The fifth-generation 2023 Nissan Pathfinder feels built for the long haul. Nothing about it seemed budget constrained or cheap. Many of its design features are helping hands for parents.
The fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder follows in the tracks of the nameplate’s first U.S. hardbody model from 1986. (Photos courtesy of NissanUSA or as credited)
Table of Contents
Pathfinder Through the Years
7 Cool Features
Oddities and Observations
What’s New for 2023?
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Pricing
How Is It To Drive?
Brakes, Steering, Suspension
Back Seats and Cargo Space
Why Buy the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
Specifications
BY MARK MAYNARD
The Nissan Pathfinder has traveled many paths since it debuted as a “hardbody” in 1986.
The first-generation Pathfinder was introduced for model year 1987 as a two-door body-on-frame SUV. Built on a ladder-type frame, Pathfinder shared styling and most components with the Nissan Hardbody pickup.
Pathfinder’s optional 4WD system was considered unique at the time because it could be engaged electronically — “shift on the fly” — while the vehicle was moving. All versions of Pathfinder were available in two-wheel drive or manually engaged 4WD configurations. Base models had modest power from a 106-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional 143-hp 3.0-liter V-6.
Nissan’s new SUV was in response to the growing competition: Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco II, Jeep Cherokee, and import SUVs such as the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport, and the 1989 to 2004 Isuzu MU.
Today, there are more three-row SUV competitors than ever. Among the choices for 2023 are the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Highlander, and VW Atlas.
A roomy driver area with headroom of 41.1 inches with the panoramic moonroof.
Pathfinder Through the Years
Nissan tended dutifully over the years to keep Pathfinder current and competitive. It was ahead of its time for some features, but not all variants endured the tests of owners.
It was October 1989 when Nissan debuted the four-door Pathfinder. Then, in late 1995, the second-generation Pathfinder was introduced with revised styling. There was another mild redesign in 2002.
A completely redesigned, third-generation Pathfinder debuted in late 2004 for the 2005 model year.
Model year 2013 brought a critical shift for the fourth-generation Pathfinder. The body-on-frame, truck-based SUV was replaced with a unibody design and sleek new (aerodynamic) exterior styling. It used the same platform as the Infiniti QX60, Altima, Maxima, Murano, and Quest minivan.
Nissan launched a short-lived gasoline-electric hybrid Pathfinder in 2014. Its powertrain was a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a compact lithium-ion battery. The hybrid model, however, was a one-year-only offering. Owners complained they could not get gas mileage close to the advertised 25 to 28 mpg.
The fifth-generation Pathfinder was unveiled in early February 2021 as a 2022 model, skipping the 2021 model year.
Nissan brought back more emphasis on the current Pathfinder as a family adventure vehicle. The more squared-off styling — and what might be the best-looking rear end of any new SUV — ever-so-slightly goes back to the roots of Pathfinder.
There is an active forum for Pathfinder owners at PathfinderTalk.com. Owners — some of whom are lifelong Nissan faithful — post their problems, remedies, and praise.
The panoramic moonroof is standard on the Platinum.
7 Features Owners Will Value
Nissan engineers and designers sweat the small details and provide many enhancements and innovations. Some of these emerge only after time on the road.
Auto on-off LED headlights linked to windshield wiper use. In California and other states, it is the law to use headlights with wipers in the rain. With Nissan’s auto function, drivers will know they are always compliant.
Capacitive touch lock-unlock rear side doors. Such a simple convenience, but many others save some budget and omit that access to the rear side doors. Walking up to the back doors with an armful of kid or groceries, the driver gains quick access with a touch of the door handle. Too often, back-door entry requires first touching a front-door handle.
“Bridge” storage. Nissan makes the most of the front center console with a deep bin and “bridge” under-storage space. The pass-through bridge is also convenient for the passenger. Most other shift consoles are solid, which wastes the extra storage potential.
‘Bridge’ storage below and above the shift console, with a phone-audio e-bin.
Storage shelf above the glove compartment. The slim shelf will fit any generation iPhone, Nissan says. It is also mostly out of sight and sunshine.
2nd-row pushbutton seat release. Loading kids into the third row is so simple any kid can do it. The pushbutton release at the door-side seat base of the captain’s chair boosts the chair up and forward for third-row access.
The Captain’s Chairs package with removable center console.
54.1-liter luggage box. The undercargo floor storage compartment (1.9 cubic feet) has a hinged lid and dividers to separate the good-sized compartments. It’s part of the Cargo package, $345, and worth it.
