Nissan Pathfinder vs Hyundai Santa Fe

More than twenty years ago Hyundai gave us its first SUV. Called the Santa Fe, the popular crossover has gone through four generations, all leading up to this design departure that makes this latest model the boldest-looking version yet.

Even if you’re not sold on the exterior design, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has plenty to recommend it. Its longer wheelbase means the mid-size crossover has more interior space and Hyundai has added myriad features that just make sense in a family vehicle of this size. There are others that might offer up a bit more cargo space, but those who are looking for stand-out styling on the road should take a serious look at this blocky crossover.

Verdict: The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size crossover that fashionable families will love. However, those with more traditional tastes might find it all a bit too much.

Despite a rich history and lengthy pedigree, the Nissan Pathfinder has struggled to compete against the most popular three-row crossover SUVs. That’s perplexing, as the Pathfinder offers excellent cargo capacity, comfortable seating, and a modern design, and it does it all at a competitive price. Slight updates for the 2025 model year are unlikely to vault the Pathfinder ahead of competitors like the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride, but they nonetheless help make this attractive SUV even more appealing..

Verdict: The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is missing the single killer app to put it clear ahead of competitors. Instead, it offers a beautifully well-rounded package, with no single area likely to let shoppers down, even if there’s no single area likely to wow them, either. An ideal workhorse for both adventurous and budget-friendly families, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder delivers a solid, reliable experience across all aspects of ownership.