2023 Nissan Pathfinder Performance

The 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine is carried over from the previous model, producing the same 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. That's both good and bad. On the plus side, it's well-known and as reliable as a sunrise. On the downside, it doesn't have the power nor refinement that its main rivals offer. Luckily for Nissan, this particular segment is still way behind in adopting the smaller capacity turbocharged engine. One of the few standouts is the Mazda CX-9, equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-pot. It's down on horses (only 250), but it blows all of its competitors away when it comes to torque. A full 320 lb-ft is available from just above idle. The Rock Creek does offer a bit more oomph with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft, but those outputs are only available if you fill up with Premium gas.

Every Pathfinder trim is available in front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available as an option. This is pretty much the standard in this segment. While the Pathfinder is not a performance car, the FWD model has been independently tested doing 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Brisk enough to keep up with traffic, but not so fast that it scares the kids. No top speed figure is provided, but it will do the maximum legal speed without trying too hard.

The standard towing capacity for the S, SV, and SL is 3,500 lbs. A towing package is available for the SV and SL, increasing the tow rating to 6,000 lbs. This package is standard on the Platinum trim.

The engine might be a carry-over, but the tragic CVT transmission is no more. Instead, Nissan mated the 3.5-liter V6 to a nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission with a broad spread of gear ratios. The 284 hp is available from 6,400 rpm, while the 259 lb-ft of torque kicks in at 4,800 rpm. The nine-speed automatic gearbox does a great job making full use of the V6's outputs. It accelerated confidently when entering a highway even with the added weight of lots of Ikea-boxed furniture, a pair of large suitcases, and plenty of other miscellaneous belongings. You'll hardly notice the Rock Creek's 11-hp and 11-lb-ft advantage, but it does help offset the added mass of the AWD-only trim. Keep in mind that these outputs are only generated if you fill up with Premium fuel.

The EPA-estimated gas mileage figures aren't half bad, considering it's a sizeable SUV with a naturally aspirated V6. The other good news is that the AWD system has no impact on the average fuel economy. According to the EPA, the FWD model is capable of 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined, while the AWD model's figures are, strangely enough, 21/27/23 mpg. The AWD SL and Platinum are slightly thirstier and are claimed to consume 20/25/22 mpg. The Rock Creek with its standard AWD and all-terrain tires is the heaviest on fuel of all the trims with estimates of 20/23/21 mpg.

All models have an 18.5-gallon tank, resulting in a theoretical driving range of 426 miles for the FWD and AWD, 407 miles for the AWD Platinum, and 388 miles for the AWD Rock Creek.