2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, having undergone a redesign in 2022, maintained its modern aesthetic into 2023 with minimal changes. Its design featured futuristic headlights and an angular C-pillar, blending traditional elements with forward-thinking style. The interior was marked by clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The Pathfinder offered various trims, including the S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum, each with distinct features ranging from basic amenities to luxurious upgrades like leather upholstery and advanced infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of luxury and practicality, with a subdued and earthy exterior paint palette. The SUV was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, with the Recharge T8 offering a plug-in hybrid option. The interior, though dated, was adorned with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim. The XC90's design emphasized safety, sustainability, and a touch of class, with features like a crystal shift knob and the ability to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery to suit individual preferences.

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 performance boost with 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Power was delivered 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, making it suitable for occasional trail adventures. The Pathfinder's towing capacity varied, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, delivering a total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving and an estimated 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 offered multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, and Hybrid, catering to different driving preferences. Despite its impressive power, the XC90's handling was more aligned with luxury than performance, with a firm ride and less communicative steering.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With all seats upright, it offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which was average for midsize three-row SUVs. The first two rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Pathfinder featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, along with a robust roof rack capable of holding up to 220 pounds.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in its base Core trim, was well-equipped with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The interior offered a panoramic glass roof and various seating configurations, accommodating up to seven passengers. Cargo capacity was slightly larger than the Pathfinder, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the second-row seat folded. However, interior storage was adequate rather than abundant.

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 additional tech like wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, some might find the graphics dated compared to newer models.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering navigation, Google Play access, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The XC90's infotainment system was intuitive and complemented by a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel. Optional audio systems included a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup, enhancing the in-cabin experience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added ProPilot Assist, lane centering, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and convenience.

Volvo's 2024 XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning high crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. While the XC90 included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, it lacked innovative ADAS compared to rivals. Pilot Assist, Volvo's semi-autonomous driving system, was generally effective but had occasional issues with lane markings and exit ramps.