2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, having undergone a redesign in 2022, maintained its modern aesthetic with minimal changes for the new model year. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar combined traditional elements with forward-thinking design, ensuring the SUV remained relevant. Inside, the cabin featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The Pathfinder offered a range of trims, from the base S with essential features like an 8-inch touchscreen and tri-zone climate control, to the rugged Rock Creek with off-road enhancements and a water-repellent interior. The top-tier Platinum trim boasted luxury touches such as upgraded leather upholstery and a fully digital instrument panel.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, with its Wilderness trim receiving a new front fascia and LED fog lights, retained the look introduced in its 2023 facelift. The Outback's exterior, particularly in the Autumn Green Metallic color, was both appealing and distinctive. The various trims offered different levels of black and chrome fittings, with the Touring trim featuring tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru. The Outback's interior varied by trim, with options ranging from cloth seats in the base model to StarTex synthetic leather in the Wilderness and Onyx Edition.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Rock Creek trim, however, offered a slight power boost with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was delivered through a 9-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which Nissan labeled as 4WD. The Rock Creek trim aimed to enhance off-road capabilities with a taller suspension and off-road shocks, though the ride on paved 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 noted as potentially distracting. The vehicle featured a rotary drive mode dial with various settings, including an All-Terrain mode in the Rock Creek, and offered a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds with the right equipment.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT were standard across the lineup. The turbo engine in the Touring XT provided a better fit for the vehicle's weight, and the CVT mimicked the feel of an eight-speed transmission. The Outback's suspension and wheel design contributed to a comfortable ride, and the Wilderness trim offered increased ground clearance and advanced off-road modes.

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. While this was average for midsize three-row SUVs, it fell slightly short of competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The first two rows provided ample space for passengers, with the third row suitable for shorter trips. The Pathfinder featured 12 cupholders and multiple storage compartments, and the Rock Creek trim's roof rack could hold up to 220 pounds, though its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, did not compromise on interior space. It offered more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, though its cargo space was slightly less with all seats in place. The Outback's features varied by trim, with dual-zone climate control and heated front seats standard on most models. The Touring trim offered ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which was praised for its 360-degree warmth. The Outback also featured a hands-free power liftgate and raised roof rails with retractable cross bars.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch version available on higher trims. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless versions available on the SL trim and above. Additional tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple USB ports, and a six-speaker stereo, with the Platinum trim offering more advanced connectivity options.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old and new technology, with the Touring trim offering a CD player and a combination of USB-C and USB-A ports. The top trims boasted an 11.6-inch infotainment screen, while the base model retained a dual-7-inch system. The Subaru Starlink platform, though dated in appearance, provided standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity starting at the Premium trim. The Outback also offered Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system on most trims.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control, while the SL trim offered additional features like a 360-degree parking monitor. The Platinum trim included rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Onyx trim added reverse automatic braking, while the Touring trim featured a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor. These enhancements contributed to the Outback's strong safety credentials.