2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport's styling was immediately recognizable to those familiar with Honda's lineup. Up front, it closely resembled the Honda Ridgeline, sharing the same vehicle platform, missing only a third-row seat to become a shorter Pilot. Adding a nose redesign for a tougher look, it exuded rugged appeal, especially in the new TrailSport trim, which was designed to be aesthetically pleasing to off-road enthusiasts.

Honda made sure the design updates touched all three trims—EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite—each offering new wheel designs in 2022. TrailSport stood out with 18-inch all-season wheels that mimicked the all-terrain look, unique orange contrast stitching, amber ambient lighting, and additional other minor enhancements, making it more than just a daily crossover. Prices ranged from $37,870 to $45,430, with the TrailSport test vehicle with Sonic Gray Pearl paint priced at $44,095.

Inside, the Passport was noted for one of the largest cabins in its class. Quality materials and careful assembly were trademarks of its production, providing a pleasant blend of comfort and ruggedness suitable for daily errands or more adventurous endeavors.

For the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, carrying over from its 2022 redesign, it combined futuristic and traditional design elements. Sleek headlights, an angular C-pillar, and a clean cabin layout not only distinguished its look but also ensured longevity in design.

Trims included S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. The Pathfinder Rock Creek added rugged character with off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, extra power output from the V6 engine, and a fetching forest green with orange accents. Interior treatments like water-repellent upholstery and a dark cabin theme with orange stitching ensured practicality and style.

The 2022 Honda Passport employed an unchanged powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in FWD for EX-L trims, the AWD system came standard in TrailSport and Elite trims, featuring Honda's i-VTM4 torque vectoring system. The TrailSport model managed an average of 21.3 mpg during extended testing.

The Passport was appreciated for on-road ride quality, steering response, and comfortable handling. However, its brake system showed some limitations, heating up and vibrating on mountain descent.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by the same base 3.5-liter V6 engine but offered different power outputs depending on the trim: 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque for most trims, and an upgraded 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet for the Rock Creek. The nine-speed automatic transmission facilitated an easy, albeit firm, driving experience.

On the trail, the Rock Creek’s suspension provided a more cushioned ride but translated to added vibrations on regular roads. The Pathfinder impressed with its 6,000-pound towing capacity on specific trims, compared to the Passport’s 5,000-pound maximum.

For the 2022 Honda Passport, accessibility was notable with large doors and a low step-in height. The spacious interior offered large, adjustable front seats with standard leather upholstery and heated fronts, while the Elite trim added ventilated seats and rear heating. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and a bright, open seating area.

Storage in the Passport included a generous 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder excelled in cargo versatility, providing up to 80.5 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows down, reducing to 45 cubic feet with the second row up, and maintaining a functional 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in use. Interior configuration options included optional second-row captain’s chairs providing easy access to the third row, with enough space for short trips.

The Rock Creek’s tubular roof racks were practical, supporting up to 220 pounds, making them ideal for handling extra gear.

The 2022 Honda Passport included comprehensive Honda Sensing features: adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, but faced criticism for less refined functionality. The lane-departure system caused noticeable vibrations, and lane-centering assist provided unexpected steering adjustments. The SUV did offer solid safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with a few minor areas of improvement noted.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder covered extensive ground in driver assistance with standard forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, and ProPilot Assist from SV trim upwards, adding advanced cruise control and lane centering. Additional features like a 360-degree monitor enhanced situational awareness, particularly for more challenging driving environments.