Three-Row SUV Battle: Nissan Pathfinder vs Ford Explorer - gallery

In the green corner, we have Nissan's all-new 2022 Pathfinder in Platinum trim. Under the hood lies a 3.5 L naturally aspirated V-6 engine that produces 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque

The old CVT is thankfully gone and in its place is a 9-speed auto, that sends power to all four corners. The Pathfinder weighs 4638 lbs

In the steely grey corner, we have the 2022 Ford Explorer in XLT trim. Under the hood like the legendary 2.3 L V-6 Ecoboost turbo mill that produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque

The Explorer also packs 4WD and the Ecoboost is mated to a 10 Speed automatic transmission. The Ford is lighter than the Nissan, tipping the scales at 4345 lbs

With the numbers out of the way, let's race. We begin with a standard run-of-the-mill normal mode

The Explorer pulls pretty well off the line

And takes an easy win on this first pass

For round two, the guys switch it up to sport mode

The time around the Nissan was much better off the line

And the Pathfinder manages to take this second round, although not by much

For the third and final round, the pair perform a rilling start from 31 mph

Once again, it was the Pathfinder that had the better kickdown

As the speeds build, that lead only gets bigger and it manages to win this third an final pass

While the Pathfinder did win this duel, it wasn't the ideal comparison spec for spec. Sam says that the high spec Explorer ST would run rings round the Nissan. Swipe Up to read more about this duel.