2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Toyota Highlander
What’s the point of an SUV that you can’t take on spontaneous camping trips? For the most accommodating vehicles this year, you’ll want to consider Nissan and Toyota. More specifically, we’re going to be taking a closer look at the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Be sure to stop by Maus Nissan of Brooksville for your next SUV, or check out our new inventory online !
2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2023 Toyota Highlander
The perfect camping vehicle should have great towing power, a plethora of safety features, lots of cargo space, and a flexible cabin with state-of-the-art technology. This may sound like a tall order, but Nissan pulled it off effortlessly with the new 2023 Pathfinder. In comparison, the new Highlander simply falls short in every category.
Performance
In order to have excellent towing capability, you need an engine that’s up to the task. That’s not a problem for the new Pathfinder with its 3.5L V6 engine with 284 horsepower. With its immense strength, the Pathfinder is able to tow up to 6,000 pounds! Driving in the Pathfinder is also much easier and smooth with the Intelligent 4×4 system to assist with traction and acceleration even in harsh road conditions. The 7 available drive modes, including Tow Mode with Downhill Speed Control, also come in handy. Built with a rigid chassis, this 9-speed automatic has an amazing fuel rating of 21 in-city and 27 highway miles per gallon.
The new Highlander only has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds which is a thousand less than the Pathfinder, and a big part of that has to do with the less-powerful 2.4L turbo engine with 265 horsepower. When it comes to the actual drive quality, you can get a sport-tuned suspension system but it’s only available in the XSE trim. The available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive is decent, but the Pathfinder still has so much more going on.
Safety Features
The thing about Nissan is that you can always expect them to go above and beyond when it comes to safety. The Pathfinder comes standard with Safety Shield 360 which includes 6 essential safety and driver-assist features, but that’s not even the best part. Nissan is more famous for their available ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link feature which is changing the way that people drive on the freeways. This system is capable of all kinds of next-gen abilities like automatically keeping you steady in your lane, scanning the road ahead for obstacles, and recognizing speed signs to make automatic adjustments. And if all of that wasn’t enough, the Pathfinder can also support Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor. Needless to say, the Pathfinder is excellent for safer and more confident driving.
The Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense which also includes 6 basic features like the Pathfinder’s Safety Shield 360 so there’s nothing special in that regard. And as far as additional features go, the only available features that the Highlander has to offer is the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. Next to Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link, the facts speak for themselves.
Interior
The cool thing about the new Pathfinder is that you can choose between an 8-seater or a 7-seat layout that has second-row captain’s chairs. To make life easier, EZ FLEX allows you to slide the second row forward and tilt them with minimal effort from either side of the vehicle. The front seats are climate-controlled with heated second-row seats, and you can also adjust the atmosphere with Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control. Bringing all of your camping gear is a breeze with 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the addition of under-floor storage in the trunk. The Pathfinder is also good on technology with an available 12.3-inch digital dashboard, available 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a head-up display all of which are customizable to your specific needs.
The Highlander is very similar to the Pathfinder in the fact that it also has an available panoramic moonroof, wireless charging support, heated and ventilated seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. However, it’s lacking some of the more underrated features like the EX FLEX system that many parents swear by after having the luxury. The Highlander can support an 11-speaker JBL audio system, but it’s not as immersive as the Pathfinder’s available 13-speaker Bose audio system improved by a quieter cabin.
Bottom Line
The new Nissan Pathfinder seems to be ahead of the game in every aspect, leaving the Highlander in the dust. You’ll especially be glad that you went with the Pathfinder if you love going on regular camping trips because of all of the cargo space, convenience features, ability to conquer terrain, and of course the incredible ProPILOT Assist with the Navi-Link system.
Ask Maus Nissan Of Brooksville About The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder!
We’re excited to show you around all of the incredible SUVs that we have to offer! Bring the entire family down to Maus Nissan of Brooksville anytime to try out our vehicles or give us a call at 352-423-6287 to ask about what we currently have in stock. You can also shop our new inventory online before you swing by!