After serious changes for the 2022MY, the upcoming 2023 Nissan Pathfinder won’t change that much. This popular SUV is about to enter a new chapter with significant improvements. This means the 2023 Pathfinder will provide minor updates. The fifth-gen Pathfinder is about to arrive, with a completely new design, interior features, and powertrain options.
This model will continue to offer a reliable V6 powerplant with more than solid performances. Some rumors are predicting the plug-in hybrid variant as well, but this is far from official. Anyway, Nissan will release its new model at some point next year, and here’s everything you need to know.
2023 Pathfinder Facelift
The Pathfinder had lost part of its raw appeal by the fourth generation, but the redesign for 2022 restored a sliver of it. Because of that, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder will remain aesthetically the same. Anyway, this model now features a more upright styling, a flat nose, eye-catching LED headlamps, a pronounced V-motion grille.
On top of that, the Pathfinder comes with flared fenders and other features that distinguish this new crossover from the previous model. Given that it is just in its second year of the fifth generation, we anticipate that its design will remain unchanged.
Interior Changes
Not much will change inside the new 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The new-gen model is about to arrive, so the 2023MY will mostly remain intact. This isn’t a bad thing, as this model comes with a smart cabin layout and modern interior design. For a start, it provides sleek buttons, a stubby gear shifter, a floating infotainment touchscreen, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Some parts of the cabin, such as seats, are looking sportier. Upper trim levels are available with standard leather upholstery, as before. Tech is abundant throughout the Pathfinder with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster available, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and a 9-inch Android Auto/Apple CarPlay touchscreen.
New 9-Speed Transmission
The forthcoming 2023 Nissan Pathfinder retains the previous generation’s 3.5-liter V6 engine. This unit generates 284 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, the Pathfinder SUV does away with the CVT in favor of a new nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available as an option on all models. Additionally, the all-wheel-drive provides seven driving modes. In addition to a smooth ride and sound deadening components, Nissan has made the Pathfinder a quiet vehicle.
With a fully equipped AWD system, the Pathfinder achieves a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. A front-wheel-drive system is standard, which results in somewhat superior fuel efficiency ratings. Finally, a hybrid powertrain should be available. It will add around 13 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque. However, the hybrid variant is not official yet.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Price and Release Date
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder does not yet have an official launch date, but we anticipate it will arrive in the summer of 2022. Pricing is still unknown, but with no modifications expected, we anticipate the 2023 Pathfinder to maintain its existing price of $34,500. This three-row midsize crossover will face off against the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.