The Pathfinder rolled into 2023 on a excessive word after Nissan refreshed the mannequin and shifted gears for 2022.

However the three-row household competitors’s already combating again with the Toyota Highlander present process a refresh together with the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride receiving updates as nicely.

The Pathfinder’s TCC Score of 6.7 out of 10 trails these rivals, however the numbers don’t inform the total story.

After spending a snowy winter week with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, I used to be reminded why it’s price contemplating for a lot of households. Right here’s the place it hit and missed.

Hit: Retains V-6 energy

For 2023, the Toyota Highlander ditched its V-6 engine in favor of a turbo-4 with related energy. Traditionalists who recognize naturally-aspirated energy supply and a bit extra bravado for the ears will recognize the Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. It’s a easy operator with energy that builds because the revs climb. None of that enterprise of the turbo kicking in and instantly shoving the car ahead.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

Miss: Three-zone local weather sync confusion

The Pathfinder options three-zone local weather management, which is a useful characteristic when the youngsters, vital different, and driver all need completely different temperatures. However hitting the sync button on the dashboard doesn’t totally sync all three zones. In a convoluted course of to sync all three zones it’s essential to enter the rear local weather management settings by hitting the “rear button” then hit sync, which can sync the rear to the entrance. If somebody adjustments the temperature within the rear this course of must be achieved once more. Syncing the entrance two zones requires one push of the sync button.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

Hit: Nicely-calibrated security tech

Most new automobiles characteristic superior security options powered by cameras and radar sensors. In foul climate, these sensors go offline rapidly as soon as snow or ice construct up on the sensors. As soon as offline, the dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree screaming, “Techniques offline!” None of that occurs within the Pathfinder. Nissan’s achieved a commendable job calibrating the system so it by no means freaked out throughout a snowstorm. Each Subaru and Honda ought to take notes.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

Hit and Miss: Snow mode calibration

Through the Minnesota snowstorm, I messed round with numerous modes and the Pathfinder’s Snow mode is spectacular. I say this as a result of my $54,785 Platinum mannequin rode on 20-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Alenza tires. These tires are luxurious truck tires meant to be quiet and comfy on the freeway. They’re usually horrible in snow and ice, besides on the Pathfinder. Flipping the Pathfinder’s powertrain into Snow mode recalibrated the transmission, throttle, and stability management system so dramatically the wheels by no means slipped.
However Snow mode’s programming swings too far. It neuters the facility a lot it takes deep stabs on the throttle to get the Pathfinder transferring. The Honda Pilot’s Snow mode is healthier calibrated when it comes to energy supply whereas remaining certain footed within the white slippery stuff.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

Miss: Heated steering wheel lacks reminiscence

The highest-spec Platinum Pathfinder incorporates a heated steering wheel, which labored nice to maintain my fingers toasty heat. However in contrast to the heated seats, which turned again to the identical setting as when the automotive was shut off, the heated steering wheel had no such reminiscence. Different vehicles, together with my spouse’s 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, have a reminiscence for each the heated seats and steering wheel and each will flip again on to their final state of use upon key cycle. The Pathfinder wants this.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

Bonus hit: Second-row slides and tilts

Unrelated to winter climate however unimaginable to not reiterate in a Pathfinder evaluate, this is among the few automobiles available on the market that options second-row seats that slide and tilt. It allows the second row to be titled and slid ahead to entry the third row with out eradicating a booster or child’s seat. The final technology Pathfinder had it and it carried into the most recent mannequin. The Ford Expedition has this characteristic.

The Pathfinder isn’t as flashy, fashionable, or up-market wanting because the Telluride or Palisade, but it surely’s price placing on the three-row SUV consideration listing for its snowy functionality and handy options.

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2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

Base worth: $36,295, together with vacation spot
Worth as examined: $54,785
Powertrain: 284-hp V-6, 9-speed automated, all-wheel drive
EPA gas economic system: 20/25/22 mpg
The hits: V-6 energy, well-calibrated security tech, Snow mode, slide-and-tilt second-row seats
The misses: Three-zone local weather out of sync heated steering wheel reminiscence, Snow mode