Compare the2023 BMW X5VS 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The X5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The X5 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The X5 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the X5 and the Pathfinder have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X5 is safer than the Nissan Pathfinder:

	X5	Pathfinder
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Stress	308 lbs.	348 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	35%	45.1%
Neck Compression	91 lbs.	93 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X5 is safer than the Nissan Pathfinder:

	X5	Pathfinder
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	72	84
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	130 lbs.	138 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	48	88
Spine Acceleration	30 G’s	33 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	14 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X5 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 136 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Pathfinder is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2019.

Warranty

The X5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Pathfinder’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The X5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Pathfinder’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Pathfinder.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X5’s reliability 55 points higher than the Pathfinder.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X5 third among upper midsize premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Pathfinder isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 15th.

Engine

The X5 40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 51 more horsepower (335 vs. 284) and 72 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 259) than the Pathfinder’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6. The X5 40i’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 40 more horsepower (335 vs. 295) and 61 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 270) than the Pathfinder Rock Creek’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6. The X5 M50i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 228 more horsepower (523 vs. 295) and 283 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 270) than the Pathfinder Rock Creek’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the X5 40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Nissan Pathfinder (base engine):

	X5	Pathfinder
Zero to 60 MPH	5 sec	7.1 sec
Quarter Mile	13.6 sec	15.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98.5 MPH	92.3 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X5 gets better mileage than the Pathfinder:

			MPG
X5
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/25 hwy
Pathfinder
	AWD	SL/Platinum 3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/25 hwy
		3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/23 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the X5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X5 has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Pathfinder (21.9 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The X5 has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Pathfinder. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Transmission

The X5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X5 M Sport’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Pathfinder:

	X5 M Sport	Pathfinder
Front Rotors	15.6 inches	13.8 inches
Rear Rotors	14.6 inches	13 inches

The X5 stops shorter than the Pathfinder:

	X5	Pathfinder
70 to 0 MPH	170 feet	179 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	127 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X5 has larger standard tires than the Pathfinder (265/50R19 vs. 255/60R18). The X5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Pathfinder (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 255/60R18).

The X5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Pathfinder’s standard 60 series tires. The X5’s optional 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the Pathfinder’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Pathfinder. The X5’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the Pathfinder.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the X5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The X5 M50i offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The X5 M50i offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Nissan doesn’t offer an active suspension on the Pathfinder.

The X5 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Pathfinder’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X5’s wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer than on the Pathfinder (117.1 inches vs. 114.2 inches).

The X5’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.2% to 49.8%) than the Pathfinder’s (55% to 45%). This gives the X5 more stable handling and braking.

The X5 xDrive40i handles at .89 G’s, while the Pathfinder SL pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X5 xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.6 seconds quicker than the Pathfinder Platinum (25.8 seconds @ .75 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X5 has a 1.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Pathfinder (8.7 vs. 7.1 inches), allowing the X5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X5’s minimum ground clearance is 1 inch higher than on the Pathfinder Rock Creek (8.7 vs. 7.7 inches).

Chassis

The X5 is 3.4 inches shorter than the Pathfinder, making the X5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the X5 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Cargo Capacity

The X5 has a much larger cargo volume than the Pathfinder with its rear seat up (33.9 vs. 16.6 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X5’s second row seats and pressing a button automatically lowers the X5’s optional third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The X5’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Pathfinder’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

Towing

The X5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Pathfinder’s (5952 vs. 3500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Nissan Pathfinder is only 6000 pounds. The X5 offers up to a 7209 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The X5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Pathfinder uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the X5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Pathfinder. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Nissan. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 18th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Pathfinder Platinum, the X5 M50i has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

If the windows are left open on the X5 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Pathfinder can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Pathfinder’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The X5’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Pathfinder’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X5 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer cornering lights. The X5 also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The X5’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Pathfinder SV/Rock Creek/SL/Platinum.

The X5’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Pathfinder offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The X5 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Pathfinder.

The X5’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Pathfinder doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

The X5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X5 will retain 47.3% to 48.55% of its original price after five years, while the Pathfinder only retains 43.77% to 45.89%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X5, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Nissan Pathfinder isn't recommended.

The BMW X5 outsold the Nissan Pathfinder by 42% during 2022.