Traverse vs Pathfinder
The Traverse and the Pathfinder are direct rivals in the three-row suv class, one from Chevrolet and one from Nissan. Taken area by area, the Traverse wins 2 of 4. That doesn’t make the Pathfinder a bad choice, but it does set the baseline.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Traverse wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Pathfinder wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality4.6
- Off-road & Towing6.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Traverse has 39% more cargo space
The spread here is large: 23 cu ft on the Traverse versus 16.6 cu ft on the Pathfinder. Expect to notice it. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The Traverse has 44 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Traverse makes its strongest case: 328 hp against 284 hp. The Traverse’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Traverse has 67 lb-ft more torque
The Traverse clearly leads on torque, and 326 lb-ft versus 259 lb-ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Pathfinder has 1,000 lb more towing capacity
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Pathfinder leads with 6,000 lb to 5,000 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Design & Size
Physically, these two aren’t the same size: the Traverse is larger in overall dimensions.
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 114.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,325 lb |
Engine & Performance
Traverse leads
This section belongs to the Traverse. In engine & performance, it leads the Pathfinder by a margin that’s hard to ignore. Choose the Traverse and you get 44 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. In short, the Traverse is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
Traverse: 328 hp Pathfinder: 284 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Traverse: 326 lb-ft Pathfinder: 259 lb-ft The Traverse’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
If fuel economy & range matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Don’t let fuel economy & range decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
Here the Traverse opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. Here the Traverse offers 39% more cargo space. The Traverse’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. If space & practicality is your priority, the Traverse is the car to pick.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Traverse: 23 cu ft Pathfinder: 16.6 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Pathfinder leads
The Traverse keeps it close on off-road & towing, yet the Pathfinder holds a small lead. The Pathfinder pulls ahead with 1,000 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. Anyone shopping mainly on off-road & towing should start with the Pathfinder.
Max towing
Traverse: 5,000 lb Pathfinder: 6,000 lb If you tow regularly, the Pathfinder’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 284 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 259 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats | 8 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 16.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 7.10 in |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 6,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 114.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,325 lb |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,700 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Traverse if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 16.6 cu ft)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 284 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 259 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Pathfinder if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (6,000 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you want the more compact car
- you trust Nissan and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Traverse or the Pathfinder?
The Traverse wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’d trade the rest for 1,000 lb more towing capacity.
Which is larger, the Traverse or the Pathfinder?
The larger model here is the Traverse (204 in); the Pathfinder is more compact at 197.7 × 77.9 × 70.9 in.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Traverse’s and the Pathfinder’s) so you don’t have to. My main argument for the Traverse? It comes with 39% more cargo space. A second reason: the Traverse comes with 44 hp more power. Credit where it’s due: the Pathfinder offers 1,000 lb more towing capacity.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Traverse suits buyers focused on engine & performance; the Pathfinder suits those focused on off-road & towing.
My pick: the Traverse, and I’d only look at the Pathfinder if what you want most is 1,000 lb more towing capacity.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.