2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

Starting with the 2022 Nissan Rogue, this vehicle had been part of Nissan's lineup since 2007 and received a significant redesign in 2013. By 2021, its transformation had introduced a more mature and sophisticated look, and the 2022 model maintained this aesthetic without significant changes. The Rogue featured Nissan’s V-motion grille at the front, flanked by multi-level LED headlights and daytime running lights positioned above the main headlight assembly. The higher SL and Platinum trims also came equipped with LED fog lamps, active grille shutters, and underbody covers that enhanced airflow, contributing to the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency. The floating roof illusion, created using dark pillars, and the slightly bulging liftgate added a sleek and polished look to the Rogue.

Inside, the 2022 Rogue boasted a layered dashboard design with distinct horizontal layers, enhancing its sophistication and style. Each trim level offered variations in color and surface materials, creating a sophisticated and detailed interior. The center console stood out with its electronic gear selector lever, which took up less space and allowed for an open area beneath suitable for various storage uses. This space also featured two large cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and a sizeable storage cubby. The 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for optimal visibility alongside a 7-inch or full 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, depending on the trim level.

The Rogue’s seating was particularly comfortable, highlighted by Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and a surprisingly spacious second row capable of accommodating two adults or three in a pinch. The fit and finish were exemplary, with high-quality material selections, especially noticeable in the Platinum model.

Switching to the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, this model had undergone a redesign for the 2022 model year and carried into 2023 with minimal changes, besides the introduction of the Rock Creek trim. Its exterior design merged traditional elements with futuristic aesthetics, featuring angular C-pillars and modern headlights. The Pathfinder’s cabin emphasized clean lines and practicality, making it visually appealing and user-friendly.

The 2023 Pathfinder was available in five trims: S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. The base S model came with 18-inch alloy wheels, manually adjustable seats, cloth upholstery, push-button start, remote keyless entry, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was also a notable feature.

Upgrading to the SV trim added heated front seats and a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the SL trim included more luxurious touches like leather upholstery and a 9-inch touchscreen. The new Rock Creek trim emphasized off-road capability with a rugged suspension, all-terrain tires, and increased engine output. It also had a durable synthetic leather interior designed to resist wear and tear. Outside, the Rock Creek trim featured forest green paint with bright orange accents and badging. The top-tier Platinum trim offered premium features, including upgraded leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, and a fully digital instrument panel.

When comparing performance, the 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited significantly from its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine implemented in 2022. This engine utilized Variable Compression technology to optimize power and efficiency dynamically. The three-cylinder engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, showing an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to its predecessor. The new CVT transmission complemented the engine well, providing a responsive and smooth driving experience. The fuel economy was another highlight, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, making it an efficient option for urban and highway driving.

On the other hand, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Rock Creek variant of this model featured the same engine but was tuned to produce 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The power was managed by a 9-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Although Nissan branded it as 4WD, it did not match traditional truck-like 4x4 setups.

The Rock Creek model of the Pathfinder was designed for off-road capabilities, featuring a slightly taller suspension with off-road shocks and standard AWD. However, the off-road tires resulted in a rougher on-road experience. The Pathfinder's new shifter design received mixed reviews, with some finding it less intuitive than traditional PRNDL shifters. Nevertheless, the rotary drive mode dial included several useful modes such as Eco, Sport, Normal, Sand, Mud/Rut, Snow, and Towing, with the Rock Creek variant adding All-Terrain mode.

The Pathfinder also had impressive towing capabilities, with most models offering a 3,500-pound towing capacity, while the Rock Creek and certain trims with optional equipment could tow up to 6,000 pounds.

Nissan had honed the 2022 Rogue into a practical vehicle with various smart storage solutions throughout the cabin. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders in the doors, cup holders in the console, a glove compartment, a center console bin, a tray beneath the center console, and dash cubbies. Ample connectivity was provided through USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets. Rear passengers also benefited from storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, with additional USB charging ports. The 60/40 split reclining bench offered flexibility for both passengers and cargo. The Rogue could accommodate between 31.6 and 36.5 cubic feet of luggage, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded flat.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, as a midsize three-row SUV, provided more cargo space compared to the Rogue. With all seats upright, it offered 16.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which could be expanded to 45 cubic feet with the second row folded down. With both the second and third rows folded flat, the cargo space increased to 80.5 cubic feet. This positioned the Pathfinder slightly below some rivals but still competitive in its class. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was better suited for shorter trips by adults.

The Pathfinder also had practical storage solutions, including twelve cupholders and four bottle holders distributed across the cabin. The Rock Creek trim included a functional roof rack capable of holding up to 220 pounds. However, it posed a minor inconvenience for snow removal due to its proximity to the roof.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Nissan Rogue saw significant upgrades in its 2021 makeover that continued into the 2022 model. Higher trims featured three key screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Rogue’s infotainment system supported Google Maps and Waze with voice commands, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist was another significant inclusion, offering a hands-on driver-assist system with features like steering assist and adaptive cruise control. This system could integrate with navigation (ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link) to anticipate and adjust speed based on road conditions.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum trims upgraded to a larger 9-inch touchscreen. Despite some critiques regarding its graphics quality, the system was praised for its easy-to-use interface with real buttons and dials. The standard suite included Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition. Higher trims added a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and additional USB ports. Even though the Pathfinder might not have been the most cutting-edge in terms of technology, it included essential features to keep devices connected and functional.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 across all trims, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional safety features such as blind spot intervention and traffic sign recognition were available. ProPilot Assist further enhanced safety by combining steering-assist and adaptive cruise control, providing a Level 2 advanced driver-assist system. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and had obtained a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder also came with an extensive array of standard driver assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward and reverse collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, driver attention monitoring, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with features like lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The SL trim included front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking monitor, and traffic sign recognition, while the Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. The Pathfinder’s off-road capabilities were further supported by front- and side-view cameras in off-road mode.