2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, featured a striking Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its high-end status, the King Ranch's visual distinctions were subtle, with King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, boasted a long hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin's mix of quality materials sometimes revealed its base trim origins.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned in 2022, carried over with minimal changes except for the new Rock Creek trim. Its design combined futuristic headlights and an angular C-pillar, creating a modern aesthetic that extended into the cabin with clean lines and a sensible layout. The Pathfinder's trims included S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum, each offering varying levels of equipment. The Rock Creek trim, with its off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and rugged styling, catered to adventurous drivers. The interior featured a dark aesthetic with orange stitching, while the exterior's forest green paint complemented the Rock Creek badging. The Platinum trim offered luxury with upgraded leather upholstery, 20-inch wheels, and advanced features like a hands-free power liftgate and a digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving 27 mpg combined. The ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs, and delivering 21 mpg combined. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an athletic driving experience, especially in the sport-tuned ST trim.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, with the Rock Creek trim tuned to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission to FWD or available AWD. The Rock Creek trim featured a taller suspension with off-road shocks and standard AWD, enhancing its off-road capability. The Pathfinder's ride was smooth and quiet, though the proprietary shifter design was less intuitive. The Pathfinder offered a rotary drive mode dial with Eco, Sport, Normal, Sand, Mud/Rut Snow, and Towing modes, plus an All-Terrain mode in the Rock Creek. The Pathfinder's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats offered exceptional comfort, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. The Explorer's cabin storage was limited, with missed opportunities for practical storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With the second row in use, it provided 45 cubic feet, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row accommodated adults for short trips. Optional second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The Pathfinder featured 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with numerous cubbies and compartments. The Rock Creek's roof racks were practical, holding up to 220 pounds, though snow removal could be challenging. The windshield wipers could be folded outward, aiding in snowy conditions.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. It also had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less effective, struggling with navigation and music requests. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch system on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with logical menus and real buttons and dials, though some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and voice recognition, with additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims. The Platinum trim added extra USB ports. While not cutting-edge, the Pathfinder's tech kept devices charged and connected.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The safety systems operated smoothly, though the lane-centering assist occasionally disengaged on sharp curves.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included standard driver assistance features like forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The SL trim included front parking sensors, a 360-degree monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. The Pathfinder's off-road mode displayed front- and side-view cameras for obstacle monitoring.