By Tim Pomroy for the Open Road Magazine
2023 Nissan Pathfinder review
A timely revamp sharpens up the family-friendly 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SUV.
When Nissan launched the Pathfinder around 30 years ago, it was responding to the market increasingly choosing recreational-style 4WDs over more rugged off-roaders.
Since then, some 77,000 Pathfinders have found homes in driveways, predominantly in the suburbs where the versatility of their seven- and eight-seat options made them popular with families.
How much does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder cost?
Pricing for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $54,190 for the ST 2WD and $61,790 for the ST-L 4WD.
The Ti grade kicks off at $65,910 for the 2WD and $70,030 for 4WD, while the range-topping Ti-L 4WD is $80,227.
At its launch, Nissan executives added the Hyundai Palisade to the list of traditional Pathfinder rivals, including the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9, which offer variants around the same price points.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder power and torque
There’s one powertrain available for the 2023 Nissan pathfinder: a 3.5-litre petrol V6 (202kW and 340Nm) matched to a nine-speed automatic.
This transmission, which replaces the long-serving CVT, sees fuel consumption increase marginally from 9.9L/100km to 10.0L/100km for 2WDs and 10.1L/100km to 10.5L/100km for 4WDs. All models are rated with a 2700kg towing capacity.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder tech and styling
Standard inclusions on the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder ST are comprehensive. Among them is a 10.8-inch heads-up display and nine-inch touchscreen with navigation and inbuilt Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
ST-L grades gain a digital around-view monitor, powered tailgate and front parking sensors.
Stepping up to the Ti brings leather trim, heated rear seats and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, while the Ti-L gains a driver’s seat memory function, 20-inch alloys and a panoramic glass roof with tilt-and-slide front sunroof.
This fifth-generation Pathfinder is also bigger than its predecessor in just about every area. The 2900mm wheelbase unlocks extra leg room, head room and hip room inside, while outside it delivers a larger and more squared up silhouette.
Rear doors now open out to 85 degrees, and the second-row seats slide and tip forward for convenience and can be folded flat or split 60/40.
The Pathfinder has 205 litres of cargo space, increasing to 554 litres with the third row folded and 782 litres when both second and third rows are stowed
2023 Nissan Pathfinder safety
The Pathfinder has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with all grades featuring Nissan’s ‘Intelligent Mobility’ safety suite.
ST-L grades use Nissan’s semi-autonomous ProPilot system, operated via steering wheel switchgear, which links cruise control with steering assistance to maintain vehicle-to-vehicle distance and keep the SUV in the centre of the lane.
On paper, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder ticks many boxes. Improved driving dynamics are immediately apparent compared to its softly-suspended predecessor.
How does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder perform?
The excellent ride quality remains, even on the large 20-inch wheels fitted to the Ti-L, but now it’s complemented with a much stouter set of springs and dampers and a new electric power steering system.
This greatly improves the Pathfinder’s poise on the open road and the engine has plenty of punch, with the new nine-speed auto sharpening up responsiveness under acceleration.
We drove it over a series of fire trails using the mud/rut mode and it feels more surefooted and less floaty than before, although it wouldn’t pay to get too adventurous on the road-biased tyres.
Nissan has refreshed three of its most popular SUVs in quick succession and, while the X-Trail and Qashqai have stolen the limelight, the Pathfinder looks to have benefitted the most.
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder at a glance
Pros: Sharper chassis dynamics; increased towing capacity; cabin quietness
Cons: Space-saver spare; fuel use remains similar; Ti-L is pricey
