“I think the Pathfinder is a great solid car... if you need a third-row car that still looks great you should try it.”
2023 Nissan Pathfinder: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is the new Rock Creek trim, which adds standard 4WD and trail-friendly hardware. Otherwise, this is a lightly updated follow-up to the 2022 redesign.
About the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
Fifth generation Pathfinder, introduced for 2022; 2023 is the second model year before any major refresh.
The 2023 Pathfinder is Nissan’s family-focused three-row midsize SUV with a rugged look, flexible seating, standard active-safety tech, and stronger towing ability than many rivals. Nissan markets it as an adventure-ready family vehicle: roomy enough for daily kid duty and road trips, but also more capable when roads or weather get rough. Its standout traits are the V6 engine, 9-speed automatic, available intelligent 4x4, easy third-row access, and up to 6,000 pounds of towing.
The 2023 Pathfinder lineup spans practical three-row family models, the more comfortable SL, the upscale Platinum, and the tougher Rock Creek. Rock Creek stands out with a lifted suspension, a 360-degree camera with an off-road view, and a tow hitch, while Platinum focuses on comfort with quilted leather, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and Bose audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new Rock Creek has standard 4WD and a V6 tuned to produce 295 horsepower when running on premium fuel.
Styling
Rock Creek adds unique exterior and cabin details, a tubular roof rack, and orange contrast stitching. Roof rails become standard on Platinum, while fog lights move from standard to optional on SL and Platinum.
Tech
Rock Creek adds an off-road view for its 360-degree camera. SL gains a standard wireless charging pad, and SL and Platinum gain a standard 10-way power front-passenger seat.
Structural
Rock Creek adds an off-road-tuned suspension with a 0.6-inch lift, plus a tow hitch receiver and 7-pin wiring harness.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 284 hp | 284 hp | 284 hp | 284 hp | 295 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 80.5 cu-ft | 80.5 cu-ft | 80.5 cu-ft | 80.5 cu-ft | 80.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Cooled Seats | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
The biggest change is the addition of the Rock Creek trim. It gives the Pathfinder standard 4WD, a lifted off-road-tuned suspension, towing hardware, a trail-oriented camera view, and a stronger V6 tune when using premium fuel.
Is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek more powerful than other Pathfinder trims?
Yes. The 2023 Rock Creek's 3.5-liter V6 produces 295 horsepower when running on premium fuel. Its changes also include standard 4WD and off-road suspension tuning.
What equipment changed on the 2023 Pathfinder SL and Platinum?
The 2023 SL gains a standard wireless charging pad, and both SL and Platinum gain a standard 10-way power front-passenger seat. Fog lights also move from standard to optional on both trims, while roof rails become standard on Platinum.
Is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder a new generation?
No. The fifth-generation Pathfinder arrived for 2022, so the 2023 model is the second year of that design. Its updates are limited mainly to the new Rock Creek trim and a few equipment changes.
Is the 2023 Pathfinder worth choosing over the 2022 model?
The 2023 Pathfinder is the better fit if you want the Rock Creek trim or the added SL and Platinum comfort equipment. Otherwise, the core design carries over from the 2022 redesign, so the differences are modest.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder.
4.2
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
(798 reviews)
“The vehicle is nice, but I don't think they had tall people in mind because every time I enter the vehicle, I bang my knee on the center console. My next problem with the vehicle is the mirrors; they need to be about 2 to 3 inches further back.”
“Great vehicle but do not get the running boards. Makes it difficult to enter and exit. Running board too small to safely use.”