Road test review of 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L reveals luxurious family wagon

If you want to sleep under stars, why not five? The luxurious seven-seater Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L combines space, grace and some off-road ability.

The new range-topping Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L.

Glamping has become a rapidly growing holiday option.

Embracing the great outdoors and the ideals of camping, tents become luxurious havens with comfy mattresses, aircon and floorboards.

Nissan’s Pathfinder follows suit. Not so long ago the large SUV was rugged and brawny with serious four-wheel drive underpinnings.

Changing tack about 10 years ago, the new Pathy draws on its roots by combining improved off-roading ability while taking indulgences to a new level.

Prices start from about $60,000 for a two-wheel drive version, but the new range addition is the Ti-L which we tested and nears $90k once in the traffic.

Drive-away the range-topping Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L is nearly $90,000.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: While big, the proportions look to have improved and the two-tone versions with a black roof have a hint of Range Rover influence.

GRANT: Wider and taller, yet shorter in length, it also has flared wheel arches and boxier rump. More muscular, it’s classier inside and out.

KEL: Super spacious with nice leather-trimmed seats, the captain’s chairs in the middle row were cool.

GRANT: Its American genes are easy to see, with the comfy large seats, tri-zone aircon and 16 drink holders. Those Yanks must get thirsty.

KEL: Having seven seats is common for large SUV but the Pathfinder has some of the best head, leg and hip room I’ve seen.

GRANT: Eight seats are in the lower spec models that is another differentiator from the competition, but the drive-away price of about $88,000 pushes toward smaller prestige SUVs as well as the top-end versions of the Toyota Kluger Grande, Mazda CX-9 Azami LE and Hyundai Palisade Highlander.

A strong specification list in the Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L includes wraparound ambient lighting, ventilated front chairs and quilted leather seat trim.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Space was the big winner for me. One of the kids’ friends delivered a nine out of 10 rating.

GRANT: Getting into the third row was also simple via the Nissan EZ Flex system which folds and shifts the captain’s chairs forward with one button press. Rear doors also open to nearly 90 degrees for easy access.

KEL: Each row had USB access, which saved fights. It was also good how it had USB-A and C ports as we have a mix of both charging cords.

GRANT: Touchscreen operations were simple, and the Ti-L is escalated from all other models with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster for the driver. It also comes with some features absent on lower spec variants, like wraparound ambient lighting, ventilated front chairs, quilted leather seat trim, electric adjustment of the steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof.

KEL: Having a phone charging pad is always handy, as is the wireless Apple CarPlay so you don’t need to worry about cords.

GRANT: That only works for Apple phones. Android users still need to plug in either front USB port.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Some of the infotainment and instrument graphics looked antiquated.

GRANT: Various aspects don’t look to have advanced like other manufacturers, but font options are often subjective. The aircon fan was also strong, even on the lowest level.

KEL: The central screen size looks underdone compared to some we have seen – especially in such a large cabin.

GRANT: Nine-inch touchscreens are used across the range so this model retains the same unit. It is surprising the Ti-L gains some features you’d expect as standard on other variants, like auto wipers and metal door kick plates.

Second and third row space is a key feature of Nissan's Pathfinder Ti-L AWD.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Surprisingly easy, the size never proved a hindrance and there was ample power when needed.

GRANT: It’s been a while since we’ve had a V6 under the skin … most modern dual-cab utes and larger SUVs feature turbo four-cylinder diesels or petrol donks used in the previous Pathfinder, the new component is a nine-speed automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable unit. It’s strong and responsive with timely gear changes.

KEL: Just shifting into drive and reverse felt nice. There was also the dial for off-roading where you could select from various terrain modes.

GRANT: The ground clearance is still only 181mm. Most serious off-roaders are closer to 220mm and the spare is a space-saver … you wouldn’t tackle the beaten track without a full-size spare. Beach work and gravel roads are within its capacity and it can tow up to 2700 tonne. Buyers also need to be aware of the short servicing intervals of 10,000km or annual.

KEL: On the road it was impressively quiet, especially on the highway.

GRANT: Nissan has bolstered the noise deadening materials, including insulating the engine, increasing the carpet thickness and better glass.

Nissan's range-topping Pathfinder Ti-L AWD which starts from about $88,000 drive-away.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Going beyond my expectations, everything was easy in the Pathfinder. Luxury features, impressive space and an easy drive, I’d certainly have it high on my list if I was chasing a seven or eight seater.

GRANT: Providing greater flexibility and basic off-roading ability than many bitumen-focused SUVs, the most luxurious Pathfinder you can buy is refined and outstandingly comfortable. The V6 is a burly unit with the trade-off fuel consumption in the double figures.