2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the Canadian market, significantly outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery. Despite sharing similar dimensions and price points, the Defender's boxy, classic truck design resonated more with consumers, reminiscent of the old LR4. Its design was characterized by a square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and a sharply cut tail, all contributing to its rugged appeal. The Defender's nod to its 1980s predecessor was evident in its tasteful accents, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-colour square separating the side glass. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered unparalleled choice in the SUV market.

Inside, the Defender maintained a focus on function and durability, with interiors dominated by rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, contrasting with the more opulent Range Rover models. The Defender's build quality was excellent, but its price tag, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive to some. Nevertheless, its sales success in Canada indicated that many consumers appreciated its unique character and rugged charm.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned for the 2022 model year, carried its modern aesthetic into 2023 with minimal changes. Its design combined futuristic elements, like its headlights, with traditional SUV features, resulting in a vehicle that promised to remain stylish for years. The interior was praised for its clean lines and practical layout, making it both visually appealing and user-friendly. The Pathfinder's trims in Canada included S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, SL Premium, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from all-wheel drive and heated seats to advanced infotainment systems.

The Rock Creek trim added a rugged dimension to the Pathfinder, with off-road tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and unique styling elements. Its water-repellent interior and heated seats made it suitable for both trails and winter conditions. The SL trim introduced Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, enhancing the driving experience with semi-autonomous capabilities. The Platinum trim offered luxury features like second-row captain chairs and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, making it the most equipped option in the lineup.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, showcasing impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging terrains, although most owners likely used it for everyday driving. The Defender's permanent four-wheel drive and Terrain Response 2 system were designed for serious off-road enthusiasts, but its on-road performance was less refined. The drivetrain friction and body drag affected its speed, and the vehicle exhibited excessive body roll and wind noise. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided robust power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, balancing performance with fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 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's nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided smooth and quiet performance. However, the new shifter design was criticized for being unintuitive. The Pathfinder's rotary drive mode dial was user-friendly, offering various modes for different driving conditions. The Rock Creek trim's off-road tires provided a comfortable trail ride but a rougher on-road experience. The Pathfinder's towing capacity was impressive, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 2,720 kilograms.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas and alpine lights provided excellent visibility, and its cargo space was generous, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. Its interior offered ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows, with the third row suitable for shorter trips. The Platinum trim's second-row captain's chairs added comfort and convenience. The Pathfinder's cabin featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, enhancing its practicality. The Rock Creek's roof racks were functional, supporting up to 100 kilograms, although snow removal could be challenging.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Defender's base model included heated power seats and a Meridian sound system, while higher trims offered additional features like air suspension and a head-up display.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger 9-inch screens available on higher trims. While the graphics were not the most advanced, the system was easy to use. The Pathfinder included standard features like Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio, with additional USB ports and wireless charging available on higher trims. The Pathfinder's technology was practical, if not cutting-edge.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. It included six airbags and standard safety features like lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included a digital instrument panel and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree parking monitor and traffic-sign recognition. The Pathfinder's safety features were robust, contributing to its high safety rating.