Following a 2022 model year redesign, Nissan’s 2023 Pathfinder looks and drives like a very confident midsize SUV. New for 2023 is the second row heated Captain’s Chairs Package available on the Platinum trim model. During a week-long Pathfinder Platinum test drive, the removable second row floor console cut an open pathway for passengers to enter and exit third row seats. The cabin upped passenger volume by 10.6 cubic feet versus the prior model. A 10-way power adjust front passenger seat is also new for 2023 on SL and Platinum trims.

Powering Pathfinder is a 3.5-liter V6 releasing 284 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 259 torque at 6400 rpm. Pathfinder Rock Creek, a new for 2023 trim that spotlights off-road attributes, beefs up the V6 engine power (295 horsepower/270 torque). The engine mates to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Nissan Pathfinder is offered with standard 2WD in the S, SV, SL and Platinum trims. Rock Creek trim has 4WD as standard fare. With all seats upright, Pathfinder provides 16.6 cubic feet of stow space. When second and third row seats are folded flat, the cargo space is 80.5 cubic feet. The tested 114.2-inch wheelbase Pathfinder Platinum 4WD collected estimated mpg of 20 city/25 highway and carried a base MSRP of $49,870.