Advantages: High-class and convenient furniture; excellent driver assistance technology; above-average towing capacity
Defect: Drive worse than the competition with odd steering response; less third row space
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder may own one of the oldest SUV nameplates, but the actual vehicle itself has fluctuated wildly over the years between body-on-frame and unibody (intersection) architecture industry. It has grown in size and number of seats. It was a vehicle that was truly capable of finding the way and one more suited to the use of paved roads was found. With the latest generation introduced last year, Pathfinder maintaining the architecture and number of seats from generation to generation for the first time.
It’s still a seven-passenger crossover of good paved aisle variety, but at least the addition of the Rock Creek Edition for 2023 allows the Pathfinder to go back to its roots a bit. Last year’s redesign kicked off in that direction in style thanks to a bolder, edgier look. Ultimately, though, the Pathfinder is a family car and for that purpose it impresses with a modern interior that boasts above-average material quality and easy-to-use controls. Space is clearly as plentiful as a three-row crossover, although it’s just average for the segment. The driving experience is also nothing short of outstanding from the pack, but at least it’s not as pushy as the previous generation did.
Overall, the Pathfinder 2023 is more in tune with the spirit than its older predecessors, while also being more family-friendly than its close-knit casual predecessor. The new Rock Creek Pathfinder version also adds some characters and some abilities that are sure to be welcomed. Pathfinder offers even more sled capacity than most three-row crossovers. We will still choose one Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Jeep Grand Cherokee first, but of the second level alternatives, Pathfinder is right up there.
Furniture & Technology | Passenger & cargo space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What is it like to drive? | Pricing & Cut Levels | Fault Ratings & Safety Features
What’s new for 2023?
Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition returns in 2023 and we review it here. Pictured above, here’s the most rugged Pathfinder trim level with a modest 0.6-inch to 7.7-inch ground clearance, off-road adjustable suspension, 18-inch granulated wheels, and all-terrain tires. Toyo Open Country graphics, lots of matte black bodywork, and a platform roof rack. Oh, and lots of Rock Creek badges. Elsewhere in the lineup, SL There’s a standard wireless charging pad, while the SL and Platinum get the standard 10-way power passenger seat. The Platinum is now offered with the Platinum Captain Seat package which includes a removable second row panel between the captain’s seats.
How’s the interior and tech in a Pathfinder car?
This is arguably the best attribute of the Pathfinder. Although the highest level of Platinum trim you see there is its best leg forward, complete with nice two-tone leather/folding everywhere, even the lower trim levels More also benefit from the same sleek design, thoughtful care and user-friendly technology. Material quality is generally average for the segment, which speaks to how good the segment is.
The center console has a large pad to charge your smartphone, either wired or wirelessly on the devices above, plus a smaller compartment to prop your phone up if you want. Large and flexible cup holders, large armrests and door bins, and extra storage under the dashboard. You can also get a removable center console in between the available second-row captain’s seats.
The 9-inch touchscreen shown in the upper left is standard on the SL and Platinum trim levels, and has a user interface that really makes a great point in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Having hard buttons and knobs, plus a row of fixed on-screen menu icons, is always appreciated. The screen itself has a high resolution and vivid features color with attractive, easy-to-read graphics. It may not be super wide (as in Palisade and Telluride) or high (Explorer), but it’s big enough, easy on the eyes, and works well. The 8-inch screen found in the S, SV, and Rock Creek trims (top right) has fewer controls and is obviously smaller, but its functionality is essentially the same. .
How big is the pathfinder?
Pathfinder 2023 has essentially the same external dimensions as Palisade, Telluride, Subaru Ascentetc… However, the difference inside is more noticeable, especially in the third row, where the seats are a bit closer to the floor than what you mentioned above and are therefore less spacious. and more comfortable. NissanHowever, that means of going back is better than most, as the second row not only slides forward at the touch of a button (that’s pretty common), but it also does so in a way that provides more space to move around. returns to the third row of seats and allows you to install a forward-facing child seat. That could easily become a sealing tool for some.
