2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried forward its modern design from the 2022 redesign, with minimal changes except for the introduction of the Rock Creek trim. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar combined traditional elements with forward-thinking design, ensuring the SUV remained relevant for years. Inside, the Pathfinder's cabin featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The trims available 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 and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX offered a more luxurious experience with its standard and Type S versions, each available with various trim packages. The Type S Ultra trim, in particular, set high expectations for quality and driving dynamics, although it sometimes fell short. The MDX's design included chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic moonroof, contributing to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Type S Ultra featured quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, although some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from its overall appeal. Despite these minor issues, the MDX remained a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV.

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 performance boost with 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, which Nissan referred to as four-wheel drive. The Rock Creek trim also included off-road enhancements like a taller suspension and off-road shocks, making it more capable on trails. The Pathfinder's rotary drive mode dial offered various settings, including Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain, while its towing capacity reached up to 2,720 kilograms on all trims except the base model.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which provided impressive cornering capabilities. The MDX Type S also featured an adaptive air suspension with a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't always harmonize, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S's fuel economy was also a concern, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, which was higher than expected.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it provided 1,274 litres, and with all seats upright, 470 litres of cargo space. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Platinum trim's second-row captain's chairs added versatility, and the cabin featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments. The Rock Creek trim's roof racks were practical, supporting up to 100 kilograms of cargo.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating with flexible second-row configurations. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't offer the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating available on most trims. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's cargo area offered 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down. The power liftgate and underfloor storage added convenience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims featured a 9-inch display. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with logical menu layouts and real buttons for ease of use. The Pathfinder also included Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional features like wireless device charging and extra USB ports were available on higher trims, ensuring passengers stayed connected.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system required the use of a True Touchpad Interface, which some found less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a range of connected services. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers delivered impressive sound quality. The MDX also included a head-up display on higher trims, although the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder boasted a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree parking monitor and traffic-sign recognition. The Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, although NHTSA ratings were based on the 2022 model.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a range of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the safety systems generally performed well, some issues like false lane-departure notifications and a collision warning due to misinterpreted signs were noted. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.