Here we have two great SUVs to compare the 2023 Ford Explorer vs. the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder; which is better? Much of it is going to come down to you and your family's needs, but there are a few reasons why we suggest the Explorer over the Pathfinder if you're looking to get more for the long haul, out of your car payments. Our comprehensive comparison guide will help you make the best financial decision for your next new car.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Both cars can seat seven passengers but the Pathfinder has one extra seat advantage.
- Better trailering capacity on the Ford Explorer
- Three powertrain options on the Ford Explorer, one of them being a hybrid option for extra gas-saving abilities.
- The Explorer is going to offer more overall space for passengers and cargo, as it is a slightly larger SUV.
- The Nissan Pathfinder is slightly cheaper than the Ford Explorer.
ENGINE: 2023 EXPLORER
You'll be amazed at what you'll be able to accomplish in a Ford Explorer. The Pathfinder is a great SUV, with a powerful engine, but we like the options the Explorer gives, allowing for more versatility for the buyer. The Explorer presents three different power trains to suit your needs:
- 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine with 300-hp, (Gasoline)
- 3.3-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine with 318-hp, (Hybrid)
- 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine with 400-hp (Gasoline)
There are not too many SUVs on the market that offer what the Explore does with its hybrid system as a second-tier engine option. Out of all the comparison guides we've written, we found only a few other SUVs that compete with the Explorer in this regard. And that's not just for the gas saving, but also the horsepower that is still coming from an optional powertrain. Not even the Pathfinder drive train options compete with the superior horsepower of all the Explorer's engines. The Pathfinder also comes with a couple of engine options to choose from:
- 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline) with 284-hp
- 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline) with 295-hp
PERFORMANCE: EXPLORER REVS AHEAD ONCE MORE
The Explorer puts its engine to work. It offers better torque to its wheels at 310 lb-ft while the Pathfinder is doing 284 lb-ft. For off-roading and trailering, the Explorer is going to be more reliable. The maximum trailering capacity on the Explorer is 5,300 pounds and the Pathfinder is 3,500 pounds. Towing has never been easier with the Explorer's great ground clearance and all-wheel drive system. The Pathfinder does have the option of an all-wheel drive system that comes with some better off-roading capabilities with a Sand and Mud mode. Both body styles have strong profiles and look capable of doing any job, but we feel that the Explorer has much more utility to offer on and off-road than the Pathfinder does.
GAS MILEAGE: SLIGHT EDGE TO THE EXPLORER
Even with its bigger engine, the Explorer is doing more to save you some gas money in the long run than the Pathfinder. But note that it is not by too much, as these are both full-sized SUVs after all. EPA estimates suggest that the Explore gets on average 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway compared to the Pathfinders' 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.
KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR THESE DEFINING FEATURES
Between the Explorer and the Pathfinder there are some other specifics to be aware of that may help push your decisions in one direction or the other. Great safety features such as backup cameras, cruise control, keyless entry, and anti-theft systems are standard features on both of these great SUVs. The touchscreen infotainment systems in both of these cars are pretty standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Autoplay capabilities. Every model of the Explorer comes with a voice-activated navigation system, as well as a remote trunk release, driver illuminated mirror, and remote engine start - which no trims of the Pathfinder offer.
WHICH SUV WILL YOU DRIVE OFF WITH?
If you want a reliable SUV that's going to last you years to come, give us a call today so we can set you up with a 2023 Ford Explorer. We know you'll be impressed with either one of these vehicles, but the Explorer is going to be the choice that gets you the most for your money while performing every task you could fathom well into the future.