This Ford Explorer vs. Nissan Pathfinder comparison will help shed some light on the distinct differences between these models. Both SUVs feature plenty of interior room and sturdy performance specifications, but which one is best suited for your travels around Glen Allen, Ashland, and Rockville, Virginia?

After reading through the following sections on the 2021 Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder, where we'll be touching on a variety of key features like performance, technology, and cabin space, you can always reach out to the Richmond Ford West staff with any further questions!

Performance Specifications: Horsepower & Torque

With large SUVs, you need a powerful engine that can deliver a smooth performance while also hauling the entire family. Thankfully, both the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder deliver in this regard.

The Ford Explorer gives you the unique ability to choose from three distinct engines. This diversity allows you to tailor the performance to better meet your day-to-day needs.

The specifications for each engine are listed below:

  • 3.3L Hybrid V6: 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque
  • 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder: 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
  • 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6: 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque

On the other hand, there's the Nissan Pathfinder, which limits drivers to just one engine. Also, this 3.5L V6 sports a meager 284 horsepower to go along with 259 lb-ft of torque.


2021 Ford Explorer vs Nissan Pathfinder: Interior & Cargo Dimensions

Having enough available room for your family to stretch out while also supporting all their luggage is a top priority for the 2021 Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

The Ford Explorer's interior room thrives, sporting key measurements like 43 inches of front legroom and 32.2 inches of third-row legroom. Passengers will also have plenty of horizontal space to enjoy, thanks to 61.8 inches of front shoulder room and 61.9 inches of second-row shoulder room.

Lastly, the cargo room in the Ford Explorer is enormous, checking in at 87.8 cubic feet when you fold down both the second- and third-row seats.

If we turn our attention to the Nissan Pathfinder, we see a slightly more cramped cabin that includes:

  • 42.2 inches of front-row legroom
  • 19.8 inches of third-row legroom
  • 60.9 inches of front-row shoulder room
  • 60.4 inches of second-row shoulder room
  • 79.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space

Interior Technology: Infotainment Setup

Drivers looking to get the most out of their infotainment setups during daily commutes will appreciate the available technology in the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

The Explorer, for example, can be outfitted with:

  • FordPassâ„¢ Connect
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System
  • SiriusXM® Satellite Radio

The Nissan Pathfinder also has streaming audio via Bluetooth® wireless technology, yet the interface for the Ford Explorer is typically considered easier to use due to its size. The Explorer can be had with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the largest for the Pathfinder is an 8-inch arrangement.


2021 Ford Explorer vs Nissan Pathfinder: See for Yourself!

The 2021 Ford Explorer is the winner in this comparison, given its noticeable edge in performance, space, and technology.

You can check these results out for yourself, however, by browsing our inventory at Richmond Ford West and scheduling a test drive near Glen Allen, Rockville, or Ashland, VA!

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Richmond Ford West

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Directions Glen Allen, VA 23060

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