The 2022 model year has brought a completely new design of the well-known mid-size SUV. We saw a complete overhaul, and the new generation looks better than ever. That’s why we don’t believe that the second production year, which will come in the form of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, could bring more important changes. We are about to see a familiar layout, though there is always a chance to see minor updates, such as new color options or new standard features.
On the other hand, the overall layout will certainly remain the same. We are about to see a familiar design, which offers a great-looking cabin, with some of the nicest seats in the class. We also like the amount of passenger and cargo space, as well as a pretty comfortable ride. Finally, the ride quality is way better compared to the previous generation, mainly because of the new automatic transmission, which replaced the old CVT.
As there are no significant changes to come, we presume that the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder will represent the second production year of the generation and therefore, the overall layout is about to remain the same. The recent redesign brought a lot of novelties, even though the new model also rides on a good-old D platform. Still, the company did a lot of updates and upgrades, starting from a more refined suspension setup, which ensures better comfort and better overall ride quality.
Besides the new mechanics, there is also a completely new styling, which follows the brand’s latest design language. The front end looks modern and way more prominent compared to the previous generation, while the rest of the body looks more muscular and more aggressive.
Interior
Probably the biggest improvement happened on the inside. The recent redesign brought a completely new cabin design, which is characterized by much nicer materials and a more upscale look. This particularly refers to the dashboard design, which combines clean design with great build quality and luxurious materials. Also, there is a long list of tech features, which makes everything look even more upscale.
This SUV also offers a lot of passenger space. The front seats are massive and supportive, while the second row also accommodates adults with ease. On the other hand, the third row is typically tight for this segment, although it can be pretty useful in certain situations.
The cargo area offers around 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 cubic feet behind the second and 80.5 cubic feet of the total cargo volume. That’s about average for the segment. For comparison, the Highlander offers around 84 cubic feet of the total cargo volume.
Features
As we are talking about the second production year, it’s hard to believe that bigger changes could happen in this aspect. So, all models should come standard with goodies like keyless entry, tri-zone climate control, an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, four USB ports, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. The list of available features should include things like remote start, panoramic sunroof, 9-inch touch screen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, two additional USB ports, a 13-speaker Bose sound system, and wireless device charging.
In terms of safety and driver-assistance features, the list of standard equipment should include goodies like a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, driver drowsiness monitoring etc. The list of upgrades should include a surround-view camera, head-up display, road sign recognition, ProPilot Assist etc.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Engine
Things under the hood definitely won’t change. The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder will continue with a familiar 3.5-liter V6, which puts out 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes in pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which does a pretty fine job and provides a much better driving experience compared to the previous generation, which featured CVT.
Driving dynamics are pretty good, while the average fuel economy goes around 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is typical for the segment. When properly equipped, this SUV can tow up to 6.000 pounds.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 34.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent etc.