2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a new era of SUV design with its fifth-generation model, drawing inspiration from its predecessors while incorporating modern elements. The front showcased a fresh take on Nissan's signature V-motion grille, complemented by LED headlights and slim daytime running lights. The design paid homage to the original Pathfinder with a bulky, slated C-pillar and a three-slot grille featuring the new Nissan logo. The Pathfinder offered 11 paint jobs and colour combinations, including an optional black roof that extended onto the C-pillar. The SUV's side panels and hood gave it a robust appearance, aligning more with the Kia Telluride's design than the Toyota Highlander. The Pathfinder was slightly wider and taller than its predecessor, with a shorter length, yet it provided more legroom. The design changes aimed to position the vehicle as more rugged and capable, with four trim levels available, each featuring body-colour door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. The interior offered eight-passenger seating, with the Platinum trim featuring second-row captain’s chairs, and a range of upholstery options, including quilted semi-aniline leather in higher trims.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. The addition of a simulated skid plate, fog lights, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim gave the Outback a more aggressive look. The Onyx Edition, with black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding. The Outback was available in seven trims, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695 in Canada. The standard 2.5-litre engine was offered in various trims, while the turbocharged XT models provided more power. The Outback's interior, especially in the Limited trim, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and a cohesive design with contrasting stitching. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained an upscale feel. The Outback excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its ground clearance and X-Mode traction system, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. While some enthusiasts might have hoped for alternative fuel options, the V6 provided ample power. The engine was paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, and offered smooth gear transitions. The Pathfinder featured standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with hill descent control and seven drive modes. Although not built on entirely new architecture, the Pathfinder's platform and equipment saw significant improvements, resulting in a stable ride and responsive steering. The SUV boasted a 6,000-pound towing capacity, with standard trailer sway control technology ensuring stability during towing.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled with passing and climbing power. The Outback XT models, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance. The CVT mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience. The Outback's Active Torque Split AWD system and X-Mode traction system optimized performance on challenging terrain. The standard engine's fuel efficiency was disappointing, with real-world consumption higher than expected. The Outback excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its ground clearance and traction capabilities, but the standard engine lacked urgency, especially at higher elevations.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility. Enhanced insulation and acoustic laminated glass reduced road noise, creating a quieter cabin. The design focused on family-friendly features, such as wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to accommodate up to five car seats. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy access to the third row. The removable second-row centre console added convenience, while the front console offered 13.4 litres of storage space. The Pathfinder provided 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,421 litres with the second and third rows folded. The SUV's interior offered ample space and comfort, with heated front seats standard and ventilated seats available in higher trims. Tri-zone automatic climate control and numerous cup holders added to the convenience.

The 2023 Subaru Outback emphasized utility and comfort. The Limited trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior, wrapped in premium Nappa leather, provided a cozy environment, although wind noise was noticeable on highways. The Outback's high ground clearance facilitated easy entry and exit, while the cargo space offered 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seat folded. The robust roof rack and flat door sills added practicality. However, the Outback could benefit from more storage space, as the dashboard shelf and centre console were limited.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a range of technology features, even in lower trims. Standard features included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a 7-inch digital driver-information display. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system. The Pathfinder's technology was user-friendly, providing essential connectivity and entertainment options without overwhelming drivers.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system in all trims except the Base. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, although the graphics and icons were not user-friendly. The voice recognition system was limited in functionality, often requiring the use of smartphone connectivity for better results. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, enhancing visibility and convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available in upper trims. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with an additional airbag in the Platinum trim. However, crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized safety with its EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system added new features like Automatic Emergency Steering and a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback received top safety ratings from IIHS, but the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, requiring manual deactivation.