2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers who favored a classic Land Rover look over the Discovery's more Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and a sharply cut tail, all of which contributed to its classic truck aesthetic. The vehicle's design paid homage to the original 1980s Defender with tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a body-color square separating the side glass. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—offering a range of options for consumers. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior focused on function and durability, with materials designed to resist moisture and stains, maintaining its hardcore character.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its redesign from the previous year with minimal changes, except for the introduction of the Rock Creek trim. The Pathfinder's design combined futuristic elements with traditional SUV features, resulting in a modern aesthetic that was expected to remain relevant for years. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a clean and sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The Pathfinder was available in several trims, including S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from basic to more luxurious. The Rock Creek trim, in particular, provided a rugged off-road experience with features like off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and a water-repellent interior. The Platinum trim offered the most luxurious features, including upgraded leather upholstery and a fully digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was renowned for its off-road prowess, with features like permanent four-wheel drive and the Terrain Response 2 system, which adapted the vehicle's powertrain and chassis to various surfaces. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided impressive power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The V8 engine, while powerful, resulted in poor fuel economy, rated at 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered better fuel efficiency and performance, with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slight power increase, with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The Pathfinder's 9-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and quiet operation, although the new shifter design was criticized for being unintuitive. The Pathfinder's drive mode dial offered various settings, including Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds for the Rock Creek trim. While the off-road tires provided a rougher ride on highways, they offered a more comfortable experience on trails.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in versatility, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering up to 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender also featured a range of practical options, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Pathfinder's interior featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, enhancing its practicality. The Rock Creek trim's roof rack was functional, supporting up to 220 pounds, although its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice assistant, and navigation. The Defender offered a range of features across trims, including heated seats, a Meridian stereo, and a head-up display. The X trim added advanced features like air suspension and a locking rear differential.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger 9-inch screens available on higher trims. While the system was easy to use, some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder offered features like Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition, with additional options like a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging on higher trims. The Platinum trim added a head-up display and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It came with six airbags and standard safety features like lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and automatic trailer steering.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like ProPilot Assist, a 360-degree parking monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim included rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display.