2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its design from the 2022 model, maintaining a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar gave it a forward-thinking look, while the interior offered clean lines and a practical layout. This design approach ensured the Pathfinder remained visually relevant and user-friendly. The trims available in Canada included S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, SL Premium, and Platinum, each offering varying levels of equipment and luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, aligning it with other Land Rover models. Its interior was rugged and adventure-ready, featuring durable materials similar to those found in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, with trims such as S, X-Dynamic SE, X, V8, and Outbound, each offering unique features and capabilities.

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 variant offered a slight boost with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Rock Creek model 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 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, delivering 296 horsepower. The P400 model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six, producing 395 hp. Two supercharged V8 options, the P500 and P525, offered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender excelled in off-road performance, particularly with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2. Its towing capacity reached up to 3,500 kilograms with the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With all seats upright, it offered 470 litres, which was average for its class. The first two rows provided ample space, while the third row was suitable for short trips. The Platinum trim featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating to seven. The Rock Creek model included a robust roof rack capable of holding 100 kilograms.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and practicality with soft-touch materials and functional features like grip handles and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row, and the Defender 130 accommodating up to eight passengers. Cargo capacity differed by model, with the Defender 130 providing 433 litres behind the third row and up to 2,155 litres with seats folded. The Defender 110 and 90 offered varying capacities, with practical hard plastic surfaces in the cargo area.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered a 9-inch screen. Despite some dated graphics, the system was user-friendly. Standard tech included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional USB ports and wireless charging were available on higher trims.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was straightforward, aligning with the Defender’s utilitarian nature. It included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo, providing a refined yet functional tech experience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and ProPilot Assist. The SL trim added traffic-sign recognition, while the Platinum trim included rain-sensing wipers. The Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender also featured extensive safety tech, such as forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree parking camera. However, its lane-keeping assist was overly sensitive. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations.