2 More Promising Midsize SUVs to Consider Over the Problematic 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder generally isn’t considered the best midsize SUV. Though it has improved over the years, the Nissan Pathfinder simply doesn’t measure up to the competition in a few key ways. Namely, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse and the latest Toyota Highlander are comparable but could be called better in some regards and overall.
How the Chevy Traverse compares to the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
One thing that makes the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse a better midsize SUV is the performance. According to Edmunds, the latest Traverse has a 3.6-liter V6 with a maximum output of 310 hp and a torque of 266 lb-ft. The base trim is front-wheel drive and uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the highest trim.
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is a little less potent than the midsize Chevy SUV. It has a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 284 horsepower and a torque of 259 lb-ft. It can actually tow about 1,000 more pounds than the Traverse. However, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse is a faster vehicle, though their respective acceleration times are similar.
Regarding reliability, the Traverse also comes out on top of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. J.D. Power gave it an 83 out of 100 for reliability. However, the new Nissan Pathfinder has a 77 out of 100. But people should note that the 2023 Pathfinder is the overall safer midsize SUV of the two. It’s a Top Safety Plus pick from the IIHS, while the Traverse only has a marginal rating. The Traverse starts at $34,520.
How the 2023 Toyota Highlander compares
The 2023 Highlander also comes out on top of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder in a few ways. Regarding performance, it has a turbocharged 265 hp 2.4-liter inline-four engine under its hood. The base model is front-wheel drive and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, which is actually a little slower than the Pathfinder’s fastest time of 6.7 seconds.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander is also a more reliable midsize SUV than the Pathfinder. J.D.Power gave the Highlander an 81 out of 100 rating. Like the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, the Highlander is a Top Safety Plus pick by the IIHS. Overall, the midsize Toyota SUV is a model that can be trusted in more ways than one. The 2023 Toyota Highlander starts at $36,420.
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder isn’t the worst midsize SUV. However, it’s not considered the best in many ways. Luckily, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse and the latest Toyota Highlander have much to offer the market. The Pathfinder starts at $35,200.
