The big news for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder? It’s the debut of the Rock Creek model for folks who like to spend a little time off the beaten path. As with many “off-road” all-wheel-drive (AWD) trim levels, the Rock Creek is mostly a cosmetic affectation with unique badging and exterior accents. However, Nissan does arm the Rock Creek with a more robust off-road suspension, including a 5/8-inch lift and beadlock-style wheels.
For 2023, the 3-row Pathfinder’s trim-level lineup begins with the S, then moves up through the SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. All-wheel drive, which Nissan calls 4-wheel drive (4WD), is standard on the Rock Creek. It’s a $1,900 option on the other Pathfinder grades.
A 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, powers every Pathfinder. In all but the Rock Creek, the V6 generates 284 horsepower. Nissan boosts output to 295 hp in the Rock Creek, and adds 11 lb-ft more torque (to 270 lb-ft). The maximum towing for the Pathfinder is 6,000 pounds.
Pathfinder models with front-wheel drive (FWD) return EPA fuel economy figures of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg in combined driving. Opting for 4WD has little effect on mileage (21 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined). The EPA rates the Pathfinder Rock Creek at 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway/21 mpg combined.
Front-wheel-drive Pathfinder models have five driving modes. Upgrading to 4WD inflates the mode count to seven. Also bundled with 4WD is hill-descent control.
We give the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder high marks for its generous selection of safety and driver-aid technologies, 8-passenger seating, and the new Rock Creek grade. Measure it against the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot, and other SUVs with on-road manners and off-road capability.
Let’s check out what each trim level offers.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder S (starting at $35,000)
Although the S trim kicks off the Pathfinder’s grade roster, it boasts a healthy batch of safety and driver-aid technologies. Rear cross-traffic alert and rear park assist with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring are standard. Nissan includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection and high-beam assist. Many of these features have an audible warning, but the Pathfinder also transmits alerts via slight vibrations from the haptic steering wheel.
More technology pops up in the infotainment system overseen by an 8-inch touchscreen. Four USB ports and two 12-volt power ports are scattered around the cabin. A 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Siri Eyes Free add to the connectivity and entertainment. Hands-free texting is another feature.
Among the other standard fare are 18-inch alloy wheels, hill-start assist, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, and proximity keyless entry with push-button start. Tri-zone automatic climate control and LED exterior lights (auto on/off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights) come equipped too.
Nissan doesn’t offer any factory-installed options for the S.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the S base price brings the total to $36,295. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $652 per month. See 2023 Nissan Pathfinder S models for sale
2023 Nissan Pathfinder S includes:
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
Tri-zone automatic climate control – Separating the vehicle into three areas (front right, front left, and rear), tri-zone climate control allows setting the temperatures independently in each.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – These apps allow your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder SV (starting at $37,820)
To the Pathfinder S, the SV adds features like heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats. Helping the driver find the ideal driving position is a 10-way power-adjustable seat. Remote start also joins the equipment lineup.
The SV adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot intervention to a rich assortment of safety technology. Nissan also includes its ProPilot Assist, which is a semi-autonomous driver-assistance technology. Under certain conditions, it can steer, accelerate, and brake the vehicle. NissanConnect gives you access to the Pathfinder through your mobile device.
Drop another $2,170, and you can add the SV Premium Package. It gains you a panoramic moonroof, a power rear liftgate, a tow-hitch receiver, second-row captains chairs, and a removable rear-seat center console.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the SV base price brings the total to $39,115. Financing for 60 months at 3% with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $703. See 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SV models for sale
2023 Nissan Pathfinder SV includes:
Remote start – You can start the Pathfinder from outside with the key fob within range. It’s handy for precooling the vehicle in summer and preheating it in winter.
Mirrors with integrated turn signals – These are heated power outboard mirrors with turn-signal repeaters installed on their outer shell.
Available second-row captain’s chairs – Two individual, high-back seats replace the Pathfinder’s standard bench, reducing the total passenger count from eight to seven.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek (starting at $42,820)
This is the introductory year for the Rock Creek Pathfinder. It builds on the SV’s content, so we position it right after the SV in this 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Review.
