The 2024 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder are both prominent choices in the midsize SUV segment, catering to families and adventure enthusiasts alike. However, when it comes to performance, features, and overall value, the Ford Explorer stands out as a superior choice in several key areas. Here’s how the 2024 Ford Explorer beats its neighbor, the Nissan Pathfinder.
Performance and Powertrain
The 2024 Ford Explorer offers a more dynamic and powerful driving experience compared to the Nissan Pathfinder. The Explorer comes with a range of engine options, starting with a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 300 horsepower. Additionally, there’s a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 available in the ST and Platinum trims, delivering up to 400 horsepower. For those seeking efficiency, the Explorer also offers a hybrid variant with a 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, combining for a total of 318 horsepower.
In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder comes with a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 284 horsepower. While adequate for most driving situations, it lacks the breadth of choices and the higher performance thresholds available in the Explorer lineup. The lack of a hybrid option also means the Pathfinder may not appeal as strongly to eco-conscious buyers or those looking to maximize fuel efficiency.
Interior and Comfort
Ford has put significant emphasis on the interior quality and comfort of the 2024 Explorer. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, featuring high-quality materials and a design that feels both modern and functional. With seating for up to seven passengers, the Explorer offers ample legroom and headroom, especially in the first two rows. The third row is also more accommodating than many competitors, making it a practical choice for larger families.
The Pathfinder, while also offering seating for seven or eight, falls short in terms of interior refinement. The materials used in the Nissan SUV, although durable, do not match the premium feel of the Explorer’s cabin. Additionally, the Explorer provides more advanced seating configurations and more intuitive controls, enhancing overall comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers alike.
Technology and Features
In the realm of technology, the 2024 Ford Explorer outshines the Pathfinder with its more advanced and user-friendly systems. The Explorer comes equipped with Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, featuring a large 10.1-inch touchscreen in higher trims, with crisp graphics and a responsive interface. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity for all passengers. The Explorer also offers an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, providing customizable displays and critical driving information.
The Nissan Pathfinder’s infotainment system, although functional, lags behind with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, and a 9-inch option in higher trims. While it does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it lacks the wireless functionality found in the Explorer. The overall user experience is less refined, with some controls being less intuitive.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Both the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder come with a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Explorer edges out with a few additional offerings and a more sophisticated execution of driver-assistance technologies. The Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360, a robust package that encompasses automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims can be equipped with even more advanced features like Active Park Assist 2.0, which can handle parallel and perpendicular parking without driver intervention.
The Pathfinder’s safety suite, Nissan Safety Shield 360, offers similar features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. However, the execution of these features in the Explorer tends to be smoother and more reliable, according to various automotive reviews. The additional advanced options available in the Explorer further enhance its appeal as a safer choice for families.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ford Explorer sets itself apart from the Nissan Pathfinder with its more powerful and diverse engine options, superior interior quality, advanced technology features, and a more comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies. While both SUVs offer practical solutions for family and adventure needs, the Explorer’s enhancements in performance, comfort, and innovation make it a standout choice in the midsize SUV market.