10-way power passenger seat for Pathfinder SL and Platinum. Some imports don’t even provide height adjustment for the passenger — and nobody likes being low in the front seat.
6,000-pound towing capacity. Base models can pull a trailer up to 3,500 pounds, but the Rock Creek and Platinum models are uprated to a 3-ton capacity.
The underfloor storage box is made more functional with the section dividers from the optional Cargo package. (Mark Maynard photo)
Oddities and Observations
Transmission unexpectedly went into Park while sitting at a stoplight. I don’t believe I bumped the electronic shifter’s Park button atop the shifter grip, yet the Pathfinder transmission went into Park at a stoplight near my home. I didn’t discover the issue until the light turned green. The problem never occurred again in my test week.
Tilt-down mirror confused. When engaging reverse, the passenger side mirror is supposed to tilt down to show the curb and then go back into position when Drive or Park are engaged. The tilt-down can work on either left or right-side mirrors. The driver must select the left or right mirror control on the door panel. I tried both sides, and each time, the side mirror tilted up, not down.
Slow response to infotainment screen. Making a selection on the infotainment screen would take a second or two to activate. Of course, I’d tap the selection again, thinking I’d missed the icon. Nope, it’s just slow.
No wireless Android Auto. While Apple CarPlay has wireless connectivity, Android users must use the access cable.
ProPILOT Assist vagueness. This Level 2 driver-assist system was once at the vanguard of semi-autonomous driving. But the advanced technologies that go into Level 2 have been honed by others to be more accurate, especially in lane centering. In my experience, the system allowed the Pathfinder to drift wide in cornering, crossing the white lines, and then giving me an alert. It also seemed the Pathfinder was closer to the lane marking on the right than the left. Still, ProPILOT is welcome backup in heavy commuting, but keep both hands on the wheel.
The Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.
What’s New for 2023 Pathfinder?
Nissan brought back the off-roading ready Pathfinder Rock Creek for 2023. Among its adventuring credentials are standard Intelligent 4WD, an off-road-tuned suspension, and a 5/8-inch suspension lift.
Using premium fuel gives the 3.5-liter V-6 engine a power boost of 11 horsepower and 11 foot pounds of torque. A Nissan spokesman explained that the bump in power for Pathfinder Rock Creek is by engine software programming to take advantage of the extra octane in premium fuel. “The engine computer senses the extra octane and adjusts accordingly. The other Pathfinder models don’t get this programming, so they won’t get a horsepower boost like the Rock Creek.”
I suggested that Nissan consider adding that engine-software programming as an option. How much would you pay for 11 more hp?
Other Rock Creek upgrades include:
- 18-inch beadlock-style wheels with all-terrain tires;
- Tubular roof rack with a 220-pound capacity;
- Tow hitch receiver and harness with 6,000-pound maximum towing capability;
- LED fog lights;
- Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode. A front-view camera shows the terrain ahead, with a side view, all of which help driver’s place the tires where there is solid ground;
- Orange interior stitching and second-row captain’s chairs.
- Rock Creek pricing starts at $44,355.
The 12-inch digital dashboard.
Other 2023 Pathfinder Upgrades
- The upper-range SL trim levels now have a standard wireless phone charging pad;
- Pathfinder Platinum has a new captain’s chairs package, which adds a removable console between the second-row chairs. And it can be easily removed if needed for step-through access to the third row.
- 10-way power passenger seat for Pathfinder SL and Platinum. Hooray. Not all Japanese makes provide such adjustability for the front passenger.
Third-row seating is kid class, but access is easy with pushbutton release of the second row.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Pricing
There are five trim levels for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder in front- or four-wheel drive. All trims have a 284-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Starting prices below include the $1,335 freight charge from Smyrna, Tenn.
Pathfinder S: $36,535 2WD, $38,435 4WD (add $1,900 for 4WD)
Key S trim features include:
- Nissan Safety Shield 360, driver-assist system;
- Tri-zone automatic temperature control;
- Apple CarPlay connectivity;
- EZ FLEX seating system featuring Latch And Glide and 3rd-row 60/40-split fold-flat reclining bench seat.
Pathfinder SV: $39,355 2WD, $41,255 4WD
Key SV features include:
- Heated front seats;
- ProPILOT driver-assist system;
- Intelligent Lane Intervention;
- Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention;
- 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar;
- Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control.
Pathfinder SL: $44,855
Key SL features include:
- Four-wheel drive;
- Leather-trimmed seats in first and second rows;
- NissanConnect 9-inch color infotainment touch-screen display;
- Intelligent Around View Monitor;
- Wireless Apple CarPlay integration;
- Wireless charger;
- ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link.
