2023 Nissan Pathfinder: speck and features
Overview
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder can seat up to eight people, making it perfect for carpooling or long road trips. You'll appreciate the quiet cabin and smooth ride on your daily commute or weekend getaway. The V-6 engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional and gives the Pathfinder some off-road capability—although it won't touch a Jeep or a Bronco on the trail.
What's New for 2023?
Nissan is releasing a new "Rock Creek" model of the Pathfinder for 2023. This Sakari would be perfect for anyone who loves to go off-roading with its slightly lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and revised front grille and lower bumper. Plus, it comes standard with all-wheel drive so you can take on any terrain! The V6 engine has been given a power boost in this Rock Creek model too - now boasting 295 horsepower! Finally, the interior has also been modified with special cloth and vinyl upholstery along with orange stitching details. You'll know you're sitting in a Rock Creek edition Pathfinder thanks to the badges located on both the seats and center console."
If your budget permits, we recommend choosing the higher SL trim for your Pathfinder. In addition to the features offered on lower trims, upgrading gives you a better infotainment system screen size, 360-degree camera coverage and wireless Apple CarPlay.
For an extra $2900, the SL Premium package makes the Pathfinder downright luxurious with 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose stereo system, heated rear seats, and wireless smartphone charging. That package also includes all the items needed to unlock the Pathfinder's 6000-pound towing capacity.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The newer Pathfinder model drops the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for a new nine-speed automatic and still keeps the 3.5-liter V-6 from its predecessor. Most models have 284 horsepower, but the Rock Creek trim has 295 horsepower. Standard is front-wheel drive; however, all trims can come with all-wheel drive if desired. If you do upgrade to all-wheel drive, then you also get seven differentdrive modes to choose from that are each better suited for different terrain or conditions, like Sand and Mud/Rut mode for offroad driving
Our front-wheel-drive Pathfinder SL got to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds at our test track; the model with all-wheel drive did it even quicker, managing the same speed in only 6.6 seconds. That means that the all-wheel-drive Pathfinder is not just faster than other models like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander, but obtains this high ranking while also providing a smooth ride and quiet cabin cruising experience for passengers.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
If you're looking for an efficient Pathfinder, the EPA reports that the optional all-wheel drive is your best bet. It has received ratings of 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Meanwhile, our own 75-mph highway fuel economy test returned a 28umph rate - higher than its EPA rating. You can find more information about the Pathfinder's fuel economy on the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Pathfinder's interior is trendy and trucklike, with comfortable front seats and straightforward controls. It has the capacity to seat eight people across three rows, although buyers have the option of replacing the standard second-row bench seat for captain's chairs—which is usually a popular choice in family crossovers—that then reduces seating capacity to seven.
Nissan has created storage cubbies throughout the cabin, including a large bin below the center console that can be accessed by either the driver or front-seat passenger. Upper trim levels come with luxurious features such as semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Are Nissan Pathfinders any good?
Is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder a Good SUV? Yes, the 2023 Pathfinder is a very good SUV. It comes with a long list of standard tech and driver-assistance features, an airy and modern interior and versatile seating and cargo-hauling configurations.
Is a Nissan Pathfinder dependable?
We expect the 2022 Pathfinder to be less reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on Nissan's brand history and the previous generation of the Pathfinder.