2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried forward its redesign from the previous year, maintaining a blend of traditional and modern design elements. Its exterior featured futuristic headlights and an angular C-pillar, creating a look that was both forward-thinking and timeless. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a clean and sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The various trims, from the base S to the top-tier Platinum, provided a range of features, including different wheel sizes, upholstery options, and technology upgrades. The Rock Creek trim stood out with its rugged design, off-road capabilities, and unique interior and exterior styling elements.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past boxy designs. Its purposeful yet understated exterior featured a solid front end and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, giving it a modern flair. The XC90's interior was elegant, with a minimalist design that incorporated high-quality materials like Nappa leather and wood inlays. The cabin's layout was clean, with few physical controls, emphasizing a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. The XC90's design was both functional and stylish, offering a luxurious experience for drivers and passengers alike.

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 trim offered a slightly more powerful version of this engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Power was transmitted through a 9-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Rock Creek trim featured off-road enhancements, including a taller suspension and all-terrain tires, which improved its trail capabilities but resulted in a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder's towing capacity varied, with most models capable of towing 3,500 pounds, while the Rock Creek and certain other trims could tow up to 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines, both featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, with both a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. These powertrains offered improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation compared to previous models. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled well, with minimal road and wind noise, and its brakes provided a confident feel. The XC90's focus was more on comfort and efficiency rather than off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, 45 cubic feet with the second row in use, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. This was average for its class, slightly trailing competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Pathfinder's first two rows provided ample space, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The optional second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The Rock Creek trim featured a robust roof rack capable of holding up to 220 pounds, though its proximity to the roof could make snow removal challenging.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which sometimes resulted in limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row could be difficult, especially with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet. These figures were below average compared to rivals like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, offering a comfortable and refined driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch version available on higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some users might find the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition. Higher trims added features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and additional USB ports. While not the most cutting-edge, the Pathfinder's tech offerings were practical and user-friendly.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition enhanced the user experience, and owners could control the XC90 via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, as it lacked physical buttons for some controls. Despite this, the XC90's tech was advanced and offered a seamless integration of Google services.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added ProPilot Assist, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree parking monitor. The Platinum trim featured rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came standard with advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, maintaining distance from other vehicles and assisting with lane positioning. These features underscored Volvo's commitment to safety and innovation.