2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander vs. Hyundai Palisade: Which Three-Row SUV Wins for Ontario Families?
Choosing a three-row SUV in the Inland Empire comes down to how you actually use it — daily school runs, freeway commutes between Ontario and Riverside, and the occasional trailer or gear-loaded weekend trip. This head-to-head compares three of the segment’s most popular midsize SUVs for the 2026 model year: the V6-powered Nissan Pathfinder, the turbocharged Toyota Highlander, and the fully redesigned Hyundai Palisade. Every spec below is verified against current manufacturer and EPA data, so you can compare what matters — power, towing, space, efficiency, technology, and price — and decide with confidence.
At a Glance: How the Three Compare
The quick version, by the numbers. Detail and context follow in each section below.
| Specification | 2026 Nissan Pathfinder | 2026 Toyota Highlander | 2026 Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.4L Turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 284 hp (295 hp Rock Creek) | 265 hp | 287 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft (270 Rock Creek) | 310 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard / AWD available1 | AWD standard | FWD standard / AWD available |
| Max Towing | 6,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (base) | 21 / 27 / 23 (FWD) | 21 / 28 / 24 (AWD) | 19 / 25 / 21 (FWD) |
| Max Seating | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Cargo (behind 3rd row) | 16.6 cu ft | 16.0 cu ft | 19.1 cu ft |
| Starting MSRP2 | from $37,500 | from $46,270 | from $39,435 |
1 Rock Creek comes standard with Intelligent AWD. 2 Starting MSRP; see pricing disclaimer below.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Cabin & Cargo Space for Active Households
Seating Flexibility
All three seat up to eight passengers, but the configurations differ:
- Pathfinder — 8-passenger bench standard; available second-row captain’s chairs (seats 7) on SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. The EZ FLEX second row with LATCH AND GLIDE tilts and slides forward even with a child seat installed — a genuine advantage for third-row access.
- Highlander — 7 or 8 passengers; the XLE and Limited offer a second-row bench (8) or captain’s chairs, while the XSE and Platinum come exclusively with captain’s chairs (7).
- Palisade — 8-passenger bench standard on the SE; most higher trims use second-row captain’s chairs (7).
Cargo Behind the Third Row
- Palisade leads at 19.1 cu ft
- Pathfinder follows at 16.6 cu ft, plus a practical under-floor storage compartment
- Highlander offers 16.0 cu ft
For families who prioritize maximum gear space behind a full house, the Palisade has the edge. The Pathfinder counters with clever storage and easy three-row access.
Performance & Powertrains
Three Different Philosophies
- Pathfinder uses a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 (284 hp / 259 lb-ft) with a 9-speed automatic and paddle shifters. The Rock Creek is tuned to 295 hp / 270 lb-ft on premium fuel.
- Highlander runs a 2.4L turbocharged four (265 hp / 310 lb-ft) with an 8-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive across the lineup — its 310 lb-ft is the torque leader here.
- Palisade carries a 3.5L V6 (287 hp / 260 lb-ft) with an 8-speed automatic — the horsepower leader of the three.
Towing Capability
| Vehicle | Max Towing (properly equipped) |
|---|---|
| Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 lbs |
| Toyota Highlander | 5,000 lbs |
| Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 lbs |
The Pathfinder leads on towing at 6,000 lbs when equipped with the available tow package (standard on Rock Creek and Platinum; available via the SV and SL Premium packages). Supporting hardware includes Tow Mode with Downhill Speed Control and the available Intelligent 4×4 system. For families pulling a small camper or boat to the mountains, that extra 1,000 lbs of capacity is a meaningful, verified advantage.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Fuel Economy
| Vehicle | EPA-Estimated MPG (City / Hwy / Combined) |
|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander (2.4T, AWD) | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| Nissan Pathfinder (V6, FWD) | 21 / 27 / 23 |
| Hyundai Palisade (V6, FWD) | 19 / 25 / 21 |
Among these gas powertrains, the turbocharged Highlander is the efficiency leader at an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined, with the Pathfinder V6 close behind at 23. The Palisade’s larger, naturally aspirated V6 trails at 21 combined. Buyers who want maximum efficiency in this segment should note that both Toyota and Hyundai also offer hybrid versions of these models, reviewed separately.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Technology & Safety
Infotainment & Cabin Tech
- Pathfinder — newly standard 12.3-inch touchscreen on every trim with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; class-exclusive Qi2 wireless charging with cooling. Upper trims add a 12.3-inch digital cluster (SL and Platinum), a Head-Up Display and 13-speaker Bose audio (Platinum), and the HD Intelligent Around View Monitor with Front Wide View and Invisible Hood View.
