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Nissan Pathfinder vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2023 Nissan Pathfinder
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
$35,320MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$31,225MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
$35,320MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$31,225MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$35,320

MSRP

$31,225

Listings

493

Listings

286

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Plenty of cargo and passenger space

  • Long list of tech and safety features

  • Usable third row of seats

Cons

  • High starting price

  • Confusing shifter design

  • Struggles to find balanced ride quality

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Interior isn't as refined as some rivals

  • Smaller-than-average cargo capacity

Reviews Summary

Every car shopper out there has a hierarchy of needs. They put some needs above other needs. Whether you are looking for the best fuel economy, the most cargo space, or the newest tech and safety features, certain vehicles excel in some areas or falls behind in others. The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder does not stand out courtesy of any one particular characteristic, but much like the people shopping for it, the Pathfinder is a combination of attributes in one vehicle.

For the 2023 model year, Nissan has introduced the Rock Creek edition. It’s a more rugged version of the Pathfinder. That’s a bit ironic because, like many entrants in this family-hauling segment, the Pathfinder started out decades ago as tough, truck-based SUVs. So while the Pathfinder has evolved into a more comfortable vehicle, the Rock Creek appears to be an attempt to capture the spirit of the early Nissan SUVs. So, how does the Pathfinder stack up within the popular and hotly contested midsize SUV segment? And does the Rock Creek warrant attention as an off-road vehicle?

Reviews Summary

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a solid choice in its rather limited class, with an easily attained 40 mpg, pleasant driving characteristics, and high levels of comfort. A new infotainment system helps its standing, as does a new off-road capable Woodland Edition.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 284 hp V6

Engine

2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

284 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

EV Battery Capacity

EV Battery Capacity

1.6 kWh

MPG City

20

MPG City

41

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

38
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
$35,320MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$31,225MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
$35,320MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$31,225MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$35,320
$31,225
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.4

4.8

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

6.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Plenty of cargo and passenger space

  • Long list of tech and safety features

  • Usable third row of seats

Cons

  • High starting price

  • Confusing shifter design

  • Struggles to find balanced ride quality

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Interior isn't as refined as some rivals

  • Smaller-than-average cargo capacity

Summary

Every car shopper out there has a hierarchy of needs. They put some needs above other needs. Whether you are looking for the best fuel economy, the most cargo space, or the newest tech and safety features, certain vehicles excel in some areas or falls behind in others. The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder does not stand out courtesy of any one particular characteristic, but much like the people shopping for it, the Pathfinder is a combination of attributes in one vehicle.

For the 2023 model year, Nissan has introduced the Rock Creek edition. It’s a more rugged version of the Pathfinder. That’s a bit ironic because, like many entrants in this family-hauling segment, the Pathfinder started out decades ago as tough, truck-based SUVs. So while the Pathfinder has evolved into a more comfortable vehicle, the Rock Creek appears to be an attempt to capture the spirit of the early Nissan SUVs. So, how does the Pathfinder stack up within the popular and hotly contested midsize SUV segment? And does the Rock Creek warrant attention as an off-road vehicle?

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a solid choice in its rather limited class, with an easily attained 40 mpg, pleasant driving characteristics, and high levels of comfort. A new infotainment system helps its standing, as does a new off-road capable Woodland Edition.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 284 hp V6
2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
8
5
Horsepower
284 hp @ 6400 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
1.6 kWh
MPG City
20
41
MPG Highway
27
38
Look and feel

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

8/10

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

8/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder scores 8 out of 10 for look and feel while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 6 out of 10. The Pathfinder features a modern aesthetic with a mix of traditional and forward-thinking design elements. It offers a range of trims from the basic S to the rugged Rock Creek and luxurious Platinum. On the other hand, the RAV4 Hybrid has a blocky appearance with a multi-tiered dashboard, and it offers a new Woodland trim. The look and feel are subjective, but the Pathfinder tends to appeal more with its sleek design and carefully considered details.
Picture of 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
Performance

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

7/10

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder at 7 out of 10 for performance, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 6 out of 10. The Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with the option of the Rock Creek trim for improved off-road capability. The RAV4 Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for efficiency. Both models offer a smooth driving experience, but the Pathfinder may be preferred for its towing capacity and rugged Rock Creek trim.
Form and function

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

9/10

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

7/10
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provides up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating passengers and cargo with ease. It also comes with multiple storage compartments and cubbies for convenience. On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly smaller than its non-hybrid counterpart. While the RAV4 excels in interior storage, the Pathfinder stands out with its spacious and versatile cabin layout.
Technology

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

8/10

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

6/10
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder scores 8 out of 10 for technology, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 6 out of 10. The Pathfinder comes with standard infotainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the RAV4 Hybrid offers a new, improved infotainment system with wireless connectivity options. Both models cater to tech-savvy drivers, but the larger touchscreen and wireless charging pad on the RAV4 may be desirable for some.
Safety

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

9/10

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder at 9 out of 10 for safety, with the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scoring 7 out of 10. The Pathfinder includes a suite of driver assistance features across its trims, while the RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5. Both models prioritize safety, but the Pathfinder's additional features like a head-up display and ProPilot Assist may give it an edge in this category.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder for its superior performance, technology, safety features, and overall value for money.

Choose the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder if:

8.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize towing capacity and rugged off-road capability.
  • You value a sleek and modern design with ample cargo and passenger space.
  • You want a versatile SUV that combines comfort and practicality.
493 results
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Choose the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if:

6.3of 10overall
  • You seek excellent fuel economy for long-term savings.
  • You prefer advanced safety features like Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5.
  • You appreciate a compact SUV with a well-designed interior and solid driving dynamics.
286 results
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder for its superior performance, technology, safety features, and overall value for money.

Choose the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder if:

Shop Now
8.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize towing capacity and rugged off-road capability.
  • You value a sleek and modern design with ample cargo and passenger space.
  • You want a versatile SUV that combines comfort and practicality.
493 results

Choose the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if:

Shop Now
6.3of 10overall
  • You seek excellent fuel economy for long-term savings.
  • You prefer advanced safety features like Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5.
  • You appreciate a compact SUV with a well-designed interior and solid driving dynamics.
286 results

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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