Nissan Pathfinder vs Honda Passport

Verdict: Nissan Pathfinder vs Honda Passport

The Honda Passport achieves a higher average reliability score of 83/100 compared to the Nissan Pathfinder's 75/100, indicating a generally more dependable performance. However, the Passport has a higher owner complaint rate at 11.6 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Pathfinder's 3.5, suggesting more frequent issues relative to its sales volume. Both vehicles have a similar range of common issues, but the Passport's slightly lower estimated annual repair cost of $521 versus the Pathfinder's $542 may offer minor savings. Overall, while the Passport scores better in reliability, the Pathfinder presents fewer complaints, making them closely matched in reliability considerations.

Reliability problem analysis

The Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Passport exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Honda Passport reporting a higher overall number of complaints at 548 compared to the Pathfinder's 457. The Passport shows a significant focus on the Electrical System with 123 complaints, including 2 crash-linked, which is nearly double the 64 complaints for the Pathfinder in the same category. Additionally, the Passport's Forward Collision Avoidance system is a notable area of concern with 64 complaints, 2 of which are crash-linked, a category not highlighted in the Pathfinder's data. Both vehicles have a similar number of complaints related to the Power Train and Engine, but the Pathfinder has slightly more issues related to the Service Brakes, with 58 complaints versus the Passport's 49.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize reliability and are concerned with fewer owner complaints, the Honda Passport might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 83/100 and a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, it offers a dependable ride. While it has a higher number of recalls at 29, the estimated annual repair cost is slightly lower at $521, suggesting that when issues do arise, they're less expensive to fix.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a vehicle with a lower recall count and are less concerned about the number of complaints, the Nissan Pathfinder could be more suitable. It has fewer recalls at 14 and a lower major repair risk of 15%, though it comes with a slightly higher annual repair cost of $542. The Pathfinder may appeal to those who value a balance between reliability and fewer disruptive recalls.

Cost of ownership

Independent repair cost data indicates that the Nissan Pathfinder has an annual repair cost of $542, slightly higher than the Honda Passport's $521. Over five years, this equates to a $105 difference in favor of the Honda. The Pathfinder also requires more frequent repairs, with 0.4 visits per year compared to the Passport's 0.3 visits. Additionally, the Pathfinder has a 15% risk of major repairs, making it potentially more costly in the long run. For cost-conscious buyers, the Honda Passport offers better value, with lower repair costs and less frequent service visits, alongside a lower risk of major repairs.