The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder continues to prove itself as one of the most practical and capable midsize three-row SUVs on the market. With a strong V6 engine, modern technology, impressive towing capacity, and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, the Pathfinder is designed for families who want space, safety, and versatility without sacrificing performance.
Whether you’re commuting daily, taking long road trips, or towing a trailer for weekend adventures, the 2023 Pathfinder delivers a balanced and confident driving experience.
Bold Exterior Design
The 2023 Pathfinder features a bold and rugged design inspired by Nissan’s heritage SUVs. It has a wide stance, muscular body lines, and a prominent V-motion grille that gives it a commanding road presence.
Key exterior highlights include:
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LED headlights and daytime running lights
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Available 20-inch alloy wheels
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Roof rails for added utility
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Two-tone color options on higher trims
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Rock Creek trim with rugged styling and all-terrain tires
The Rock Creek edition adds a more adventurous appearance with unique badging, a tubular roof rack, black accents, and a slightly lifted suspension for improved off-road confidence.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission.
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284 horsepower (standard trims)
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295 horsepower (Rock Creek trim with premium fuel)
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259 lb-ft of torque (270 lb-ft in Rock Creek)
Front-wheel drive is standard, while intelligent all-wheel drive is available for better traction in rain, snow, or light off-road conditions.
Drive Modes
The Pathfinder offers multiple selectable drive modes, including:
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Standard
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Sport
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Eco
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Snow
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Sand
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Mud/Rut
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Tow
This makes the SUV adaptable for city driving, highway cruising, or light trail adventures.
Impressive Towing Capability
One of the strongest advantages of the 2023 Pathfinder is its towing capacity.
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Up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped
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Standard trailer sway control
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Tow mode for optimized performance
This makes it capable of towing boats, campers, or small trailers — making it ideal for family vacations and outdoor activities.
Fuel Economy of Pathfinder
The Pathfinder offers competitive fuel efficiency for a V6 three-row SUV:
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21 mpg city
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27 mpg highway
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23 mpg combined
The Rock Creek version sees slightly lower fuel economy due to its off-road setup.
Spacious and Comfortable Interior
Inside, the 2023 Pathfinder is built for comfort and convenience. It offers seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration.
Seating & Comfort
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Available second-row captain’s chairs
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EZ FLEX second-row seats for easy third-row access
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Heated and ventilated front seats (higher trims)
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Heated second-row seats
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Tri-zone automatic climate control
The cabin feels modern and upscale, especially in SL and Platinum trims, which feature leather upholstery and premium finishes.
Cargo Space of Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is practical for daily use and long trips.
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16.6 cubic feet behind the third row
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Over 45 cubic feet with third row folded
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Around 80 cubic feet with second and third rows folded
There’s enough space for luggage, groceries, sports equipment, or camping gear.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder comes loaded with modern technology.
Standard and available features include:
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8-inch touchscreen (standard)
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9-inch touchscreen (available)
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Wireless Apple CarPlay (higher trims)
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12.3-inch digital driver display (available)
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Head-Up Display
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Bose premium audio system
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Wireless charging pad
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Multiple USB ports throughout the cabin
The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to stay connected on the go.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a major strength of the Pathfinder. Every 2023 model includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offers:
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Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
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Blind-spot monitoring
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Rear cross-traffic alert
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Lane departure warning
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Rear automatic braking
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High beam assist
Higher trims add:
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ProPILOT Assist (semi-autonomous highway driving assistance)
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Intelligent Around View Monitor (360-degree camera)
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Adaptive cruise control
The Pathfinder has earned strong crash safety ratings, making it a reliable choice for families.
Trim Levels
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is available in five trims:
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S – Well-equipped base model
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SV – Adds more comfort and convenience features
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Rock Creek – Rugged off-road-focused trim
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SL – Premium interior and advanced tech
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Platinum – Fully loaded luxury model
Each trim offers a good balance of value and features, depending on your needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔ Strong V6 performance
✔ Excellent towing capacity
✔ Spacious and practical interior
✔ Advanced safety features standard
✔ Comfortable ride quality
Cons
✖ Fuel economy not class-leading
✖ Handling is more comfort-focused than sporty
✖ Some rivals offer slightly more upscale interiors
Final Verdict
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is a well-rounded midsize SUV that combines power, comfort, safety, and practicality. It’s an excellent option for families who need three rows of seating and strong towing ability without moving up to a full-size SUV.
With multiple trims — from the rugged Rock Creek to the luxurious Platinum — there’s a Pathfinder to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
If you want a dependable, spacious, and capable family SUV, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is definitely worth considering.