Goods space behind the third row is raised at 16.6 cubic feet. On paper, that would make it hardly any better than the disappointing thing Toyota Highlanderbut in fact, the Pathfinder’s boxy shape and useful underfloor storage really help it carry more than its specs. We could fit four medium sized suitcases there plus a duffel bag on the floor. It measures 45 cubic feet with the third row of seats lowered and 80.5 with both rows of rear seats lowered, which is large enough that the difference from the competition doesn’t matter much.
What are the Pathfinder’s fuel economy and performance specs?
Like the rest of the competition, only one engine is offered: a good 3.5-liter V6 for a competitive 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. Fuel economy is 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined with FWD. Surprisingly, AWD energy saving actually better in the city, but the effect is the same: 21/27/23. Platinum AWD trim drops to 20/25/22, while the Rock Creek Edition and its off-road tires drop deeper to 20/23/21. All of these numbers are typical for the segment.
With the towbar available, the Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds, more than the segment’s 5,000-pound rating.
What kind of car do road seekers like to drive?
Thankfully, we no longer have to understand about a CVT whine as the Pathfinder climbs a highway on a ramp – the new nine-speed automatic transmission added with last year’s redesign has done its job commendably enough that we didn’t really notice. mind it. The same can be said for the majority of the 284-hp V6, which is powerful enough for the segment but with almost nothing outstanding or worse.
The latest Pathfinder is also noticeably calmer than its square, undulating predecessor with better weighted handlebars. However, steering effort and response never felt quite right – perhaps a bit slow for the amount of effort – and the suspension with available 20-inch wheels produces a conventional ride that combines responsiveness. Resistant to harsher impacts with a comfortable response to larger bumps and undulations. You get the impression that Nissan doesn’t know which lane to choose, so to speak, while adjusting the Pathfinder. Its competitors are more coherent.
The Rock Creek Edition isn’t too affected by off-road adjustable suspension and all-terrain tires once you’re firmly on the road. There’s more tire roar, but it’s not as dramatic as some other rugged family cars. You will also find it to be a much more civilized means of transportation than Toyota 4Runner, for example. Off-road, that’s ancient Toyota would taunt its once squishy apple competitor that has since become a three-row crossover. However, the Rock Creek upgrades are definitely improvements over what you get in other Pathfinder trims if you frequent camping or other outdoor locations.
What other Nissan Pathfinder reviews can I read?
2022 Nissan Pathfinder First Driver Review | Better automation; still not the best
Read this for more information on all that has changed for 2022, and dive deeper into what driving is like.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition Road Test
What You Get With The New Rock Creek Edition For 2023
Check luggage Nissan Pathfinder
See how much you can fit behind the raised third row, plus compare with most of the competition.
How much is Pathfinder 2023?
Prices start at $36,295, including a $1,295 destination fee, for the base Pathfinder S trim level. All-wheel drive is a $1,900 option for all trim levels below except the Rock Creek Edition, which is AWD only.
You can find Intro for each Pathfinder cutting level here on Autoblog.
Pathfinder S: $36,295
Pathfinder SV: $39,115
Pathfinder SL: $42,715
Pathfinder Platinum: $49,265
Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition: $44,115
What are the Pathfinder safety ratings and driver assistance features?
Every year 2023 Pathfinder includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency brake pedestrian and cyclist detection; rear auto brake (a rare feature); blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert (usually optional); and lane departure warning. Blind-spot and lane-departure steering assist systems are added on all base trims except the S. The top three models also get Nissan ProPilot Assist, the adaptive cruise control system. advanced additional effective driver assistance system. You have to keep one hand on the wheel, but the car does most of the work.
The NHTSA gave Pathfinder four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side impact protection, but has not given an overall rating at the time of this writing. The Insurance The Highway Safety Institute named it Top Safety Pick+ for its best possible performance in all crash categories (including newly updated side testing) and for its crash mitigation system. its front. Its “Acceptable” headlight rating is also enough to earn the award.
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