Could there even be a distinct winner when choosing between the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder? The simple answer: absolutely. Depending on your needs one of these might be better for your family, but there are a few key distinguishments as to why we suggest siding with the Explorer, and our comparison guide will tell you why.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You'll be able to seat more passengers in the Pathfinder if you choose to opt for their full second row instead of their two captain seats. The Explorer only offers seven at any point.
- A better engine with the Explorer means better overall performance, especially with trailering capacity.
- There are three power trains offered on the Ford Explorer with one of them being a hybrid option for extra gas-saving abilities.
- The Explorer is the Slightly longer vehicle, which in this case allows for some extra cargo space. Passengers will have but only just an inch more space for heads and legs in the Explorer.
- The Pathfinder and the Explorer are nearly identical in price, with the Explorer being on average $1,000 more than the Pathfinder.
ENGINE & POWER: THE EXPLORER STARTS THE RACE STRONG
Many competitors seek to match up against the power of what Ford Explorers have to offer, and while they prove worthy opponents, we have yet to find many that match up to the superior potential of the Ford engine. On top of that, the Explorer offers buyers more options with their powertrains to suit a multitude of needs. Here is what you can find under the hood of the Explorer:
- 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)
Another thing that this SUV does differently than most others is offer a hybrid system as a second-tier engine option. What is most impressive about Ford's hybrid system, is that it still challenges and wins in power against the Pathfinder’s engine. You're not sacrificing any horsepower when switching to this gas/electric hybrid on the Explorer. The Pathfinder also comes with a couple of engine options, still powerful in their own right, but not quite measuring up to the Explorer's potential:
- 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline) with 284-hp
- 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline) with 295-hp
As far as gas mileage is concerned with these engines, you can expect to save a tiny bit more in the Explorer, but not by too much. The Explorer gets on average 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, while the Pathfinder is in close second with 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.
PERFORMANCE: 2023 EXPLORER ONCE AGAIN
For off-roading and trailering, the Explorer is going to be better suited than the Pathfinder. The Explorer generates 310 lb-ft of torque while the Pathfinder is doing 284 lb-ft. This comes into play when you start looking at the Explorer's maximum trailering capacity: 5,300 pounds. This far outweighs the Pathfinder's max 3,500 pounds. The Explorer comes standard with a four-wheel drive system, making it much more equipped for any type of terrain. The Pathfinder does have the option with its all-wheel drive system to switch into certain modes for sand and mud, but the Explorer can go off the path, and travel far without having to worry.
OTHER DEFINING FEATURES
Both of these SUVs come with standard safety features such as backup cameras, cruise control, keyless entry, and anti-theft systems that are included features on the base models. For entertainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make hands-free station surfing a dream. The Explorer does have a few extra perks, however, that none of the Pathfinder trims offer, such as a voice-activated navigation system, remote trunk release, driver illuminated mirror, and remote engine start.
DRIVE OFF THE LOT WITH RIGHT CHOICE
For a new SUV in 2023, it's best to side with the Explorer. For nearly the same price, you're going to get a better return on your car investment when you side with the power and features that are given with any edition of the Ford Explorer. Give us a call today to schedule a test drive in this spectacular SUV.