Overview
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder harks back to its roots with the new off-road-focused Rock Creek edition. The Pathfinder has evolved over decades from a small two-door SUV in the mid-1980s — Nissan’s answer to the Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Cherokee(/jeep/cherokee/), and Toyota 4Runner — to today’s three-row family shuttle sharing little with its predecessor except a name.
The new Rock Creek trim evokes some of that old-school mountain goat with off-road-inspired styling, a (slightly) lifted suspension (5/8-inch), all-terrain tires mounted on beadlock wheels, and a tubular roof rack. Synthetic leather and cloth-blend upholstery with orange contrast stitching highlights the interior, while a surround-view monitor incorporates several camera views to help maneuver on the trail. The Rock Creek is also rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds, more than most rivals.
Despite the off-road homage, today’s Pathfinder still makes its natural habitat on pavement. Following a full redesign last year marked by new styling, upgraded interior, and improved powertrain (listless old rubber-band transmission replaced by new nine-speed unit), the Pathfinder has vaulted back into contention with today’s top three-row midsize SUVs, including the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Telluride. Offering ample features and versatility at an attractive price, the Pathfinder merits a close look from anyone seeking to buy an SUV.
Approximate MSRP might be changed based on location
What's New for 2023
Trims and Pricing
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is available in five trim levels: S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum trims. All trims seat eight people except for Rock Creek, which comes with second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven. This is also an option for all but the base trim. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,900. The Rock Creek comes with four-wheel drive only. The SL trim is a popular choice and also the one we recommend. We'll explain why.
S
The base S starts at $36,295 and comes with 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, keyless entry, three-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, and manual reclining second- and third-row seats. Second-row seats slide forward and backward. Tech features include an 8-inch touchscreen, two USB ports in the first two rows, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. A bundle of active safety features called Safety Shield 360 is also included (see more in Safety section below).
SV
For $39,115, the SV adds roof rails, heated side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering (Nissan's ProPilot Assist). An available SV Premium package ($2,170) adds a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, second-row captain's chairs, and towing equipment.
Rock Creek
The Rock Creek ($44,115) is equipped much like the SV but also gets features from the upper trims. It includes 18-inch black machine-finish beadlock wheels, all-terrain tires, a raised off-road-tuned suspension, roof rails and crossbars, distinctive bumpers and grille, a Class III tow hitch, LED fog lights, synthetic leather upholstery, heated second-row captain’s chairs, a removable second-row center console, a surround-view camera, and front parking sensors.
SL
The SL ($42,715) builds on SV features with 18-inch gray machine-finish wheels, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated steering wheel, second-row sunshades, a 9-inch infotainment display, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, a third-row USB port, and a surround-view camera.
The SL Premium package ($2,990) includes 20-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, heated second-row captain's chairs, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and towing equipment. LED fog lights are optional.
We think the SL hits the sweet spot, as its comfort and convenience features (power liftgate, leather upholstery, larger infotainment display) still cost less than the top-trim Platinum, even if you add the Premium package.
Platinum
For $49,265, the Platinum is the Pathfinder's finest form, featuring a panoramic sunroof, hands-free power liftgate, upgraded leather, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. Tech upgrades include a head-up display, digital gauges, two third-row USB ports, a second-row household-style (120-volt) power outlet, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Other details — rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable steering column, driver seat memory function — give the Platinum a whiff of luxury. LED fog lights and second-row captain’s chairs are optional.
Engine and Performance
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder's 3.5-liter V6 (284 horsepower, 259 pound-feet of torque) pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It remains a marked improvement over the previous-generation V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission combination, which was prone to droning acceleration. Today’s engine and gearbox feel much snappier and more responsive. The Rock Creek trim can boost power to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft using premium fuel.
Front-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel-drive models benefit from hill-descent control and Mud/Rut and Sand drive modes (in addition to Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Towing modes). Many mainstream crossovers offer varying degrees of off-road capability, and when we took the Pathfinder over a challenging off-road course — tougher than most owners would dare — we found the hill-descent control walked the Pathfinder down steep slopes without issue.
The Rock Creek should offer even steadier footing with its wider, knobby tires and taller suspension, but fundamentally it’s the same as other Pathfinder models. It doesn’t offer low-range gearing or skid plates, for example, so it's not as capable as a Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner, and its 7.7 inches of ground clearance is less than a Subaru Outback's.
Most Pathfinders will spend their miles on pavement, where the suspension’s compliance and composure impressed us, especially its resistance to body roll. The steering feels too light at parking-lot speeds, but weights up nicely with speed. An available towing package increases capacity from 3,500 to 6,000 pounds, which is tops in this class.
Fuel Economy
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