Nissan says the Pathfinder Rock Creek nods to buyers seeking a higher level of fun and adventure. Indeed, it does provide an off-road-tuned suspension with a 5/8-inch lift and beadlock-style 18-inch alloy wheels wearing aggressive all-terrain tires.
It also comes standard with Nissan’s version of 4WD, which is more AWD than 4WD. However, Nissan makes a distinction. Rather than automatically moving torque from a slipping wheel to one with grip as AWD does, the Nissan system transfers torque between the front and rear axles.
With this system, the driver can manually select 4WD. Moreover, the system provides seven driving modes that include Snow, Sand, and Mud/Rut. It doesn’t offer a locking differential or low-range gearing for serious off-roading. To get those mechanicals, you’ll have to pick a Nissan Armada, Frontier, Titan, or Titan XD.
Most of the other added features are more cosmetic. They include a tubular roof rack, a unique front fascia and grille, Rock Creek seat fabric with orange stitching, and Rock Creek badging. Also standard is a version of Nissan’s surround-view camera with an off-roading mode. In the off-roading mode, the camera displays an image of the ground in front of the vehicle. It’s a virtual spotter of sorts.
Nissan also includes a hitch receiver with a 6,000-pound towing capacity, second-row captain’s chairs, and LED fog lights.
There are no factory-installed options.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the Rock Creek base price equals $44,115. At 3% interest, financing for 60 months with no money down works out to about $793 monthly. See 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek models for sale
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek includes:
4WD – Although it has more of an AWD system, the Pathfinder can be shifted into 4WD manually. The Rock Creek may not be designed for rugged rock crawling, but this new Pathfinder can handle off-roading beyond the typical crossover SUV.
Surround-view camera – Providing a 360-degree view around the Pathfinder, this system also provides an off-roading feature. Shifting into 4WD engages it. At speeds below 8 mph, it displays the terrain immediately in front of the vehicle.
Roof rack – The Rock Creek’s tubular roof rack has a 220-pound capacity.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder SL (starting at $41,420)
Except for the surround-view camera, the SL loses all of the Rock Creek’s added features and builds off of the SV.
The SL gains 18-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, leather seating, and a 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat. Also included are a power rear liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a HomeLink transceiver, and wireless phone charging.
Nissan upgrades its ProPilot Assist with a navigation function that anticipates upcoming curves and adjusts the speed accordingly. It also adds traffic sign recognition and front-park assist to the driver-aid technologies.
An upgraded infotainment system includes a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, traffic updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Oddly, Nissan doesn’t upgrade Android Auto to wireless. A fifth USB port provides the third row with charging capabilities. The rear cargo area receives its own 12-volt power port.
You can add LED fog lights for $345. Pitch in another $2,990 if you want the SL Premium Package. It features a panoramic moonroof, 20-inch alloy wheels, a hitch receiver, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Second-row captain’s chairs with a removable center console and heated rear seats complete the package.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the SL base price brings the total to $42,715. Financing for 60 months at 3% with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $768. See 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SL models for sale
2023 Nissan Pathfinder SL includes:
Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind, then automatically dims their reflection.
Power rear liftgate – Opening with a push of a button, this liftgate also includes a height adjustment.
Traffic sign recognition – A front-pointing camera captures images of traffic-warning and other information signs along the road. It matches these images with its database. When it recognizes a critical sign, such as a speed limit, it flashes the information on one of the vehicle’s displays.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum (starting at $47,970)
The most luxurious of Pathfinders, the Platinum builds on the SL’s content with all the features in the SL Premium Package (except the captain’s chairs). Other upgrades are a steering wheel wrapped in premium leather, semi-aniline leather seating, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding outboard mirrors. Also included are a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory for the seat and outboard mirrors, and a head-up display.
Also making the grade are a hands-free power rear liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a sixth USB port.
The LED fog lights are still available. Moreover, for $550, you may add the second-row captain’s chairs with a removable center console.
Adding the destination fee to the Platinum base price brings the total to $49,265. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $885 per month. See 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum models for sale
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum includes:
Bose audio system – A 13-speaker system with a subwoofer, this Bose stereo delivers concert-like sound.
Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
Hands-free power liftgate – With the key fob on your person, the liftgate automatically opens when you stick your foot under the rear bumper.
Thank you for sharing! The information you provided helped me make the decision on which trim to purchase! All the best!