2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took a bold leap forward in design with its fifth-generation model. Drawing inspiration from newer SUV designs, the Pathfinder featured Nissan's signature V-motion grille reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada. LED headlights and slim daytime running lights added a modern touch while paying homage to the first-generation Pathfinder with its three-slot grille and sturdy C-pillar. With 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a black roof option, the Pathfinder presented a more robust and muscular appearance compared to its predecessor. This refreshed look included a 0.6-inch increase in width and a slightly higher stance, offering more legroom despite being shorter in length.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained a familiar yet attractive façade. Without a redesign for 12 years, the Durango still managed to stand out with its clean, almost car-like styling and avoided the trend of oversized grilles. Its slim styling, forward-leaning headlights, and distinctive "racetrack" taillights provided a unique look. The Durango's SRT models, including the 392 and Hellcat, had subtle yet distinctive features like a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. Additionally, Dodge expanded its color palette for 2023, introducing new shades like Frostbite, Night Moves, Red Oxide, and Triple Nickel, giving buyers more choices for customization.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. This engine was coupled with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a smoother ride compared to the previous CVT. Available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, the Pathfinder offered five drive modes for FWD models and seven for AWD. The vehicle could tow up to 6,000 pounds, making it a solid choice for families with towing needs. Fuel efficiency for FWD models stood at 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the AWD models slightly varied.

On the other hand, the 2023 Dodge Durango boasted an impressive range of powertrains. Starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, the Durango offered 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, standard on SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The next step up was the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, available on the R/T and Citadel grades. The Durango SRT 392 took performance further with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat topped the range with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. This muscle-bound SUV managed 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, making it a truly exhilarating ride. All Durango models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered RWD or optional AWD.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder excelled in interior comfort, starting with enhanced sound insulation to reduce road and engine noise. Its flexible design allowed for various family uses, featuring wide-opening doors, an optional second-row captain’s chair, and the ability to fit up to five car seats. Innovations like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat made third-row access easier, and the removable second-row center console offered practical storage solutions. Cargo space was ample, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row down, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded.

In the 2023 Dodge Durango, space and flexibility were also key selling points. It offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations with front bucket seats, a second-row bench or captain’s chairs, and a two-seat third-row bench. While spacious, the Durango fell slightly behind some competitors in cargo capacity with 17.2 cubic feet with all seats up, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet with both rows down. Small-item storage was generous, and the second-row captain’s chairs featured an optional large center console. However, the lack of a power-folding third row could be a downside for some buyers.

When it came to towing, the Durango led the way. V6 models could tow up to 6,200 pounds, while the V8-powered models, including the SRT versions, could handle up to 8,700 pounds. This made the Durango an excellent choice for those who needed substantial towing capacity.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder offered a plethora of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. Upper trims got a 9-inch screen, a digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and a head-up display. With intuitive tech features and easy-to-use controls, the Pathfinder stayed modern without overwhelming drivers.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the older Uconnect 4C system on SXT and GT models, while the Citadel and SRT models got a 10.1-inch screen with Uconnect 5. The larger screen was responsive and user-friendly, and SRT models received performance-focused Easter Eggs and updates, including a Performance Pages app for real-time stats. The SRT Hellcat model could be equipped with a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. A driver alertness monitor and forward-collision warning were additional safety features. While the Pathfinder had not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA, it was well-equipped with safety tech.

The 2023 Dodge Durango had mixed safety ratings. It earned "Good" marks in some IIHS tests but received a "Marginal" score in the small overlap front test. NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with advanced systems like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control only standard on higher trims or as options.