DecodedCars2023 Nissan Pathfinder
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- S/Sv 4dr SUV, Sl/Platinum 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 8
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,478–4,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 16% below the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,478 lb (S/Sv 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 16% worse than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Pathfinder — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Pathfinder →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Pathfinder configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S/Sv 4dr SUV | 197.2 in | 78 in | 70.9 in | 114.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,478 lb | 56/44 |
| Sl/Platinum 4dr SUV | 197.2 in | 78 in | 70.9 in | 114.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,594 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -16% | $2,900 | 390 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 379 |
| Pathfinder 4WD SL/Platinum | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 396 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | -16% | $3,900 | 418 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Not rated | – |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Pathfinder (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | Not rated | 23 |
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (1)
Seats › Critical Fasteners · Apr 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V268000 · 12,400 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The driver's powered seat may not be fully secured to the seat frame, causing the seat frame welds to detach from the rear inboard seat bracket.
- Risk
- An unsecured seat with broken welds may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the driver's seat rail clearance, and if necessary, replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 10, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC966, PC967.
Not every 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Nissan Pathfinder buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 24 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 21 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Service Brakes — 21 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,900 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Pathfinder years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 15 |
| 2025 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 56 |
| 2024 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 86 |
| 2022 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 136 |
| 2020 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 48 |
| 2019 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 76 |
| 2018 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 78 |
| 2017 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 188 |
| 2016 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 107 |
| 2015 Pathfinder | 26 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 321 |
| 2014 Pathfinder | 26 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 12 | 531 |
| 2013 Pathfinder | 22 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 11 | 546 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →