Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks

Jun 10, 2021

The Rogue and the Pathfinder are two of Nissan’s most popular SUVs. Each model has particular strengths and features to consider before you buy. The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV and the Pathfinder is a much larger and more powerful three-row crossover SUV. Let’s look at the main differences so you can select the Nissan SUV that best meets your needs.

What Are the Primary Differences Between the Nissan Rogue and the Nissan Pathfinder?

Nissan Logo on the wheel
Image via Flickr by navets via CC BY 2.0

Both the Nissan Rogue and the Pathfinder are reliable, high-quality SUVs with excellent performance ratings. Most of the differences between the two cars are related to the size and function of the vehicles. We’ll cover the following differences between the Rogue and the Pathfinder:

  • Exterior dimensions.
  • Passenger capacity.
  • Cargo space.
  • Engine and fuel economy.
  • Towing and payload capacity.
  • Safety features.
  • Technology.

Exterior Dimensions

As a compact SUV, the Rogue is significantly smaller than the Pathfinder. The Rogue measures 184.5 inches in length compared to the Pathfinder’s 198.5 inches. The Rogue is 72.4 inches wide, 66.3 inches high, and has a wheelbase of 106.5 inches. The Pathfinder measures 77.3 inches in width, 69.5 inches in height, and has a 114.2-inch wheelbase.

Passenger Capacity

The Rogue seats five passengers comfortably in its luxurious cabin space. There is an available tri-zone automatic temperature control for regulating temperature throughout the interior.

The Pathfinder can seat up to seven with three rows of seats and has a unique second-row seat design that allows for easier access to the third row. The second row slides over five inches and can lock into place for additional passenger space. The second row can also tilt and slide to allow easy entry to the third row, even with a child seat securely strapped in place. The Pathfinder’s third row reclines for the option to relax on long trips and the multi-zone climate control ensures passenger comfort throughout the cabin, no matter the temperature outside.

Cargo Space

If it’s storage space you’re looking for, the Pathfinder is going to be the best choice for you. The Pathfinder has up to 79.5 cubic feet of cargo space and its second- and third-row seats fold down to create a large flat floor space and a huge enclosed storage area. There is also hidden under-floor storage for any items that you prefer to keep out of sight.

The Rogue only offers 36.5 cubic feet of storage but has a unique divide-and-hide cargo system that allows up to six different configurations of the storage compartments. With 60/40-split rear seats to make creating space very simple, the Rogue also has remote folding available so you can collapse the rear seats with just a push of a button.

Engine and Fuel Economy

Both the Rogue and the Pathfinder come with standard front-wheel drive. The Rogue has an available all-wheel drivetrain, and the Pathfinder has an option for a four-wheel drivetrain.

The Rogue is slightly less powerful, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, 170 horsepower, and 175 pound-feet of torque. The Pathfinder’s six-cylinder 3.5-liter engine packs a powerful 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. 

The Rogue gets an estimated 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg in combined cycles. The Pathfinder has an estimated 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg in combined cycles. 

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Rogue has up to 1,102 pounds of maximum towing capacity and 900 pounds of payload capacity. The Pathfinder has an impressive best-in-class 6,000 pounds of towing capacity and a maximum payload capacity of 1,324 pounds. Optional hitch kits are available to attain maximum towing capacity.

Safety Features

Both the Rogue and Pathfinder come standard with a backup camera, rear-door alert, automatic front and rear emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. They also have a convenient tire pressure monitoring system that beeps the horn when the correct tire pressure is reached.

The Rogue’s safety features include a forward-collision warning system with pedestrian detection and a lane departure warning system, 10 standard airbags, and an advanced car seat safety system.

The Pathfinder is a top safety pick with available options such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. 

Technology

The Rogue’s unique infotainment system wins out for connectivity, with an 8-inch touch-screen display, built-in smartphone and Bluetooth integration, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Also available are wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot option, and digital voice assistant services.

The Pathfinder’s technology setup includes a touchscreen system with Bluetooth and six ports for USB connectivity but doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility.

Which Nissan SUV To Buy?

When it comes to choosing between the Nissan Rogue or the Pathfinder, you’ll drive off in an excellent SUV with either choice. Amenities such as ample passenger and cargo space and keyless start come with either vehicle. Your decision will come down to what you’re most looking for in your next vehicle.

The Rogue is smaller, more affordable, and gets better gas mileage. It also has a convenient automatic trunk-release feature, convenient for opening the liftgate when your arms are full. If you are looking for a vehicle to drive to work during the week and transport the family around on weekends, the Rogue has an advanced infotainment system, fits well into tight parking spaces, and has plenty of seating for family excursions.

When you need space for more passengers, the Pathfinder seats up to seven in its roomy interior. The V6 engine provides a lot of power and there is nearly double the cargo space of the Rogue. The available four-wheel drive and advanced towing capability will be a good choice for vehicles that will be frequently used on rough terrain.

The Rogue starts at $25,300 while the Pathfinder starts at $31,680.

Contact Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks

Whether you are looking to purchase the Nissan Rogue or the Pathfinder or you’re interested in looking over our wide selection of new and used vehicles, contact us at Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks. Our friendly staff would love to answer any questions you may have and help you get behind the wheel of your next SUV.