2014 Nissan Pathfinder Vs 2014 Toyota Prado

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2014 Nissan Pathfinder (R52)
VS
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2014 Toyota Landcruiser Prado

Here’s a comparison between the all new 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and the freshly updated 2014 Toyota Landcruiser Prado. The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is all new model and designed to compete directly with the all new and coming soon Toyota Kluger. Until the Kluger arrives we decided to compare it with the updated Toyota Landcruiser Prado. On the surface the new Nisan Pathfinder starts at an attractive price but it goes to over $70,000 for the range topper eeekk! Likewise the Toyota is equally expensive and the top range model is above $90,000!

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Vs Toyota Prado exterior: The new Nissan Pathfinder is much needed visual and size update to the model name but it has lost its hard core 4WD ability and design clues. It different and clearly modern design that looks good but we can’t help think it will date quickly. We lso think that it look like a Toyota Kluger with a pointer front end. The new Pathfinder is also quite a large SUV and now unrelated to the Navara utility. The very large chrome grill is even larger then the Prado. However there are not enough visual differences between base model trim and top os the range – which is not acceptable considering the price gap. Meanwhile the Toyota Prado has been given a more modern and aggressive front end that in pictures looks over sized but in real life works quite well. It is unusual for Toyota to do quite a significant update int he mid model cycle but it does work.

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Vs Toyota Prado interior: The interior of the new Pathfinder is a revelation, much better than the older model and more car like. It feels good quality, solid to touch and hold and nice place to be but only in the low to mid spec models. The top range model gets plenty of equipment but not worth the $30,000 price gap which makes us demand better. Meanwhile the Prado still uses the same design and materials from 4 years ago with some changes to the VX and Top spec Kakadu but it doesn’t cut it for the asking price. However they do claim improved refinement which we’ll check out for ourselves later. Finally in relation to both cars and everyone in general really – why does fake wood looking trim and leather equal luxury?

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Vs Toyota Prado engines and technology: The 2014 Pathfinder has only one engine option and its a V6 petrol the same engine seen on the Z and Maxima series so its a good engine with the ability to run 91 Octane petrol that is clearly capable and reliable. The Pathfinder also has one of the latest in car entertainment and safety systems and other technology. The relatively low combined fuel consumption will mean it still quite a heavy petrol user we honestly believe that around 12-13 litres in normal use should be expected which is not an improvement.  The Prado has been updated too with added equipment but nothing worth talking about. However the engines and gearbox remain the same and while good really needs at least one more gear more fuel saving tech since it requires 95 Octane. The Landcruiser package is clearly reliable but some leading tech would have been nice with this update.

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Vs Toyota Prado road test : Coming soon.

The new Pathfinder is a different type of car to the prior model and no longer competes directly with the Toyota Prado. The areas which it does compare with is seating for at least 7 people in reasonable comfort without resorting to a van. However the recommended retail  pricing for both are very high especially if you want good equipment levels. In the end the results of the comparison boils down to what you want the car for – mainly on road and some off-road pick the Pathfinder while the ability to virtually go anywhere off-road and equally on road then pick the LandCruiser Prado. So in that sense if you buy the Pathfinder you are paying more for less capability if the matters…

2014 Nissan Pathfinder
2014 Toyota Landcruiser Prado
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Nissan Pathfinder Interior
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Toyota Landcruiser Prado Interior
Engines  
VQ35 (91 Octane)
V6 Petrol
DOHC EFI
3.5 Litre (3498cc)
Claimed 190Kw @ 5600RPM
Claimed 325Nm @ 4000RPM

1GR-FE – V6 Petrol (modified) 
Quad Cam with Dual VVTi EFI
4 Litre (3956cc)
Claimed 202Kw @ 5600RPM
Claimed 380Nm @ 4400RPM

1KD-FTV – IL4 Diesel (modified)
Turbo-charged – Inter-cooler 
Direct Injection – Common Rail
3 Litre (2982cc)
Claimed 128Kw @ 3400RPM
Claimed 410Nm @ 1600-2800RPM

Weight  

Kerb weight FROM: 1920Kg
Towing capacity up to 2700kg

Kerb weight 2190 – 2435 Kg
Towing capacity up to 2500Kg 5Dr and 3000Kg for 3Dr
Fuel capacity & consumption  
73 litres 91 Octane
VQ35 V6 Petrol 9.9 litres per 100km
Up to 150 litres 95 Octane
IL6 Petrol 11.5 litres per 100km (Auto)
IL4 Diesel 8.5 litres per 100km (Auto)
Other specifications  
CVT Auto transmission
Overall height/width 1768/1960
Overall length/wheelbase 5008/2900
Track (front/rear) 1670/1670
Tyre size: 235-65-18 235-55-20
NCAP safety rating X/5

5 speed Auto or 6 speed manual
Overall height/width 1845/1890
Overall length/wheelbase 4930/2790
Track (front/rear) 1585/1585
Tyre size: 265-65-17
NCAP safety rating 5/5

Capability  
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach ?? Departure ?? Breakover ??
Minimum ground clearance ??mm
4WD system: 2WD or AWD with selectable modes

Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach 32 Departure 24-25 Breakover 22
Min ground clearance 220mm
Water Fording depth 700mm Max
4WD system: AWD with selectable modes 

Performance  
   150 Series LandCruiser Prado performance
Pricing  
2014 $39,990 – 69,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!
2014 $55,990 – 92,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!