Pathfinder Platinum: $49,505 2WD, $51,405 4WD
Key Platinum features include:
- 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels;
- Heated and ventilated front seats;
- Panoramic moonroof;
- Head-up windshield display;
- Bose premium audio system with 13 speakers, including dual woofers;
- Tow-hitch receiver with 4-pin wiring harness.
Check here for current pricing and special offers.
The Pathfinder Platinum tester was $55,035 with seven options, including special paint for $790 and $550 for the Captain’s Chairs package, with the removable center console. But the most impressive (usable) option to me is the Cargo package, $345. Among its assets are heavy-duty rubber cargo floor and seatback protectors.
All of the tester’s options and pricing are in the specifications chart below.
Safety Features and Technologies
Every Pathfinder has the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This collection of technologies includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking.
And all versions of Pathfinder have 10 air bags, but there is an added driver-seat front-center bag on the Platinum.
Other safety features are in the specs chart below.
Dial-up performance modes from Sand to Sport.
How Is It To Drive?
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder feels big and wide, though it has about the same size footprint as its competition. Nissan gave Pathfinder all the power and suspension elements to be driver-engaging, but the result is more fundamental than fun-demental. Most users wouldn’t pile in the family and head out to tear up some back roads.
The turning circle with 20-inch tires is a manageable 38.7 feet, with driver assists from the around-view camera when parking.
The sole powertrain is a 284-hp, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 with a nine-speed automatic. Hallelujah, Nissan ditched the continuously variable automatic for this nine-speed, and few will be looking back. Shift points are well-timed but sluggish to downshift when going up hills. Overall acceleration, however, was quick enough that I didn’t feel the need to engage Sport mode. (However, I do use Sport when plugging along in the heavy commute. The quicker Sport kick is helpful to ward off those cretins who try to dive into the too-small space between you and the car ahead.)
With 259 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm, there is adequate force to handle the Pathfinder Platinum’s 4,625 pounds, not including occupants.
Fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway might be hopeful; 87 octane is recommended for all models but Rock Creek. Around town in my week of driving, my average fuel economy hovered between 11 to 16 mpg. I worked up to 22 mpg on more extended highway driving, meeting the EPA estimate.
The 284-hp 3.5-liter V-6 for all Pathfinder trim levels.
Braking, Steering, Suspension
Pathfinder’s foundation feels robust and substantial, essential for towing and adventuring off the highway. The ride quality is comfortable but gives an unexpected sport-tuned jolt over rough road. Inputs to steering and braking are refined and steady.
But there is noticeable ambient cabin noise at highway speeds, which I attributed to the prominent roof rail cross bars.
The 6,000-pound towing capacity for Platinum and Rock Creek requires the Class III receiver hitch, the seven-pin connector for trailer braking, and the factory-installed transmission oil cooler. The upgrade is part of the Premium Package on the SV and SL models. The SV Premium Package is $2,170, and the SL Premium Package is $2,990.
Braking: Four-wheel disc brakes have vented rotors front and rear with 13.8-inch rotors front and 13-inch rotors rear.
Steering: electric power assist with vehicle-speed assist,
Suspension: four-wheel independent with front struts and rear multi-link setup; solid stabilizer bar front, hollow rear. Twin tube, dual-flow path shock absorbers;
Tires-Wheels: 255/50 20-inch all-season tires on machined aluminum-alloy wheels with a dark metallic gray finish. A temporary spare stows underbody at the cargo area;
The Pathfinder Platinum is well dressed in 20-inch all-season tires on aluminum-alloy wheels.
Back Seats and Cargo Space
Raised back seat height in the Pathfinder is very kid friendly for open views and helpful to ward off motion
Electronic climate controls for the second row.
queasiness. Also beneficial are ceiling vents just above each side window, with reading lights. There also is a lot of seatback recline, another parenting asset for sleeping youngsters.
A flat floor in the second and third rows is the great enabler for comfortable foot space, uncompromised by a transmission tunnel. Adult legroom in the second row is functional at 35.5 inches, which can be stretched a bit with a few inches of fore-aft slide.
And there is plenty of big-bottle space in the door panels.
Captain kids’ chairs.
Parents will appreciate the pushbutton spring release to slide forward the second-row seat for third-row access. And there’s a one-arm push to lock down the seat. As with most midsize, three-row SUVs, the way back is best for small children.
