2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its modern design from the previous year, maintaining its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar, which blended traditional elements with forward-thinking aesthetics. This design approach ensured the Pathfinder remained relevant and appealing. Inside, the cabin featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually pleasing and practical for everyday use. The Pathfinder offered various trims, each with distinct features, from the basic S trim with its 18-inch alloy wheels and cloth upholstery to the luxurious Platinum trim with upgraded leather and a digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, entered 2023 with minimal changes. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, showcased a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, exuded an upscale feel, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of luxury expectations. The cabin's ambient lighting added character, and the Navigator's spaciousness and quality materials contributed to its luxurious appeal.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek variant offered a slight power boost, delivering 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed through a 9-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Rock Creek model featured off-road enhancements, including a taller suspension and off-road shocks, providing a more rugged driving experience. Despite the off-road capabilities, the Pathfinder's ride remained smooth and quiet, though the new shifter design posed some usability challenges. The Pathfinder's drive mode dial offered various settings, including Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain, enhancing its versatility. The Rock Creek's towing capacity reached up to 6,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for those needing extra hauling power.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator offered a robust performance. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator featured five drive modes, including Conserve and Excite, with an adaptive damping suspension that adjusted to road conditions. While Excite mode improved handling, it negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, and its nearly three-ton weight tested the brakes on mountain roads.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it provided 45 cubic feet, and with all seats upright, 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row accommodated adults for shorter trips. The optional second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The Pathfinder featured 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with numerous storage compartments. The Rock Creek model's roof rack supported up to 220 pounds, though its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across all three rows and an extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards eased entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs offered a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller adults comfortably. Storage was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, with logical menu layouts and real buttons for ease of use. While the graphics were not cutting-edge, the system's functionality was straightforward. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition. The SV trim added a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the SL trim introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and additional USB ports. The Platinum trim offered further connectivity options, ensuring tech needs were met.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, accurately responding to commands. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues. The Navigator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered exceptional sound quality. Lincoln Play provided rear-seat entertainment, though it went unused by teenagers during testing.

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

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced driving assistance systems. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system for designated highways. BlueCruise required driver intervention in certain situations, such as curves and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, though full crash test results were unavailable.