2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned in 2022, maintained its modern aesthetic with minimal changes. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar combined traditional and forward-thinking design elements, ensuring its relevance for years. Inside, the cabin featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical. The Pathfinder offered various trims in Canada, starting with the S trim, which included AWD, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a host of comfort features. The Rock Creek trim added rugged elements like an off-road suspension and all-terrain tires, while the Platinum trim topped the range with luxury features such as second-row captain chairs and a digital instrument cluster.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing name in the automotive world, continued to impress with its massive size and presence. Despite its large dimensions, it blended seamlessly into traffic, offering substantial cargo and passenger space. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features. The base LS trim came with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the High Country trim boasted 22-inch alloys and optional luxury features like power running-board steps. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with leather upholstery on most trims and advanced features like a heated steering wheel and tri-zone climate control.

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 variant offered a slight power boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Rock Creek trim with a taller suspension and off-road shocks, though this resulted in a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder's towing capacity varied, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 2,720 kilograms.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 hp, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 hp. The diesel engine provided excellent fuel economy and towing capabilities, making it a popular choice. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's size was managed well by its steering and brakes, and the height-adjustable air suspension provided a comfortable ride. However, its large dimensions required careful handling, especially in urban environments.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With all seats upright, it provided 470 litres of cargo space, which was average for its class. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Pathfinder featured numerous storage compartments and cupholders, enhancing its practicality. The Rock Creek's roof rack was robust, capable of holding up to 100 kilograms.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row and expanding to 4,097 litres with all seats folded. This made it a leader in its class, ideal for families needing extensive storage. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling. Its spacious interior and advanced features made it a top choice for road trips and towing needs.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger 9-inch screens available on higher trims. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims added wireless charging and additional USB ports, ensuring connectivity for all passengers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, with Google Built-in providing seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system, while decent, lacked the richness of higher-end systems found in competitors.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and ProPilot Assist. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick+, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban also offered a range of advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The NHTSA awarded it four stars overall, with specific strengths in side-crash tests. Higher trims could be equipped with Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system.