2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried forward its 2022 redesign with minimal changes, except for the introduction of the Rock Creek trim. Its design combined futuristic elements like unique headlights with traditional SUV features, resulting in a vehicle that maintained a modern yet timeless appeal. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a clean and 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 Toyota 4Runner celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special edition based on the SR5 trim. This edition featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille, and bronze accents, adding a nostalgic touch to its rugged design. The 4Runner retained its truck-based SUV stance, appealing to those who appreciated a classic look. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, with durable materials and straightforward controls, though it lacked some of the modern refinements found in newer SUVs. The lineup included various trims like the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro, each catering to different preferences and needs.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek variant offered a slight power boost, with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was transmitted through a nine-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive, which Nissan referred to as four-wheel drive. The Rock Creek trim featured an off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite the rugged enhancements, the Pathfinder provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a rotary drive mode dial offering various settings for different terrains. The Pathfinder's towing capacity ranged from 1,587 kilograms to 2,720 kilograms, depending on the trim.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system available on the Limited trim. With a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, the 4Runner was capable of handling various tasks. It featured off-road technologies like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control, making it a formidable off-road performer. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a spacious interior with up to 2,279 litres of cargo space when the second and third rows were folded flat. With all seats upright, it provided 470 litres of cargo space, which was average for its class. 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, enhancing comfort and accessibility. The Pathfinder also boasted numerous cupholders and storage compartments, making it practical for families. The Rock Creek trim's roof rack was functional, capable of holding up to 100 kilograms.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. While climbing in and out required some effort, the seats were comfortable, with options for ventilated leather in the Limited trim. The 4Runner offered dual-zone climate control and various storage locations, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was less comfortable and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, though some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SL trim added wireless charging and additional USB ports, ensuring devices stayed connected. While not the most cutting-edge, the Pathfinder's tech offerings were user-friendly and functional.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, in contrast, featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, with real knobs and buttons. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. Despite its dated graphics, the 4Runner's infotainment system was effective, with reliable voice recognition.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control. The SV trim added front parking sensors and a 360-degree parking monitor. The Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were based on the 2022 model.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS for driver protection in certain tests.