When 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.
That 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.
- Base Trim Engine
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3.5-liter V6
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-Speed Auto
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
The price gap
Simply too big to ignore
As 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.
QuizThe Nissan Pathfinder
Read on and test your knowledge
From rugged off-roader to family SUV — how well do you really know the Nissan Pathfinder?
HistoryDesignPerformanceGenerationsFeatures
In what year did the Nissan Pathfinder make its debut?
Correct! The Nissan Pathfinder was introduced in 1985 as a 1986 model year vehicle. It was designed to compete with other compact SUVs of the era, like the Toyota 4Runner and Chevrolet Blazer.
Not quite. The Pathfinder actually debuted in 1985 as a 1986 model year vehicle. It entered a competitive compact SUV market alongside rivals like the Toyota 4Runner and Chevrolet Blazer.
What vehicle platform did the first-generation Pathfinder share with?
That’s right! The original Pathfinder was built on the same body-on-frame platform as the Nissan Hardbody (D21) pickup truck. This gave it a rugged, truck-like character well suited for off-road use.
Not quite. The first-generation Pathfinder was built on the same body-on-frame platform as the Nissan Hardbody (D21) truck. This truck-derived underpinning gave it genuine off-road credentials in its early years.
Which generation of the Pathfinder marked the shift from a body-on-frame to a unibody construction?
Correct! The third-generation Pathfinder, introduced for the 2005 model year, switched from body-on-frame to a unibody platform. This change made it more car-like and comfortable but reduced its off-road capability compared to earlier models.
Not quite. It was the third-generation Pathfinder (2005 model year) that made the switch to unibody construction. This was a controversial change for fans who valued the truck-like, off-road-oriented nature of the earlier models.
What was the towing capacity of the fifth-generation (2022) Nissan Pathfinder when properly equipped?
Well done! The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is rated to tow up to 6,000 lbs when properly equipped. This was a significant improvement over the fourth generation and helped the Pathfinder better compete in the three-row family SUV segment.
Not quite. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 lbs when properly equipped. This was a major selling point for the fifth-generation redesign, giving it a meaningful edge over some family SUV competitors.
What seating configuration did the fifth-generation (2022) Pathfinder introduce as a notable new feature?
Correct! The 2022 Pathfinder introduced an available second-row captain’s chair layout with a unique middle pass-through, making it easier for passengers to access the third row. This was a standout feature in the segment and a major convenience upgrade.
Not quite. The big seating news for the 2022 Pathfinder was an available second-row captain’s chair configuration with a clever middle pass-through. This made third-row access far easier, a thoughtful touch for families with young children.
In Japan, the Nissan Pathfinder was sold under what different name?
That’s right! In Japan and several other markets, the Pathfinder was marketed as the Nissan Terrano. The Terrano name was also used in Europe, while North America stuck with the Pathfinder branding throughout the model’s history.
Not quite. The Pathfinder was sold as the Nissan Terrano in Japan and parts of Europe. Interestingly, the Nissan Safari was a separate, larger 4×4 vehicle sold in Japan and other international markets.
What engine powers the fifth-generation (2022 and newer) Nissan Pathfinder?
Correct! The fifth-generation Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine producing 284 horsepower. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the CVT used in the previous generation — a welcome change for many drivers.
Not quite. The 2022 Pathfinder uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 284 horsepower. One of the highlights of the redesign was the replacement of the unpopular CVT transmission with a conventional nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Which of these Nissan Pathfinder competitors was it most directly designed to rival when the fifth generation launched in 2022?
Spot on! The fifth-generation Pathfinder was squarely aimed at three-row family SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. Nissan gave it more towing capacity, a better transmission, and improved interior quality specifically to compete in this popular segment.
Not quite. The 2022 Pathfinder was designed to take on mid-size three-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. Nissan invested heavily in improving towing, transmission, and interior refinement to make the Pathfinder competitive in that crowded family hauler market.
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But $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 economy
Two different engines, one surprising result
The 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.
Nissan 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.
- Base Trim Engine
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2.5L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
Max towing capacity
Where the Pathfinder pulls ahead
The 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.
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How the safety suites compare
Both have strong safety credentials
The 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.
The 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.
- Material
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Oxford
- Special Feature
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Foldable
This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer features compartments to organize and store groceries, sports equipment, emergency supplies, and other daily essentials.
Interior room and cargo space
Lexus wins far and away
The Lexus TX wins the cargo comparison, and the margin is not really even close.
Behind 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 value
The 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.
The 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.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
