2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in six trim levels, offered a practical and functional design, with prices starting at $25,195 for the base model and reaching $35,295 for the Touring trim. The Wilderness variant, tested in the rugged terrains of Bend, Oregon, featured a distinctive look with its suspension lift, protective cladding, and matte-black hood decal, which gave it a unique, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized utility over luxury, with a straightforward cabin design that combined hard plastics and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester was well-constructed, but the Wilderness's aesthetic choices were not universally appealing.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its modern design from the previous year's redesign, with minimal changes except for the introduction of the Rock Creek trim. The Pathfinder's exterior combined traditional elements with futuristic touches, resulting in a design that was expected to remain relevant for years. Inside, the cabin featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical. The Pathfinder offered five trim levels, with the Rock Creek providing a rugged option with off-road enhancements. The Platinum trim, at the top end, included luxurious features like upgraded leather upholstery and a fully digital instrument panel, ensuring a comfortable and stylish ride.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model boasted a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. Despite its adequate performance at sea level, the Forester's naturally aspirated engine struggled at higher altitudes, where a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios, and the dual-function X-Mode system provided enhanced off-road capabilities. The Forester's re-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires contributed to its impressive off-road performance, though wind noise was noticeable at higher speeds.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, with the Rock Creek trim offering a slight power boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The Pathfinder utilized a 9-speed automatic transmission, with available all-wheel drive. The Rock Creek trim included off-road shocks and a taller suspension, enhancing its off-road capabilities. While the off-road tires provided a rougher ride on paved roads, they excelled on trails. The Pathfinder's engine offered ample power for city and highway driving, though the new shifter design was less intuitive. The rotary drive mode dial, however, was user-friendly, offering various driving modes, including an All-Terrain mode in the Rock Creek. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the Rock Creek trim.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered comfortable seating and decent storage space, with a cargo capacity of 28.9 cubic feet without the sunroof and 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While the cargo area was usefully shaped, additional storage options could have been included.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With the second row in use, it offered 45 cubic feet, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. The first two rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The optional second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row. The Pathfinder featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, ensuring convenience for passengers. The Rock Creek trim's roof racks were practical, though snow removal could be challenging due to their proximity to the roof.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims, including the Wilderness, featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading. The PIN Code Access feature allowed drivers to leave the key fob in the vehicle and re-enter using a PIN code, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims featuring a 9-inch screen. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. The SV trim added a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the SL trim introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and device charging. The Platinum trim offered additional USB ports, ensuring connectivity for all passengers.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, featuring a wider field of vision and improved accuracy. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included standard driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist, with lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The SL trim introduced front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim offered rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. The Pathfinder's off-road mode provided front- and side-view cameras for obstacle monitoring.