2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned the previous year, followed a minimal-change approach into 2023, which included its Rock Creek trim. Its combination of futuristic headlight design and a traditional, angular C-pillar appealed to those looking for a versatile and modern SUV. The exterior embraced both conventional and forward-thinking design elements, promising a relevant look for years. Inside, the Pathfinder continued with a modern aesthetic characterized by clean lines and sensible layout—balancing attractiveness with user-friendliness.

Trim-wise, the Pathfinder offered diverse options:

• S: Entry level with 18-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, a push-button start, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
• SV: Enhanced with heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
• SL: Luxury upgrades to leather upholstery, a 9-inch touchscreen, and wireless device charging.
• Rock Creek: Rugged with off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, a roof cargo rack, and water-repellent interior.
• Platinum: Top-tier with upgraded leather, 20-inch wheels, a digital instrument panel, and advanced convenience features.

With the 2023 Acura MDX, buyers chose between standard and Type S versions—with various trims like Technology, A-Spec, and Advance. Our examination focused on the Type S Advance, sporting an elegant Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior at a steep MSRP of $74,995.

Similar to its predecessors, the MDX Type S maintained a tasteful, if somewhat understated appearance, featuring chicane-design LED lights and a few subtle styling tweaks. The large 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets lent it a powerful stance, while the cabin impressed with luxurious materials like perforated Milano leather and aluminum trim. The Type S Advance went further, adding wood trim and a leather-wrapped dashboard. While stunning from many angles, some styling choices—like the tapering body side—left mixed impressions.

The Pathfinder was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, boasting 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek version was tuned to deliver a bit more at 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. A 9-speed automatic transmission paired with either FWD or AWD, though Nissan branded its AWD as 4WD. The Pathfinders, particularly the Rock Creek, offered enhanced off-road potential with a 5/8-inch raised suspension and off-road shocks for rugged journeys.

However, the off-road tires complicated on-road comfort, increasing cabin vibrations and road noise. The horsepower sufficed for urban commutes and highway driving, and the driver found the automatic transmission smooth but problematic due to Nissan's unconventional shifter design. Despite these quirks, the rotary dial for drive modes kept the experience intuitive, featuring modes like Eco, Sport, Snow, and All-Terrain, the latter exclusive to Rock Creek. Towing capacities reached up to 6,000 pounds in the Rock Creek and optionally in SV and SL trims, making it versatile for heavy haulers.

The MDX Type S stood out with a unique turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This boost over the standard V6 was paired with a significant weight increase of 285 pounds for the Type S AWD models. Power channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission to Acura's SH-AWD system, promising an engaging drive by dispersing up to 70% power to individual rear wheels for better handling.

Dynamic driving modes spanned Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, plus an exclusive Lift mode that raised ground clearance from 7.3 to 9.4 inches through its adaptive air suspension. Despite advanced bits like lift mode and improved brake systems, the driving experience of the Type S didn’t mesh seamlessly. Issues highlighted included transmission indecision, ride discomfort, excessive tire squeal, and inefficient power increases—culminating in high fuel consumption, averaging 16.9 mpg in mixed driving.

Inside, the Pathfinder offered practical interior space metrics:

• 80.5 cubic feet: Maximum cargo space with the second and third rows folded.
• 45 cubic feet: Cargo space with the second row in use.
• 16.6 cubic feet: Space behind the third row.

This setup, though average for its class, fell short against rivals like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride. Nonetheless, the Pathfinder provided ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows, while the third row suited shorter trips for adults. The second-row captain's chairs option eased third-row access.

Clever design flourished elsewhere: 12 cupholders, four bottle holders, various cubbies, and compartments contributed to storage. The Rock Creek's roof rack proved utilitarian, bearing up to 220 pounds, though snowy climates might find it tricky for snow removal.

The MDX packed notable functionality across three rows, offering either a two- or three-seat second row. In our Type S Advance test model, the luxurious cabin included items like:

• 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage features
• Seven-passenger seating: With a versatile second-row seat that slides, a removable center section, and adjustable legroom.
• Elevation in luxury: The firm driver’s seat divided opinion—it favored comfort over the performance-centric hold.

The MDX's cargo capacity specifics:

• 18.1 cubic feet: Behind the third row.
• 39.1 cubic feet: With the third row folded.
• 71.4 cubic feet: Max capacity with both rows folded.

Practical touches, such as a sizable underfloor storage bin, hooks for groceries, and a hands-free liftgate, enhanced usability. However, design elements like the touchpad and layout diminished potential storage spaces.

The Pathfinder’s tech revolved around its usable infotainment system—an 8-inch touchscreen standard with the possibility of upgrading to a 9-inch screen in higher trims. Despite outdated graphics, the interfaces were intuitive, complemented by physical buttons and knobs. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and voice recognition.

Enhancements by trim:

• SV: Added Wi-Fi hotspot.
• SL: Introduced wireless CarPlay, wireless charging.
• Platinum: Extended second- and third-row USB ports.

Acura’s Digital Precision Cockpit provided a dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the contentious True Touchpad Interface (TTI) controlled infotainment. Accompanying the TTI were voice commands through Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the superior 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. A comprehensive head-up display came with the Advance package. However, persistent usability issues with TTI overshadowed the advanced tech, prodding drivers to rely on voice recognition for smoother functionality.

The Pathfinder came loaded with driver assists across trims:

• Standard: Included forward and reverse emergency braking, collision warnings, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• SV: ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
• SL: Added front parking sensors and a 360-degree monitor.
• Platinum: Integrated rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display.

Supporting off-road endeavors, the Pathfinder provided front- and side-view cameras in off-road mode, enhancing trail navigation.

The MDX’s versatile AcuraWatch suite included features like:

• Standard: Forward-collision warning, emergency braking, lane-departure, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed following, Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Higher trims introduced front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. However, cluttered implementations, occasional false alerts, and unexpected brake responses detracted from the overall reliability of these safety features. Nonetheless, it boasted top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.