Cargo capacity ranges from grocery bag and gym bag space behind the third row (16.6 cubic feet) to family vacation capacity of 45 cu.ft. with the third row folded.
The liftgate opening is 49 inches wide, or 4 feet, 1 inch. With both rows folded, there is about 6 ½ feet in length for a wide bay of 80.5 cu.ft. Other cargo area features include two grocery bag hooks, four tie downs, lighting, and a 12-volt plug.
Check out the heavy-duty rubber cargo mat and seatback protector, both are part of the $345 Cargo package, and worth it. (Mark Maynard photos)
Fold both back seats for 6 ½ feet-plus in length.
Why Buy the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
The fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder feels built for the long haul. Nothing about it seemed budget constrained or cheap. Many of its design features were helping hands for parents, at least for those who resist the “M” word for minivan. And the details of Nissan’s design and engineering will bring years of “Gee, I like that little extra.”
Pathfinder’s next midcycle freshening is planned for 2025, so there are long legs for the current model. But shop wisely for the most value.
The Platinum model has an appreciable load of standard features. However, you can step down a grade to the Pathfinder SL and add options that mimic the Platinum for a sticker of $48,190. I prefer a monotone paint scheme, saving $790. And to save another $395, stay away from optional paint colors, such as Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (a gorgeous red) or Pearl White TriCoat, for $395 each. Then save another $390 if you won’t use the (wind-noise generating) roof rail cross bars.
Add it up, and the Pathfinder SL 4WD, with leather-trimmed upholstery, saves nearly $7,000 over the Platinum. And that savings will buy a lot of gas for a driving vacation.
Starting prices for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder range from $36,535 to $50,000.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Specifications
Body style: large-midsize, 3-row, 7-seat SUV with 4WD
Engine: 284-hp, naturally aspirated and direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6; 259 lb.-ft. torque at 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic with manual shift mode paddle shifters, and electronic shift-by-wire drive selector; Intelligent 4WD with 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode
Fuel economy: 20/25/22 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane
Tow capacity: up to 6,000 pounds; class III tow hitch with harness and 4-pin prewiring; trailer-sway control
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons
Cargo space: 16.6 cubic feet behind 3rd row; 45 cu.ft. 3rd row folded; 80.5 with both rows folded
Front head/leg room: 41.1*/44.3 inches *42.3 inches w/o moonroof
2nd-row head/leg room: 39.6/35.5 inches
3rd-row head/leg room: 37.8/28 inches
Length/wheelbase: 197.7/114.2 inches
Curb weight: 4,625 pounds
Turning circle: 38.7 feet
FEATURES
Standard equipment includes: Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, Intelligent cruise control, panoramic moonroof (with one-touch power tilt-sliding glass with shade), tri-zone climate control, wireless phone charging pad, 12.3-inch gauge display, head-up driver windshield display, 9-inch color navigation-infotainment touch display, 13-speaker Bose premium audio system with subwoofer, 10-way power adjusted front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, sun visors with extenders and vanity mirrors, heated 2nd-row window seats, quilted semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery in first and second rows, power tilt-telescopic steering column, two-driver memory presets, automatic LED headlights (high and low beams), LED running lights and fog lights, body-color power-folding and heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down, privacy glass (rear-side windows and liftgate window), silver-finish roof rails, motion-activated power liftgate, 2 12-volt DC power outlets (1 front console, 1 in cargo area);
Safety features include: 11 air bags (including for Platinum, a driver seat-mounted front-center bag), dynamic traction control, hill-start assist with hill-hold control and hill-descent control, brake-force distribution, brake assist, 4-wheel ABS; LED side mirror-mounted turn signals;
Driver-assist technologies include: ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driver assist with Navi-link, blind-spot warning and blind-spot intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic rear braking, Intelligent forward-collision warning, Intelligent lane intervention.
PRICING
Base Platinum MSRP: $51,405, including $1,335 freight charge; price as tested $55,035
Options on test vehicle: Two-tone paint $790; captain chair’s package $550; roof-rail crossbars $390; LED fog lights $345; lighting package (without running boards $945; carpeted floor mats with captain’s chairs (4-piece set) $265; cargo package $345
Where assembled: Smyrna, Tenn.
Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with 24/7 roadside assistance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain
Michigan does indeed have potholed pavement, particularly after the spring thaw. And an auto-journalist friend based in the Detroit area is thankful for a special $600 Ford promotion for additional tire-and-wheel coverage for his then-new vehicle. He used the policy seven times that season.
