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Ultimate Comparison: Nissan Xterra Vs. Honda Pilot – Which Suv Reigns Supreme?

What to know

  • The Honda Pilot is the more fuel-efficient SUV, getting an EPA-estimated 3 mpg more in the city and 5 mpg more on the highway than the Nissan Xterra.
  • The Pilot comes standard with more safety features than the Xterra, and it has received higher safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
  • It gets an EPA-estimated 3 mpg more in the city and 5 mpg more on the highway than the Xterra.

The Nissan Xterra and Honda Pilot are two popular SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. Both vehicles have spacious interiors, plenty of cargo space, and powerful engines. However, there are also some key differences between the two SUVs that shoppers should be aware of before making a decision.

In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nissan Xterra and Honda Pilot in terms of their performance, fuel efficiency, interior features, safety features, and price. We’ll also provide a verdict on which SUV is the better choice for most buyers.

Performance

The Nissan Xterra is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Both SUVs are available with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The Xterra is available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, while the Pilot is available with all-wheel drive.

In terms of performance, the Honda Pilot has a slight edge over the Nissan Xterra. The Pilot’s V6 engine is more powerful and produces more torque, which gives it a better acceleration time and top speed. The Pilot also handles better than the Xterra, thanks to its independent rear suspension.

Fuel Efficiency

The Nissan Xterra gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. With four-wheel drive, the Xterra gets an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

The Honda Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The Honda Pilot is the more fuel-efficient SUV, getting an EPA-estimated 3 mpg more in the city and 5 mpg more on the highway than the Nissan Xterra.

Interior Features

The Nissan Xterra and Honda Pilot both have spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Xterra has a maximum cargo capacity of 65.7 cubic feet, while the Pilot has a maximum cargo capacity of 83.9 cubic feet.

Both SUVs come standard with a variety of features, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD player. Available features include a sunroof, leather seats, and a navigation system.

In terms of interior features, the Honda Pilot has a slight edge over the Nissan Xterra. The Pilot has a more spacious interior, more cargo space, and more standard features.

Safety Features

The Nissan Xterra and Honda Pilot both come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Available safety features include a blind-spot monitor, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

The Honda Pilot has a slight edge over the Nissan Xterra in terms of safety features. The Pilot comes standard with more safety features than the Xterra, and it has received higher safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Price

The Nissan Xterra has a starting price of $26,990. The Honda Pilot has a starting price of $32,750.

The Honda Pilot is the more expensive SUV, but it also comes with more standard features and a better safety rating.

Verdict

The Nissan Xterra and Honda Pilot are both good SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. However, the Honda Pilot is the better choice for most buyers. It has a more powerful engine, better fuel efficiency, a more spacious interior, more cargo space, more standard features, and a better safety rating.

The Better Choice: Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is the better choice for most buyers because it offers a better overall package than the Nissan Xterra. It has a more powerful engine, better fuel efficiency, a more spacious interior, more cargo space, more standard features, and a better safety rating.

Information You Need to Know

  • Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Nissan Xterra or the Honda Pilot?

A: The Honda Pilot is more fuel-efficient than the Nissan Xterra. It gets an EPA-estimated 3 mpg more in the city and 5 mpg more on the highway than the Xterra.

  • Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Nissan Xterra or the Honda Pilot?

A: The Honda Pilot has a more spacious interior than the Nissan Xterra. It has more headroom, legroom, and cargo space than the Xterra.

  • Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Nissan Xterra or the Honda Pilot?

A: The Honda Pilot has a better safety rating than the Nissan Xterra. It has received higher safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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BJ
About the Author
My name is Bob Jenkins and I'm thrilled to share my automotive adventures with you here on mphdiary.com. Cars have always been a passion of mine, especially sporty yet practical Japanese models. For the past 10 years, I've been driving various Nissan vehicles and am constantly enjoying learning more about...