Nissan Pathfinder vs Mitsubishi Outlander

Every car shopper out there has a hierarchy of needs. They put some needs above other needs. Whether you are looking for the best fuel economy, the most cargo space, or the newest tech and safety features, certain vehicles excel in some areas or fall behind in others. The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder does not stand out courtesy of any one particular characteristic, but much like the people shopping for it, the Pathfinder is a combination of attributes in one vehicle.

For the 2023 model year, Nissan has introduced the Rock Creek edition. It’s a more rugged version of the Pathfinder. That’s a bit ironic because, like many entrants in this family-hauling segment, the Pathfinder started out decades ago as tough, truck-based SUVs. So while the Pathfinder has evolved into a more comfortable vehicle, the Rock Creek appears to be an attempt to capture the spirit of the early Nissan SUVs. So, how does the Pathfinder stack up within the popular and hotly contested midsize SUV segment? And does the Rock Creek warrant attention as an off-road vehicle?

Globalization is as transformative a trend within the automotive industry as electrification. To keep cars, trucks, and SUVs competitive and affordable, automakers partner up to share platforms, powertrains, and parts while distinguishing between brands through design, packaging, and dynamic tuning. Thanks to the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a new vehicle that is an undisputed beneficiary of this trend.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid that is a popular model in Canada, was not included in the redesign. This review applies only to non-electrified models.