2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its modern design from the 2022 model year, with only minor changes. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar combined traditional elements with forward-thinking design, ensuring the SUV remained relevant for years. Inside, the Pathfinder's cabin featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The various trims, from S to Platinum, offered a range of features, including alloy wheels, power-adjustable seats, and advanced infotainment systems, catering to different preferences and needs.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, moving away from the softer, rounded corners of its predecessor to embrace a more geometric styling. The new GX featured a less pronounced spindle grille, standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more aggressive front fascia. The interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. The GX offered six trim levels, with the Luxury and Overtrail models highlighting its best features, such as 22-inch wheels and off-road capabilities. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, providing a premium feel while being prepared for rugged use.

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 boost, with 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through a 9-speed automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The Rock Creek trim featured off-road enhancements, including a taller suspension and off-road shocks, but the ride on roads was rougher due to the off-road tires. The Pathfinder's engine provided ample power for city and highway driving, though the new shifter design was criticized for being unintuitive. The vehicle offered various drive modes, including Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds for the Rock Creek trim.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The new engine provided impressive torque low in the rev range, enhancing off-road performance. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis, improving stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured excellent traction. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and advanced suspension technology, enhancing off-road capabilities. Despite its size, the GX demonstrated controlled behavior on-road, and its off-road prowess was evident, although not fully tested due to weather conditions.

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 was suitable for shorter trips. The optional second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The Pathfinder featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, and the Rock Creek trim's roof rack was practical for carrying additional cargo, though snow removal could be challenging.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. It offered 41.2 inches of legroom in the front seats and 36.7 inches in the second row, providing comfort for six-foot-tall adults. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 76.9 cubic feet in total. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

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. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. 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 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and device charging. The Platinum trim included additional USB ports, ensuring connectivity for all passengers.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. Overtrail models included additional USB-C ports for the back seat, and all models had a 120-volt outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with subscription services for voice assistance and remote features. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the system was impressive, subscription costs for certain features could be a consideration for long-term owners.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included standard driver assistance features such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The SL trim included front parking sensors, a 360-degree monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant upgrades in safety features, with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard across all models. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the modern architecture and comprehensive safety features inspired confidence in the GX's safety.