2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, opting for a more refined look. The interior of the GLS 450, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, framed nicely by the upright dashboard.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned for the 2022 model year, carried over into 2023 with minimal changes. Its design bridged traditional elements with forward-thinking aesthetics, resulting in a modern SUV that looked relevant for years. The interior boasted clean lines and a sensible layout, making it easy to live with. The Pathfinder offered various trims, each adding more features and luxuries, culminating in the Platinum trim with upgraded leather upholstery and a fully digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This system added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. Despite its size, the six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, making the ride less comfortable. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slight power bump to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The Rock Creek trim featured off-road suspension and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capability. The Pathfinder’s engine provided sufficient power for daily driving and highway speeds, but the new shifter design was less intuitive. The Pathfinder had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, with the Rock Creek trim capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide fore and aft, increasing legroom. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower for easier loading, but the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it offered 45 cubic feet, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. The first two rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The optional second-row captain’s chairs facilitated easy access to the third row. The Pathfinder featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, and the Rock Creek trim’s roof rack was practical for carrying cargo.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, SiriusXM, and voice recognition. The 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with an optional head-up display. The voice recognition system was user-friendly, but the touchpad controller was overly sensitive. The graphics were good, but the navigation system had some issues.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum trims featuring a 9-inch screen. The system was easy to use, with logical menus and real buttons and dials. Standard features included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and voice recognition, with additional USB ports and wireless charging available on higher trims. The Pathfinder’s tech was functional but not cutting-edge, with lower-quality graphics compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, surround-view camera, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered standard driver assistance features such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added ProPilot Assist, front parking sensors, a 360-degree monitor, traffic-sign recognition, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display. The Rock Creek trim provided additional off-road camera views.