2023 Nissan Pathfinder Review

The new Pathfinder Rock Creek adds some off-road style to a family crossover.

We tested the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder last year, but now there's a new Rock Creek trim that adds a little lift and some chunky tires to the mix. Cliff Atiyeh tested this tough-looking three-row crossover in a New England winter to see how it performs off road and on road. Watch our test drive review video if you're wondering whether this seven-passenger SUV has taken a step forward in 2023.

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Presenter: Clifford Atiyeh

#nissan #pathfinder #rockcreek
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0:00 The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
0:40 Exterior
1:47 Cargo Space
2:34 Rear Seats
3:23 Interior
4:16 Infotainment
5:20 Driving Impressions
9:28 Off the Road
10:49 Among the Competition
11:07 The Verdict

[joemonk]

We Love our Boulder Grey Rock Creek. Has everything you need. Prices less than competitors. Looks better too. Aggressive styling turns heads. Could’ve gone through the creek. Should’ve gone through the creek.

[martinbrock]

We just got a Pathfinder SL, drove it 700 miles last week and absolutely love it! Most comfortable ride ever and 26 mpg on the highway.was thinking about the SV, but they only had SL's. Enjoy the leather seats, auto tailgate and other niceties. Nissan has great lease rates which made it so affordable. Also mid 40's sticker is about $20, 000 less than you will pay for most other popular 3 rows - if you can find them!

[MrAdventure-]

What made you avoid going through the creek or puddle? I’ve seen other videos where people take this on much harsher conditions, like on the beach or in the hills of Texas. Also, your comparison to the other vehicles seemed pretty different from what others have said about the Pathfinder. It sounds like you might not be a big Nissan fan—and that’s fine—but your take felt almost the complete opposite of what I’ve seen in other reviews.

[sizzlacalunji]

Dude you should have driven through that creek.

[SubUrbanNinja-EDC]

Rock Creek vs SL

In my opinion the Rock Creek is the best looking Pathfinder model. And because of the suspension tuning and tires, it is the most capable Pathfinder model. It has some features and options like tow hitch, fog lamps, cargo liner, thick roof rack, rear captains chair, heated front seats, remote start, and off road tires that not even higher trim models have standard. But, it lacks a lot of other feature and options that make the Pathfinder more luxurious like heated steering wheel, power lift gate, power front passenger seat, full leather seats, wireless charging pad, I found the base model SL had more of those options than the Rock Creek and cost only few thosand more with discount. The SL also has a softer and quieter ride than the Rock Creek. Because the Rock Creek has off road tires, it is more rugged and more suitable for driving on rougher roads. Ultimatelty I decided to buy the SL for daily comfort and more features. The Rock Creek is actually a comfortable and quiet ride despite the off road tires, but the SL was more quiet and more comfortable. Both are just as capable off road but the SL has dress shoes tires and the Rock Creek has on hiking shoes tires.

[Ray__E]

Good looking vehicle. I'm about to make a vehicle purchase in the next few months. I need a family suv with three rows. I've looked at this, a Telluride, Palisade, and Grand Cherokee L. So far I'm seriously leaning towards the Calligraphy Palisade. It's much nicer than other vehicles in this segment in my opinion.

[kevinW]

I just took a pathfinder SL out for a test drive yesterday to compare it to the 2019 pathfinder SL I was looking at. My wife and I both agreed the 2023/24 will be the next suv for our extended family. Hopefully by the end of this year or in the spring we will have a good down payment for one.
I’m more partial to the base S trim, while my wife wants the SL for the power passenger seat and panoramic roof.

[vanessaprice]

All the other videos I’ve watched says it does have Apple car play, I’m confused

[Rightthewrongs]

the pathfinder is a definitely the best value for the vehicle in that class. their pricing was way below...at least the dealer than every other brand. Biggest complaint...the Bose sound system is terrible. The prior 2016 Pathfinder Bose system blew it away as does our other vehicle. The shifter is a bit overkill as well. it takes a little to get used to. also, if your door is open, you cant go in reverse and if you open the door, it will put itself in park. lastly... the plastic trim around the vehicle wheel wells and side are somewhat bulky and prone to marking. i'm also curious to see if they take on the ugly black faded look after a little sun, they definitely make it feel more "cheap". they trap a tremendous amount of road dirt and grime with gaps making cleaning much harder. hand washing the SV/platinum rims is a job all in itself, there are endless corners and angles. other than those items...work it.

[ryanclark]

What town in CT is that trail? Looks fun.

[frozenfist]

As a long time Nissan owner and someone looking for a 3 row, this ticks a lot of boxes and I think the Rock Creek looks the best of the Pathfinder packages, but alas as you mentioned, no heated steering, so just like with every other manufacturer, I'll have to pay thousands more just to get one feature that I basically need to have as a resident of Minnesota and sufferer of Reynauds syndrome. Also, the Rock Creek has a fixed passenger seat that even for 6'1" me feels low, so I'm sure my 5'4" wife wouldn't care for it. SL it is for way more money. 😒

[JohnQuincy]

I liked this review, it was brutally honest. I do think you undersold the capability a little bit. TFL did some fairly rocky terrain in it. I think it could have handled creek.

[cw]

Hate these "enthusiast" reviewers who always knock cars for not having a rock-hard suspension and ludicrously heavy and annoyingly direct steering for "the twisties". Buffoons. Keep those criticisms for the Miatas, Golfs, Type-Rs. This is why we no longer have TRULY comfortable cars in the market anymore. Nothing with light steering weight and a floaty ride anymore.

[jonjacob]

Idk... I'd probably still take the 03 Trailblazer...