2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

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 angular C-pillars and modern headlights with traditional SUV aesthetics, creating a look that was both contemporary and timeless. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a clean and sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The Canadian trims 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.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained the design introduced in 2019, with the Trail trim standing out due to its distinctive two-part face and rugged styling elements. Despite its off-road appearance, the Trail trim was more about style than substance. The interior featured orange accents and a basic centre console, with a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of premium feel. The RAV4 offered trims like LE, XLE, and Limited, with features ranging from fabric upholstery and heated seats to synthetic leather and advanced climate control. The RAV4's interior was practical, with ample storage options and a straightforward gear shifter, catering to those seeking a rugged yet comfortable ride.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slight power boost, with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, though Nissan's labeling of it as four-wheel drive was somewhat misleading. The Rock Creek trim aimed to enhance off-road capabilities with a taller suspension and off-road shocks, though this resulted in a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder's engine provided ample power for city and highway driving, but the unique shifter design was a point of contention. The vehicle offered various drive modes, including Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,720 kg for most trims.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was adequate but not thrilling. The AWD system was standard across all trims, with a Snow drive mode included. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, but its suspension setup was consistent with other RAV4 models. While the RAV4's engine was noisier than some competitors, it offered a reliable and steady driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, 1,274 litres with the second row in use, and 470 litres with all seats upright. This was average for its class, slightly trailing behind competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for short trips. The Platinum trim featured second-row captain's chairs with a removable centre console. The Pathfinder boasted 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with numerous storage compartments. The Rock Creek's roof rack was practical, supporting up to 100 kg, though its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five and offered 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear with the moonroof. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back, comparable to the Honda CR-V but less spacious than the Subaru Forester. The RAV4's interior featured convenient storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded, placing it mid-pack among competitors.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering a 9-inch version. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SV trim added a third-row USB port, while the SL trim introduced wireless charging. Despite not being the most advanced, the Pathfinder's tech offerings were sufficient for most users.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. The system supported OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Toyota's connected services were included, with some requiring a subscription. The Limited trim featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system, while a 7-inch driver-information display was standard, upgraded to 12.3 inches in the Limited trim. The Trail and Limited trims also included a wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and ProPilot Assist. The SV trim added front parking sensors, while the SL trim introduced traffic-sign recognition. The Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were based on the 2022 model, which received four stars in front crash protection and five stars in side crash protection.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also included. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with strong crash-test performance.