2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its design from the 2022 model year, maintaining its modern yet traditional aesthetic. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar gave it a forward-thinking look that was expected to remain relevant for years. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a cabin with 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.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a more upscale appearance. Its styling was conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX 350, the likely volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The interior featured premium materials like semi-aniline leather and artificial suede, with options for heated and ventilated seats. Despite some shortcomings in second-row legroom, the TX offered a comfortable third-row seat and ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

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 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Power was transmitted through a nine-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Rock Creek model, featuring a taller suspension and off-road shocks. Despite a rougher ride on highways due to off-road tires, the Pathfinder provided a comfortable trail experience. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 2,720 kilograms.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing road feedback while ensuring comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on highways. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

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 featured second-row captain's chairs with a removable centre console. The Pathfinder also boasted 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with numerous cubbies and compartments for storage. The Rock Creek's roof rack could hold up to 100 kilograms, though its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable third-row seat, with enough space for adults, and a generous cargo capacity. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down. The interior featured premium materials, though the second-row legroom was limited. The TX included numerous storage slots and bins, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. The split front centre armrest design was less practical, offering a narrow opening for storage access.

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. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SL trim added wireless charging and additional USB ports. Though not cutting-edge, the Pathfinder's tech offerings were sufficient for keeping devices charged and connected.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional tech in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Drive Connect subscription added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included standard driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and ProPilot Assist. The SV trim added front parking sensors and a 360-degree parking monitor, while the SL trim included traffic-sign recognition. The Pathfinder was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features in the Executive packages included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.