Best Nissan SUV for a Family Trip to Grand Bend: Rogue vs. Pathfinder
Best Nissan SUV for a Family Trip to Grand Bend: Rogue vs. Pathfinder
Posted on July 30, 2025
Planning a summer family trip to Grand Bend means choosing the right vehicle for sandy beaches, gear-heavy adventures, and comfortable highway cruising. The 2025 Nissan Rogue and Pathfinder both offer compelling options for families heading to Ontario's popular Lake Huron destination, but each serves different needs depending on your group size and travel style.
Both SUVs come standard with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and comprehensive safety technology, making them well-suited for the mix of highway driving and beach access roads that characterize a Grand Bend adventure. The key differences lie in passenger capacity, cargo space, and the specific features that make beach trips more enjoyable.
Passenger Capacity and Seating Comfort
The Rogue accommodates five passengers across two rows, while the Pathfinder expands to eight passengers with three rows of seating. For families with two or three children, the Rogue's spacious interior provides plenty of room without the size penalty of a larger SUV. The front seats offer 1,054 mm of leg room and 1,044 mm of head room (without moonroof), ensuring adult comfort during the two-hour drive from Kitchener.
The Pathfinder's three-row configuration makes it the clear choice for larger families or groups traveling together to Grand Bend. The EZ FLEX second-row seats feature LATCH AND GLIDE technology, allowing access to the third row even with child safety seats installed. This practical feature eliminates the hassle of removing car seats when grandparents or friends need to access the back row.
Second-row passengers in both vehicles benefit from dedicated air conditioning vents and comfortable seating, but the Pathfinder's 901 mm leg room in the second row provides more space for growing teenagers or adults during longer drives.
Cargo Space for Beach Gear
Cargo capacity becomes critical when packing for Grand Bend's beaches, campgrounds, and summer activities. The Rogue provides 1,033 litres of cargo space behind the second row (with Divide-N-Hide in low position), expanding to 2,098 litres with seats folded. This space easily accommodates beach umbrellas, coolers, sand toys, and camping gear for smaller families.
The Pathfinder offers significantly more storage flexibility with 470 litres behind the third row, 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and 2,279 litres with both rear rows down. For Grand Bend trips that involve multiple families, camping equipment, or water sports gear like kayaks and paddleboards, the Pathfinder's superior cargo capacity becomes invaluable.
Both vehicles feature Divide-N-Hide cargo systems that help organize beach gear and prevent items from shifting during transport. The Pathfinder's larger cargo area includes additional tie-down points for securing bulky items like beach tents or coolers.
- Rogue cargo volume: 1,033L (rear seats up) / 2,098L (seats down)
- Pathfinder cargo volume: 470L (all seats up) / 2,279L (rear seats down)
- Both feature: Divide-N-Hide organization system and cargo area lighting
Beach-Specific Features and Practicality
For Grand Bend's sandy environment, both SUVs offer features that make beach trips more manageable. The Rogue and Pathfinder include easy-to-clean interior materials that handle sandy feet and wet swimwear without permanent damage. Both vehicles feature multiple cup holders and storage compartments for organizing beach essentials during travel.
The Pathfinder's larger interior provides more space for changing clothes or organizing gear, while its higher seating position offers better visibility when navigating crowded beach parking areas. The Rogue's more compact size makes it easier to park in tight spots near popular Grand Bend attractions.
Both SUVs include rear air conditioning vents that help maintain comfortable temperatures when the cabin is loaded with passengers returning from a day in the sun. The Pathfinder's three-zone climate control provides more precise temperature management for larger groups.
Fuel Economy and Highway Performance
For the round trip to Grand Bend and local driving around the beach area, fuel economy considerations favour the Rogue. Its smaller 1.5-litre turbocharged engine delivers 7.6 L/100km combined fuel economy, while the Pathfinder's larger 3.5-litre V6 uses 10.6 L/100km combined.
The Pathfinder's V6 engine provides 284 hp compared to the Rogue's 201 hp, offering more confidence when fully loaded with passengers and gear. For families traveling with boats, trailers, or heavy camping equipment, the Pathfinder's 2,721 kg towing capacity far exceeds the Rogue's 680 kg limit.
Highway driving comfort benefits from standard Intelligent Cruise Control on both vehicles, with the Pathfinder offering ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link on higher grades for reduced fatigue during longer drives.
Technology and Convenience Features
Both SUVs include Google built-in connectivity (on select grades) that provides real-time traffic information for optimal routing to Grand Bend. The systems include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
The Pathfinder's available Intelligent Around View Monitor helps when parking in crowded beach lots or navigating tight cottage driveways. The Rogue offers similar technology with available 3D Around View Monitor that includes Front Wide View and Invisible Hood View for improved visibility.
For entertainment during the drive, both vehicles offer available Bose premium audio systems, though the Pathfinder's 12-speaker system provides more immersive sound for larger groups.
| Feature Comparison | 2025 Rogue | 2025 Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers | 8 passengers |
| Cargo Volume (max) | 2,098 litres | 2,279 litres |
| Fuel Economy | 7.6 L/100km combined | 10.6 L/100km combined |
| Towing Capacity | 680 kg | 2,721 kg |
| Engine Power | 201 hp | 284 hp |
The Right Choice for Your Grand Bend Adventure
The Rogue excels for smaller families (up to five people) who prioritize fuel efficiency and easier parking around Grand Bend's beaches and attractions. Its cargo space handles typical beach gear without the size and cost premium of a larger SUV.
The Pathfinder becomes the better choice when traveling with six or more people, towing watercraft, or carrying extensive camping equipment. Its superior towing capacity and cargo flexibility make it ideal for extended Grand Bend vacations or multi-family trips.
Both vehicles provide the safety technology, comfort features, and all-wheel-drive capability needed for enjoyable Grand Bend adventures. The decision comes down to group size, gear requirements, and budget considerations.
Experience both the Rogue and Pathfinder during a test drive at Kitchener Nissan to determine which SUV best fits your family's Grand Bend travel plans.