2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took notable design cues from the new era of Nissan’s SUV aesthetics. Up front, it featured a renewed take on the company's signature V-motion grille, which echoed the design of the Rogue and Armada. A new Nissan logo adorned its three-slot grille, paying homage to the first-generation Pathfinder. The exterior also boasted LED headlights flanking the grille and slim LED daytime running lights that functioned as eye-brows, drawing attention to a bulky, slated C-pillar inspired by the original Pathfinder. Nissan offered the Pathfinder in 14 different paint jobs and color combinations, including an available black roof that extended down to the C-pillar.

The side panels and hood provided a far more robust look than the previous generation, aligning more closely with the rugged design of the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The vehicle featured sleek, thin taillights that wrapped around a large liftgate, which was prominently decorated with bold, gate-wide badging. The enhanced width and track, making the vehicle appear more planted on the roadway, gave it an aggressive, yet sophisticated look.

The Pathfinder offered four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. All trims came with body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille, with privacy glass on the rear windows. Speed-sensitive wipers were standard, except on the Platinum grade, which had intermittent wipers. Other premium features such as a panoramic moonroof and roof rack were standard on SV and higher trims.

Inside, the Pathfinder featured standard eight-passenger seating, except for the Platinum trim, which offered second-row captain’s chairs bringing the seating capacity down to seven. The interior upholstery ranged from cloth in the S and SV trims to semi-aniline leather-appointed and quilted seats in the SL and Platinum trims. Dealers could also install components to give the SUV a Midnight Edition look, although a formal package wasn't available yet.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted chiseled styling with just the right amount of SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The higher trims offered Premium packages, and the Midnight Edition package was exclusive to the SV trim.

Equipped in the tested Platinum trim with AWD, the test vehicle incorporated two-tone paint, frameless rearview mirrors, interior accent lighting, and exterior ground lighting, among other features. The overall styling struck a balance between functionality and aesthetics, positioning it as an entry-luxury vehicle in some aspects.

The Platinum trim particularly stood out with its diamond-pattern leather seats and multiple soft-touch surfaces. Although not entirely flawless, the vehicle met the standard quality expectations of the compact SUV segment. The upgrades did push the MSRP to $43,100, encroaching upon the price range of entry-level luxury models from brands like Infiniti.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. This engine connected to a new nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF, replacing the previous CVT setup. The transmission provided seamless gear shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience. Available in both FWD and AWD configurations, the Pathfinder featured a five-position drive mode selector for FWD models and seven drive and terrain modes for AWD models.

The Pathfinder offered an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined for the FWD option. The AWD models had similar figures, with minor differences depending on the trim. The Pathfinder's platform retained its core structure but included substantial improvements in suspension and overall ride stability. The SUV maintained a tight turning radius, superior to many of its competitors, making it versatile for both city streets and off-road trails. Additionally, it had a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, comparable to the Subaru Ascent in stability and control during towing.

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The 2023 Nissan Rogue introduced a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, replacing the former 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This engine generated 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT featuring paddle shifters, the Rogue provided a relatively responsive driving experience in urban settings. However, it lacked significant passing power on highways, and some drivers might find the engine's unique sound and subtle vibrations through the pedal somewhat unrefined.

The Rogue’s fuel efficiency was another sticking point: while the EPA estimated 31 mpg combined, real-world tests averaged 28.9 mpg. The vehicle also featured Nissan's brake-induced ride quality and cornering enhancements, along with a strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension. Its steering was generally lifeless, and the AWD system with added driving modes offered decent adaptability in varied conditions but didn’t particularly excel compared to some competitors.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

Interior comfort in the 2022 Pathfinder started with noise reduction, thanks to improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass. Nissan focused on flexibility, making the Pathfinder suitable for various family activities. The rear door Intelligent Key, wide-opening doors, and options like second-row captain’s chairs facilitated easy access and loading. Innovations such as the EZ Flex Latch and Glide technology enabled simple third-row access, even with car seats installed.

Cargo space was another strong point, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the second row up, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. The Pathfinder’s ability to accommodate large items like golf bags and plywood sheets underscored its practicality. Under-floor cargo space added further utility.

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The 2023 Rogue also aimed to replace traditional family cars, offering benefits like higher ground clearance and better driver visibility. Up to four passengers fit comfortably, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Rogue Platinum featured upscale amenities such as triple-zone automatic climate control, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and semi-aniline leather seats. Though comfortable, the rear seats lacked adequate support for longer journeys.

Storage was bountiful but unlined, thus potentially causing noise from items in the compartments. The cargo area offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature enabled configurable storage solutions, adding to the Rogue’s practicality.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan equipped the 2022 Pathfinder with a solid range of standard and available technology features. Even the base model came with a six-speaker audio system, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims added a 9-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, and a premium Bose audio system. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and head-up display were standard on the top-tier Platinum.

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The 2023 Rogue used an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system with either an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. The Rogue Platinum tested had the 9-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, a Bose audio system, and NissanConnect service with a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the Alexa Built-in system had limitations, failing to accurately process various voice commands.

The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and an effective head-up display. There were additional smart features, but smaller usability issues, like the cumbersome remote key fob, reduced overall convenience.