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2023 Nissan Pathfinder review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Nissan Pathfinder highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • All three rows are adult-friendly in terms of headroom and legroom
  • Rock Creek trim adds extra off-road cred
  • Smooth highway ride, excellent towing capability

Cons

  • Acceleration is just adequate
  • Infotainment system has some dated-looking graphics
  • Cargo space is snug with all three rows occupied

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 23 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

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The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder plays it safe in the middle of the midsize three-row SUV segment

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is a spacious and practical choice in the bustling market for midsize SUVs with three rows of seating. The Pathfinder's third row can accommodate adults, and its maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped) bests many rivals, including the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new.

Fully redesigned for the 2022 model year, the 2023 Pathfinder gains an off-road-themed trim called Rock Creek, with standard all-wheel drive, a slightly raised suspension, underbody skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Under the hood, front- and all-wheel-drive Pathfinders have a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 284 horsepower (295 hp in the Rock Creek) through a nine-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg combined, about average for the class. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

The interior is functional with lots of nooks and crannies to store your gear. An eight-inch infotainment screen is standard (a nine-inch screen is available on higher trims) and comes with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, satellite radio, and four USB ports.

All Nissan Pathfinder years

What is new for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?

  • The Pathfinder is available in a new trim called the Rock Creek.
  • Pathfinder trims have been upgraded with Fold-Away Third Row, Rear Air Conditioning, Leatherette Seats, and Full Roof Rack as standard equipment this year.
  • The SV trim now comes with Third Row Seat and Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
  • The S trim now comes with Third Row Seat as standard equipment.
  • The SL trim now comes with Third Row Seat and Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder trims

Curious how Nissan Pathfinder trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 284-hp, 259-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cloth Seats
  • Traction Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Side Airbags
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • View our Nissan Pathfinder S inventory

SV:

SL:

Rock Creek:

Platinum:

Nissan Pathfinder photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

What We Like

Third-row space: Not every midsize three-row SUV affords the same degree of comfort to passengers in the second and third rows. In the Pathfinder, however, there is space aplenty for adults in the rear-most seats. That’s a big plus in this highly competitive segment.

Standard driver-assist features: The Pathfinder comes with a long list of standard driver aids, including blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, and rear door alert, to name a few.

Relaxed highway ride: On the highway the Pathfinder provides a hushed and nicely controlled ride. If long road trips are part of your routine, the Pathfinder’s calming demeanor is worth noting.

What Needs Improvement

Rivals have more power or all-terrain capability: The 3.5-liter V6 in the Pathfinder delivers acceleration that’s, at best, very much midpack among midsize SUVs. And despite the addition of the Rock Creek trim, the Pathfinder’s go-anywhere capabilities are limited.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

4 customer reviews
3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Nissan Pathfinder an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Nissan Pathfinder 18th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder features and specs

S 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

284

Torque (ft-lbs)

259

Engine type

Gas

Wheelbase

114.2"

Overall length

197"

Width

77.9"

Height

70.9"

Leg room

F 44.3"/M 35.5"/R 28"

Head room

F 42.3"/M 39.6"/R 37.8"

Front tires

P255/60HR18

Rear tires

P255/60HR18

Seating capacity

8

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Nissan Pathfinder FAQ

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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