2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

In terms of appearance and overall feel, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner carried the legacy of the rugged SUVs from the 1980s, maintaining a robust and off-road-focused design. The vehicle never diverged from its Tacoma pickup lineage and emphasized adventure with its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper for obstacle handling. Inside, the 4Runner leaned towards functionality, but the cabin showed signs of aging as it maintained a design last updated in 2009. The dashboard layout was reminiscent of late-2000s aesthetics. The trims for the 2022 4Runner included the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, with various additions like push-button start, remote keyless entry, and a power-sliding rear window in the base SR5 trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a fusion of traditional and modern design elements. Redesigned in 2022, the Pathfinder brandished futuristic headlights and an angular C-pillar, creating an aesthetic that promised longevity and relevance. Its interior was modern, with clean lines and an intuitive layout that offered simplicity and ease of use. Trims for the 2023 Pathfinder included the S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, manually adjustable seats, cloth upholstery, push-button start, remote keyless entry, and tri-zone automatic climate control, rendering a more contemporary appeal compared to the 4Runner.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivered 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, though dated, offered reliability and decent initial acceleration. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, the 4Runner’s ride could feel harsh and cumbersome with noticeable body roll, especially on paved roads. However, its off-road performance was exceptional, with specialized models like the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road featuring Crawl Control and locking differentials. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System added to its prowess on challenging terrains. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which was adequate but not impressive.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, on the other hand, came with a more modern 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim increased the engine output to 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that offered a smoother and quieter ride. Several drive modes, including Sand, Mud/Rut, Snow, and Towing, enhanced its versatility. The AWD setup in the Rock Creek trim added off-road capability, and it had a commendable towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, more than what the 4Runner offered.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-row configuration, which reduced slightly to 88.8 cubic feet with the optional third row. With the second row in use, there were 47.2 cubic feet available in the two-row model and 46.3 cubic feet in the three-row model. The vehicle’s power rear window was a convenient feature for quick access to the cargo area. However, the interior space utilization felt somewhat outdated, indicative of the vehicle’s older design.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a maximum of 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with both the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it offered 45 cubic feet, and with all seats upright, it provided 16.6 cubic feet. These figures fell somewhat short of competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The interior of the Pathfinder was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows, and the third row was comfortable for shorter trips. Optional second-row captain’s chairs made accessing the third row easier. Other notable features included 12 cupholders and various storage compartments throughout the cabin. The Pathfinder’s roof rack could hold up to 220 pounds, making it practical for additional cargo.

The technology in the 2022 Toyota 4Runner was relatively basic. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. The system had an uncomplicated layout with tactile controls that were helpful for driving with gloves. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The lack of advanced features like a head-up display was noticeable, emphasizing a more analog driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came with a more advanced technological offering. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum trims offered a larger 9-inch screen. The SV trim added a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the SL trim enhanced the system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and additional USB ports. Even though some might find the graphics less impressive, the overall system was user-friendly with logical menus. The Pathfinder also had a comprehensive voice recognition system and six-speaker stereo, making it a well-rounded technological package.

Despite its age, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner remained commendable in terms of safety. It came with Toyota Safety Sense, which included standard forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four stars in frontal and side-impact tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but only three stars in rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder also boasted a suite of advanced safety features. Standard equipment included forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward and reverse collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control, while the SL trim included front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. The Pathfinder also featured front and side-view cameras in off-road mode to assist on trails.