Hyundai
Palisade
Owner report available
Nissan
Pathfinder
Owner report available
Hyundai Palisade vs Nissan Pathfinder
The short answer
Based on available data, the Hyundai Palisade comes out ahead of the Nissan Pathfinder on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Palisade
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its exceptional value proposition, offering a high level of comfort, spaciousness, and premium features (e.g., ventilated second-row seats, advanced driver assistance systems, abundant storage) at a competitive price point. Many owners express strong satisfaction with the smooth ride, family-friendly design, and technology content.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim. The Calligraphy trim is noted by the manufacturer as the expected volume seller and represents the fully-featured version.
Known issues
- Excessive engine oil consumption (primarily 2020-2021 models): Severe oil burning, often requiring engine replacement under warranty, typically manifesting around 60,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent.
- Transmission failure: Complete transmission failure reported as early as 87,000 miles; also includes reports of lagging, slipping between gears, and losing power, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Frequency: recurrent.
- Fuel system/engine performance issues: Intermittent loss of acceleration despite engine revving (codes P0087, P0661, P021A0 cited), potentially linked to failing fuel injectors or sensors. Frequency: recurrent.
Pathfinder
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the current generation (2022+), which replaced the CVT with a conventional 9-speed automatic, initial sentiment is mixed. Owners appreciate the comfortable seats, smooth V6 power, competitive fuel economy (reported 24 MPG combined), standard towing capacity, and the removal of the problematic CVT.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. The Rock Creek trim is mentioned for its styling but is also the subject of multiple complaint threads.
Known issues
- **Current Generation (2022+):** * Electrical & Sensor Malfunctions: "No Key Detected" warnings, front collision/automatic emergency braking sensors flashing erratically or activating falsely, automatic high beams malfunctioning, volume/ste…
- **Previous CVT Generation (2013-2021):** * Catastrophic CVT Transmission Failure: Complete failure often requiring full replacement, frequently recurring even with replacement units; associated with jerking, stalling, and error codes (e.g.…
- **Older Generations (Pre-2013):** * SMOD (Strawberry Milkshake of Death): Radiator failure leading to coolant contamination of the transmission, primarily affecting 2005-2010 models. Frequency: recurrent (for affected years).
The verdict
The Hyundai Palisade is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Nissan Pathfinder, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Nissan Pathfinder is worth a closer look instead.
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Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Palisade or the Nissan Pathfinder?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Hyundai Palisade and the Nissan Pathfinder. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Hyundai Palisade or the Nissan Pathfinder?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Hyundai Palisade or the Nissan Pathfinder?
The EPA rates the 2027 Hyundai Palisade at 19–34 mpg combined and the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder at 21–23 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Palisade or the Nissan Pathfinder?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Hyundai Palisade than the Nissan Pathfinder. See the known issues comparison above.