2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder presented an eye-catching mix of traditional and modern design elements, maintaining a fresh appearance from its 2022 redesign. The exterior featured futuristic headlights and an angular C-pillar that added a distinctive flair, promising to keep the vehicle looking current in the years to come. Inside, the Pathfinder boasted a clean, sensible layout with modern aesthetics that made the cabin both visually appealing and practical for everyday use.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner embraced its heritage with the 40th Anniversary Special Edition, which reflected a vibrant retro appeal with its body stripes and bronze accents. Rooted in a more truck-like, rugged design, the 4Runner appealed to those with nostalgic tastes or preferences for classic SUV elements. Its interior, though laden with plastic, was designed to be functional and durable, crucial for a vehicle with off-road aspirations.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing 284 horsepower, and 259 pound-feet of torque, with a slight power boost in the Rock Creek edition. The Pathfinder featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and offered an intelligent 4WD system that, despite lacking the traditional truck 4x4 setup, supported various driving conditions with multiple drive modes and a focus on enhanced towing capabilities especially in the Rock Creek variant.

Contrarily, the Toyota 4Runner's performance was anchored by its 4.0-liter V6 engine, hitting 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque paired with a rugged five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a part-time 4WD system, with the option of a full-time system in the Limited trim, focusing heavily on off-road capability. However, the 4Runner’s on-road dynamics were less refined, with a ride that could be jarring and a powertrain that struggled with prompt acceleration.

Space-wise, the Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 80.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, which was roomy but not leading in its class. Its thoughtful interior features like quick-release second-row seats for easy third-row access and a variety of compartmentalized storage options added to its practicality. The Pathfinder's Rock Creek version boasted a sturdy roof rack system designed to handle up to 220 pounds, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Toyota 4Runner provided up to 89.7 cubic feet of storage when configured without the optional third row, which dramatically reduced cargo space to just 9 cubic feet when used. The 4Runner was built for utility, with a rear bumper that doubled as a bench and a power rear window which enhanced the cargo-loading experience and ventilation. Its design clearly prioritized functional ruggedness and versatility.

Technology in the Nissan Pathfinder included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with higher trims featuring a 9-inch screen and additional connectivity options. Despite not being at the cutting edge, the Pathfinder’s technology was user-friendly and covered essential modern needs efficiently.

The Toyota 4Runner lagged in tech advancements, utilizing an 8-inch screen as its largest option and sticking with more traditional user interfaces. It provided basic connectivity and infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but in a decidedly less modern package. However, its simplicity could be appealing to those disinterested in more complicated systems.

The Pathfinder boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an innovative use of camera technology in its off-road settings. It catered well to families with practical safety integrations across all trims.

In contrast, the 4Runner showed its age with older crash-test results impacting its overall safety reputation. Though equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warnings, the 4Runner’s protective capabilities were less impressive than contemporary vehicles.