, including semi-aniline leather, represent a genuine step up in quality.By contrast, the Nissan Pathfinder makes its case on total seating capacity. Eight passengers fit as standard; the TX 350 seats seven, with a six-passenger captain's chair configuration available as an option. That extra seat in the Pathfinder may have practical value for bigger families on the go.Lexus TX for luxury, Nissan Pathfinder for valueThe Lexus TX is a stronger option than the Pathfinder in specific areas, such as cargo space, third-row legroom, and overall interior refinement. Buyers who prioritize those types of features will find the TX is worth the extra money.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Pathfinder makes its case on value, however. Starting at $39,900, it includes more seats, more towing capacity, and identical fuel economy to a vehicle that costs over $17,000 more. For families who need a capable three-row SUV without the luxury price, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is hard to argue against.
+35 others
