Which three-row crossover is best suited to you and your loved ones, the 2023 Ford Explorer or the Nissan Pathfinder? Our comparison guide examines each model. By the end, your choice will be clear!
Key Takeaways
- Compared to the Explorer, the Pathfinder has an extra seat, offering space for up to eight passengers.
- The Explorer is the more upscale model, with a longer list of standard features and luxury upgrades.
- With standard rear-wheel drive and more powerful engine options, the Explorer is our choice for a sporty performance.
- Not only does the Explorer come standard with more safety gear, but it’s also available with safety aids you won’t find on the Pathfinder, such as evasive steering assist.
Max Seating: 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
If you need a total of eight seats, the Pathfinder is your crossover SUV! It’s also available with second-row captain’s chairs, which reduce overall seating to seven. Behind the rear seats, the Pathfinder delivers 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space for you and your passengers’ belongings.
Meanwhile, the Explorer seats up to seven passengers. As you might expect, choosing second-row captain’s chairs will reduce overall capacity to six. On the other hand, the Explorer offers a little extra cargo space, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Creature Comforts: 2023 Ford Explorer
With more standard features, the Explorer is the much comfier option. For instance, every Explorer includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate. These midsize crossovers are also available as eight trim models, which increase in levels of luxury. The Explorer lineup can set you up with anything from quilted leather upholstery to real wood cabin trim.
While the Pathfinder isn’t quite as handsomely equipped, it still gives you plenty of coveted standard features. These include tri-zone automatic climate control. Just like the Explorer, the Pathfinder gives you a standard touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Pathfinder is available as five trim models, so you can also upgrade your ride with extras like leather seating and heated front seats.
Sporty Performance: 2023 Ford Explorer
Looking for the swiftest ride? That’s the Explorer, which offers three powerful engine options. However, the Explorer also delivers the best handling, thanks in part to its rear-wheel-drive setup. And Explorer can even pair stout power with impressive fuel economy, giving you up to 27 mpg combined with its available hybrid V6.
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 3.3L hybrid V6 (318 hp, 322 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
There’s only one engine available for the Pathfinder, but it’s relatively powerful, helping you enjoy an easygoing performance around town. Like most crossover SUVs, the Pathfinder comes standard with front-wheel drive, so it isn’t quite as fun to drive as the rear-wheel-drive Explorer. It’s also not the thriftiest option, with max EPA ratings of 23 mpg combined.
- 3.5L V6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Safety: 2023 Ford Explorer
These three-row crossover SUVs help you stay vigilant. Both the Explorer and the Pathfinder come standard with coveted features like blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and forward collision mitigation. However, the Explorer actually comes standard with more safety aids, such as automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, and trailer sway damping. You’ll also find similar upgrades available for each crossover. These include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed in order to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. However, the Explorer throws in an option that’s not available for the Pathfinder: evasive steering assist. This technology can actively steer you around a collision.
Your New Midsize Crossover SUV
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder might offer an extra seat, but it’s the 2023 Ford Explorer that treats your family to maximum comfort, off-road adventure, and extra safety!