2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim that gave the SUV a sporty appearance. This trim level sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a unique grille design, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition's interior was wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a grey two-tone scheme with light grey stitching. While the blacked-out treatment added a sporty flair, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable option, though they were only available on the Ascent Premier.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its redesign from the previous year, maintaining a modern aesthetic with futuristic headlights and an angular C-pillar. The interior boasted clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical. The Pathfinder offered several trims, including the rugged Rock Creek, which featured off-road tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and a water-repellent interior. The SL trim added Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, while the Platinum trim included second-row captain chairs and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Pathfinder's design aimed to remain relevant for years, blending traditional elements with forward-thinking design.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance enhanced its off-roading capabilities. However, the lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies could feel unstable, affecting driving satisfaction.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slight power increase to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The Pathfinder featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Rock Creek trim included a taller suspension with off-road shocks, enhancing its off-road capability. The Pathfinder's rotary drive mode dial offered various modes, including Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain. The Pathfinder's towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 2,720 kilograms. The engine provided ample power for city and highway driving, though the new shifter design was less intuitive.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain’s chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent provided 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,193 litres with the second row in use, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded. The dashboard featured a useful storage shelf, and the second row had large cupholders.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With the second row in use, it provided 1,274 litres, and 470 litres with all seats upright. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Platinum trim featured second-row captain’s chairs with a removable centre console. The Pathfinder had 12 cupholders and four bottle holders throughout the cabin. The Rock Creek trim included a robust roof rack capable of holding up to 100 kilograms, though snow removal could be challenging.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system included volume and tuning knobs, but the voice recognition technology required improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, while the Premier trim offered a Harman Kardon premium sound system. Additional features on the Premier trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL, SL Premium, and Platinum trims offered a larger 9-inch system. The Pathfinder included Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SV trim added a third-row USB port, while the SL trim included wireless charging. The Pathfinder's infotainment system was user-friendly, though some might find the graphics dated. The Pathfinder provided the necessary features to keep devices charged and connected.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. The Ascent came with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered standard driver-assistance features such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and ProPilot Assist. The SV trim added front parking sensors, while the SL trim included traffic-sign recognition. The SL Premium trim offered a head-up display, and the Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers. The Pathfinder was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not completed a full suite of crash tests for the 2023 model.