2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from the new era of Nissan’s SUV design. It featured a new take on the V-motion grille, matching the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo on its three-slot grille, paying homage to the first-generation Pathfinder. LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights flanked the grille, leading to a bulky, slated C-pillar reminiscent of the original Pathfinder. The Pathfinder was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, with a black roof option. The side panels and hood gave the SUV a beefier look, more on-trend with the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The sleek, thin taillights wrapped around the large liftgate, accented by bold, gate-wide badging, achieving a more robust aesthetic.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, while homely, emphasized function over form. It resembled previous Forester models, especially in Cascade Green Silica paint. The Forester came in Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $26,395 to $36,495. The Touring trim, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was the best-looking. The Forester featured robust roof rails with a 700-pound static-weight rating, allowing for various sporting equipment. Inside, the Touring offered exclusive Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, reflecting traditional Subaru design with analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, and an information display at the top of the dashboard. The interior was busy, with a mix of gray and silver lower body cladding and a traditional button and knob control layout.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT. The Pathfinder was available in FWD and AWD configurations, with FWD models featuring a five-position drive mode selector and AWD models offering seven drive and terrain modes. The Pathfinder had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for FWD models, with slight variations for AWD and Platinum trims. The suspension setup provided a stable ride, and the steering was reasonably connected. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, with a Class II tow hitch and trailer harness available.

The 2023 Subaru Forester had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, powering all four wheels through a CVT with eight programmed ratios. The Forester featured a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport driving mode and an X-Mode off-road traction management system with hill descent control. The Forester Wilderness trim offered additional off-roading capabilities. The Forester Touring, tested in various weather conditions, provided confidence and ease of driving. The Forester’s driving dynamics were excellent, with a comfortable yet communicative ride, light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. However, the 2.5-liter engine was merely adequate, and the Forester returned 25.9 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA rating of 29 mpg combined.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior comfort was enhanced by reduced road noise, improved insulation, and acoustic laminated glass. The design focused on flexibility, with features like wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to install up to five car seats. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy third-row access. The removable second-row center console and spacious front center console added to the convenience. The Pathfinder offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The flush rear cargo space sides and under-floor cargo space added to the practicality. The Pathfinder’s seats were comfortable, with heated and ventilated options available. Tri-zone automatic climate control and numerous cup and bottle holders were standard.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a focus on simplicity and substance. The Premium trim offered a panoramic glass sunroof, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer system. Higher trims featured StarTex artificial leather or perforated genuine leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated outboard rear seats. The Forester’s outward visibility was excellent, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof’s insufficient tinting caused solar heating issues, and the back seats were less comfortable for taller adults. The Forester’s doors were well-sealed, and interior storage was plentiful. The cargo area offered 26.9 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and 69.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded, with additional hidden storage under the load floor.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a wealth of technology. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, two 12-volt DC power outlets, and four USB ports. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, head-up display, 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door connected navigation, additional USB ports, HomeLink, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and NissanConnect Services.

The 2023 Subaru Forester’s technology might have appeared outdated, but it was functional and user-friendly. The Base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium trim added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen display was available, along with a navigation system and Harman Kardon premium audio system. However, a wireless smartphone charger was absent. The Forester’s older Subaru Starlink infotainment systems were preferable due to separate climate controls, easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. The voice-recognition system was nearly useless, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential for navigation.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. A driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning were also standard. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on upper trims. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with the Platinum trim adding an eleventh. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, with updated software and cameras providing a wider field of view. Models with blind-spot monitoring added Automatic Emergency Steering. Rear Automatic Braking was available on higher trims. The Touring trim had a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester’s EyeSight systems performed well, though the RAB system could be overly sensitive. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, a notch down from the previous year’s Top Safety Pick+ award, with an Acceptable rating in a new side-impact protection test and a Marginal rating in a new small-overlap, frontal-impact assessment. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings across the board, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.