Nissan Pathfinder TI-L AWD SUV 2023 Review

Pathfinder TI-L – I have just spent a week in the all-new Nissan Pathfinder, and I have to say I’m impressed     2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L exterior 2 First thing you notice is that it is bigger than you realise, both outside and inside.

The top model Ti-L comes with a full shopping list of safety, little luxuries and comfort features.

Front two seats are like a lounge chair, with multiple adjustments available and both heated and cooled.

The middle two seats are equally comfortable and the third row, while ok, are best left to shorter trips for younger passengers.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti drive mode 4 pic

The model we drove has a clever all-wheel drive system and is powered by a 3.5litre V6 petrol engine. There is no hybrid version though.

Transmission is a smooth nine speed automatic transmission that always seems to be in the right gear.

Economy can be relatively frugal or heavy depending on circumstances.  It will coast easily around town which is a good thing.

Driving the Pathfinder is easy, but the over bonnet view is a little restricted. The internal layout works well and looks impressive.

I can see this being an ideal family SUV that likes to go on snow holidays or tow a smaller boat or caravan.

Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L is priced from $80,277 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L exterior front grill

TO LISTEN TO THE PATHFINDER TI-L SUV RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti MFD area 4 pic

Some Quick Pathfinder TI-L thoughts

  • The first time you sit in the Pathfinder you are impressed by how much room there is inside.
  • Front two seats are particularly comfortable.
  • Flat bottomed steering wheel feels spot on and frames the digital drivers instruments perfectly.
  • Arm rests, footrest etc. all work well.
  • Over bonnet visibility is a little restricted, but it drives much smaller than it is.
  • I would rather manufacturers spend the money on wireless smartphone mirroring and forget about paddle shift levers for all but true sports cars.
  • The TI-L obviously has all the little bling features like reverse tilt foe external mirrors, rain sensing wipers, electric passenger seats, ventilated front seats and more.
  • I wonder how many people actually use sun roofs, nothing against the Pathfinder, just a thought in general.
  • Twin captain middle row seats are opulent, with controls for seat heating, A/C and two different styled USB ports.
  • Third row seats are as you would expect. They are there for limited use and better for shorter occupants. Access is for the skinny, short, or acrobatically inclined.
  • Like most seven seat SUV’s the Pathfinder will spend 99.9% of its time in 5 seat mode I’m guessing.
  • The 3.5L V6 engine is smooth and works well with the 9 Sp AT
  • The combination will allow a lot of run on style cruising around town which helps economy greatly.
  • There is also enough oomph when needed.
  • However, it can get thirsty if driven hard. A hybrid option would fit perfectly.
  • Think of the Pathfinder as a very capable AWD SUV. Its not a true 4WD. Low ground clearance is the major limiting factor.
  • However, as transport for four to the snow it is excellent.
  • Pathfinder will tow 2700kg which is about best in class.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L safety features

What is Good?

  • Extremely comfortable and quiet inside
  • Good road manners
  • Captain chair option

What is not so Good?

  • Petrol can be thirsty.
  • AWD not 4WD
  • No hybrid version

Some other Nissan Pathfinder articles

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L interior middle row captains seats

Also look at:

Large Luxury AWD SUVs are popular and expensive. The Pathfinder is on the larger end of the segment.

Buyers could look at  the Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Kluger

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti interior features 4 pic

Some final thoughts

The all-new Pathfinder was worth the wait.

Think of it more as a capable AWD SUV rather than a true 4WD. It has a sophisticated drive mode select that has different terrain functionality, but the ground clearance will be a limiting factor.

As a family wagon for snow trips its excellent. It will also tow more than almost everything else in the class and that’s handy.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L engine

Nissan Pathfinder

Model

Pathfinder Ti-L MY 2023

Model Price $80,227
Engine 3.5 Litre V6 Petrol
Drivetrain 9 Speed automatic and 4WD
Power 202kW @ 6400rpm
Torque 340Nm @ 4800rpm
Safety Five Star ANCAP
0-100kmh / Top Speed N/A
CO2 Emissions 245 g/km
Economy ADR 10.5 l/100km combined cycle
Range (WLTP) / ADR 877km
Economy on test 12.8L/100k
Servicing capped price for the first six services
Warranty 5-Year Unlimited Kilometre
Roadside Assist  5Yr 24-Hour Roadside Assistance

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L interior features

Overall Rating

85/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 8
AWD / Towing* 9 (4/5 AWD – 5/5)
Technology/connectivity 8
Value for Money 8

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti boot area 4 pic

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 5004mm
Wheelbase 2900mm
Width 1978mm
Height 1798mm
Wheels 20×8.0 Alloy
Tyres 255/50 R20
Max ground clearance Up to 179mm
Wading Depth TBA
Approach TBA
Rampover TBA
Departure angle TBA
Turning Circle KTK 11.8m
Boot Min 205Lmm
Boot Max 782mm
Kerb Weight 2083kg
Payload (kg) 667kg
GVM (kg) 2750kg
GCM 5450kg
Towing Capacity 2700kg
Tow Ball rating 270kg

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L rear

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About Rob Fraser 2510 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.