Santa Fe vs Pathfinder
For three-row suv shoppers, the Santa Fe from Hyundai and the Pathfinder from Nissan are two of the obvious candidates. Each has a clear strength: the Santa Fe leads on engine & performance, and the Pathfinder answers with space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Santa Fe wins
- Space & Practicality Pathfinder wins
- Off-road & Towing Pathfinder wins
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance4.8
- 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
-
The Pathfinder has 2,500 lb more towing capacity
It’s a lopsided result (6,000 lb for the Pathfinder, 3,500 lb for the Santa Fe) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
-
The Santa Fe has 52 lb-ft more torque
The spread here is large: 311 lb-ft on the Santa Fe versus 259 lb-ft on the Pathfinder. Expect to notice it. The Santa Fe’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Pathfinder has room for 8 seats
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Pathfinder’s 8 seats beats the Santa Fe’s 7 seats. The Pathfinder has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,325 lb |
Engine & Performance
Santa Fe leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Santa Fe leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The Santa Fe scores with 52 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. In short, the Santa Fe is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Torque
Santa Fe: 311 lb-ft Pathfinder: 259 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Pathfinder leads
On space & practicality, the Pathfinder comes out slightly ahead. In its favor, the Pathfinder has room for 8 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Pathfinder is the safer choice.
Seats
Santa Fe: 7 seats Pathfinder: 8 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Pathfinder leads
This section belongs to the Pathfinder. In off-road & towing, it leads the Santa Fe by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Pathfinder brings 2,500 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Pathfinder’s higher rating gives you more margin. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the Pathfinder.
Max towing
Santa Fe: 3,500 lb Pathfinder: 6,000 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Santa Fe’s and the Pathfinder’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Santa Fe | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 277 hp | 284 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft (winner) | 259 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Santa Fe | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Santa Fe | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 16.6 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Santa Fe | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 7.10 in |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity | 6,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Santa Fe | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,325 lb |
“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 Santa Fe if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (311 lb-ft vs 259 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Hyundai and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Pathfinder if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (6,000 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you already use other Nissan products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Santa Fe or the Pathfinder?
It depends on your priorities: the Santa Fe is stronger on engine & performance, while the Pathfinder leads on space & practicality.
Executive Summary
Hyundai makes the Santa Fe, Nissan makes the Pathfinder, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. Practically speaking, the Santa Fe’s biggest advantage is 52 lb-ft more torque. The Pathfinder does have a strong card to play: 2,500 lb more towing capacity.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Santa Fe suits buyers focused on engine & performance; the Pathfinder suits those focused on space & practicality.
My pick: the Santa Fe if engine & performance is a daily concern, otherwise the Pathfinder for its space & practicality.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.