2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder underwent a significant transformation with its fifth-generation model. Drawing heavily from Nissan's latest SUV design language, the Pathfinder showcased a modern take on the company’s signature V-motion grille, now resonating with elements seen on the Rogue and Armada. The revamped grille, adorned with the new Nissan logo, nodded to the original Pathfinder with its three-slot design. Up front, LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights accentuated the SUV's bulkier, robust exterior. The Pathfinder was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, featuring options like a distinctive black roof that extended down to the C-pillar.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2022 Pathfinder’s side panels and hood presented a beefier appearance, aligning more with the rugged aesthetic of competitors like the Kia Telluride. The rear also featured sleek taillights wrapping around a large liftgate, emphasized by bold, wide badging. The slightly wider and taller silhouette contributed to its authoritative stance on the road. Internally, the Pathfinder fostered an upscale vibe, particularly in higher trims, challenging rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, and Telluride. The interior flexibility, with options for standard eight-passenger seating, cargo-friendly removable center consoles, and an array of material choices like semi-aniline leather, added to its family-friendly allure.

For 2023, Subaru rolled out a refreshed Outback, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive stance, complemented by a jutting simulated skid plate and fog lights set within oversized housings. The vehicle's wheel arch trim paid homage to the Wilderness model, further solidifying its rugged look. Buyers had the option of selecting the Onyx Edition with black wheels and trim for a more cohesive aesthetic.

The Outback was available in six trim levels with varying powertrains, making it more accessible, especially with the base powertrain Onyx Edition priced attractively. The interior of the Touring trim, in particular, stood out with Java Brown premium Nappa leather, contrasting beautifully against an otherwise black interior. Subaru's use of high-quality materials, alongside thoughtful design touches like light gray stitching and textured door sills, made the Outback both functional and aesthetically pleasing, despite some hard plastic used in the interior that still felt premium.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine, unchanged from the previous generation, was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF, replacing the older continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination provided a smoother driving experience while offering FWD and AWD configurations. The AWD models featured seven drive and terrain modes, while FWD models had five-position drive mode selectors.

Fuel efficiency for the Pathfinder varied slightly depending on the drivetrain, with the FWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The AWD versions saw a minor reduction in fuel economy. The Pathfinder's suspension and steering enhancements delivered a stable and comfortable ride, capable of absorbing road imperfections and offering a tight turning radius. The unibody SUV boasted a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, with advanced trailer sway control technology for added stability.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed flat-four engine, a hallmark of Subaru's design aimed at lowering the vehicle's center of gravity for improved handling. The standard 2.5-liter engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, which felt underpowered during tests, especially for passing and climbing. Despite promises of a 28 mpg combined fuel efficiency, real-world testing returned only 25.6 mpg.

The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine available in the XT models offered a more robust performance with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, though it slightly compromised fuel efficiency, averaging around 25 mpg combined. The Outback XT models also featured Subaru's Active Torque Split AWD system and an X-Mode traction system for improved off-road capabilities. The Outback’s raised ground clearance and standard features like hill descent control made it adept for challenging terrains. However, the standard engine felt lethargic, particularly at higher elevations or on multi-lane freeways.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder excelled in interior comfort and flexibility, emphasizing a quieter cabin with improved insulation and acoustic enhancements. The Pathfinder's design catered to family needs, featuring wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to accommodate up to five car seats. Innovations like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide system provided easy third-row access, even with car seats installed.

Cargo space was generous, offering 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 80.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The Pathfinder also boasted flush rear cargo space sides and an under-floor cargo area for additional storage. Front and second-row seats provided ample space and were comfortable for long trips, with various options for heated and ventilated seating.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, designed with utility in mind, offered a comfortable and accessible interior. The Touring trim presented a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats, wrapped in soft Nappa leather. The Outback’s high seating position and height-adjustable front seats made ingress and egress easy, especially compared to traditional sedans or higher-riding SUVs.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Outback offered 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While practical storage within the cabin could be improved, the Outback’s flat door sills and robust roof rack added to its versatility, making it ideal for transporting and accessing roof-mounted gear.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a wealth of technology, providing a user-friendly experience without overwhelming drivers. Standard features included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, a 9-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and more.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured the Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system in all but the Base trim, integrating essential controls within the screen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing convenience. However, the voice recognition system was often unreliable, necessitating regular use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for seamless operation. The Outback also included advanced features like a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, which were particularly useful during off-road excursions and parking.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Higher trims added a surround-view monitor, and the top trim featured 11 airbags.

For 2023, Subaru enhanced the Outback’s safety with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster. The EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist as standard. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency steering, and a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback performed exceptionally well in safety tests, earning top marks from IIHS, particularly in the new side-impact crash test.