- Highlander — Toyota Audio Multimedia on an 8-inch (XLE/XSE) or available 12.3-inch touchscreen (Limited/Platinum), with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
- Palisade — standard curved dual 12.3-inch displays (infotainment plus driver cluster) with wireless smartphone integration.
Driver-Assistance & Safety
- Pathfinder — Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard on every trim: automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and high-beam assist. Available ProPILOT Assist adds adaptive cruise with lane centering. The 2026 Pathfinder holds a NHTSA 5-Star Overall safety rating and a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, and was named a “Best New Vehicle for Teens” by the IIHS and Consumer Reports.
- Highlander — Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard, with blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert across the lineup.
- Palisade — Hyundai SmartSense standard; the redesigned 2026 model (built after November 2025) earned the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, the Institute’s highest award, with good ratings in the small-overlap front and side tests.
Pricing & Value
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
| Trim | Starting MSRP2 |
|---|---|
| S | from $37,500 |
| SV | from $39,900 |
| SL | from $42,590 |
| Rock Creek | from $45,090 |
| Platinum | from $49,790 |
2026 Toyota Highlander
| Trim | Starting MSRP2 |
|---|---|
| XLE (AWD) | from $46,270 |
| XSE (AWD) | from $48,340 |
| Limited (AWD) | from $50,725 |
| Platinum (AWD) | from $53,925 |
2026 Hyundai Palisade
| Trim | Starting MSRP2 |
|---|---|
| SE | from $39,435 |
| Limited | from $49,770 |
| Calligraphy | from $54,560 |
2 Starting MSRP (base drivetrain: Pathfinder and Palisade FWD, Highlander AWD-standard); destination included in the stated figure. The Pathfinder and Palisade also offer additional trims (Pathfinder SV/SL; Palisade SEL, SEL Convenience, SEL Premium, XRT Pro) — ask our team for the full lineup.
The Pathfinder offers the lowest entry price of the three at a MSRP of $37,500, undercutting the Highlander XLE by roughly $8,000 at the entry point — while delivering standard V6 power and the highest towing in this group. The Palisade opens close to the Pathfinder on price but climbs into near-luxury territory at the top. If you want to compare trims and features across the Nissan range, you can explore the full Pathfinder lineup in our research center.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
The Verdict: Category Winners
| Category | Winner | Verified Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Towing | Pathfinder | 6,000 lbs vs. 5,000 lbs |
| Standard Horsepower | Palisade | 287 hp |
| Torque | Highlander | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | Highlander | 24 mpg combined |
| Cargo (3rd row) | Palisade | 19.1 cu ft |
| Lowest Starting Price | Pathfinder | $37,500 |
| Standard AWD | Highlander | AWD on every trim |
Why the Pathfinder Stands Out for Ontario Families
The 2026 Pathfinder brings the best towing in this comparison, standard V6 power, easy third-row access via EZ FLEX, class-exclusive Qi2 charging, and the lowest starting price — a strong all-around value for families balancing daily driving with weekend capability. Each of these SUVs is a capable choice, but for households near Ontario who want V6 confidence and towing headroom without a premium price, the Pathfinder makes the clearest case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder worth it compared to the Highlander and Palisade?
The Pathfinder pairs standard V6 power with the highest towing in this group (6,000 lbs) and the lowest starting price ($37,500). The Highlander leads on fuel economy and standard AWD; the Palisade leads on horsepower and cargo space. For families who value towing and value pricing, the Pathfinder is a compelling pick.
Which of these SUVs has the most cargo and passenger space?
The Palisade offers the most cargo behind the third row at 19.1 cu ft. All three seat up to eight passengers. The Pathfinder’s EZ FLEX second row makes third-row access especially easy, even with a child seat installed.
How do the powertrains differ?
The Pathfinder uses a 3.5L V6 (284 hp), the Highlander a 2.4L turbo four (265 hp, 310 lb-ft), and the Palisade a 3.5L V6 (287 hp). The Highlander comes standard with all-wheel drive; the Pathfinder and Palisade offer AWD as an option.
Where can I see the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder near Ontario?
You can explore the full Pathfinder lineup and schedule a test drive at Empire Nissan in Ontario. Call our sales team at 909-740-6712 or browse current inventory online.
Pricing, specifications, and availability are subject to change and should be confirmed with the dealer. EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. See dealer for complete details.