Nissan Pathfinder vs Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. It featured traditional styling elements such as a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, a unique hood, front fascia, and grille, which leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling. The vehicle's interior mirrored the Wagoneer but boasted higher-quality materials and more convenience features, including 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional Palermo leather.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its redesign from the previous year, maintaining a blend of traditional and forward-thinking design elements. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar contributed to a modern look that was expected to remain relevant. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a clean and sensible layout, with trims ranging from S to Platinum. Standard features included AWD, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Rock Creek trim added rugged styling and off-road capabilities, while higher trims like the SL and Platinum offered advanced features such as ProPILOT Assist and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. The vehicle featured standard 4WD with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slight power increase to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was transmitted through a nine-speed automatic transmission to standard AWD. The Pathfinder's ride was smooth and quiet, although the off-road tires on the Rock Creek trim made for a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder featured a rotary drive mode dial with multiple settings, including an All-Terrain mode in the Rock Creek, and offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms on most trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven or eight, with more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than some of its luxury competitors. It provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms and came with a standard sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control. However, its forward visibility was somewhat limited by the hood design.

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 of cargo space. The Pathfinder's first two rows provided 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 practical roof racks on the Rock Creek trim.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and offered a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Grand Wagoneer also included a second screen for seat massagers and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system provided over-the-air updates, although the screen response was somewhat slow.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger 9-inch screens available on higher trims. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and included Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SL trim added wireless device charging, while the Platinum trim featured a head-up display. Although the graphics were not cutting-edge, the system was user-friendly and functional.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer included standard safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and driver-attention monitoring. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with plans for a hands-free version in the future.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, 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, although NHTSA ratings for the 2023 model were not yet complete.