2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from the new era of Nissan’s SUV lineup. It featured a new take on the V-motion grille, similar to the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo on a three-slot grille paying homage to the first-generation Pathfinder. LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights flanked the grille, leading to a bulky, slated C-pillar reminiscent of the original Pathfinder. The vehicle was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a black roof option. The side panels and hood gave the SUV a beefier look, aligning more with the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The rear featured sleek, thin taillights wrapping around a large liftgate with bold badging.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the new model year, was introduced in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions looked nearly identical to the standard RX 350, except for the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with a blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive bumper designs. The RX models maintained a blunt-nosed appearance, with a wheelbase stretch reducing the rear overhang, making the new RX look smaller despite being about the same size as the outgoing model. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance with contemporary textures and backlit ambient lighting.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine provided smooth gear transitions. The Pathfinder was available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. FWD models had a five-position drive mode selector, while AWD models offered seven drive and terrain modes. The Pathfinder had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for FWD models. AWD models saw a slight improvement on the highway. The Pathfinder boasted a 6,000-pound towing capacity and featured a stable ride with a tight turning radius, making it easy to maneuver.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a more efficient powertrain for the RX 350h, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it was expected to get no better than 27 mpg combined. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering system, and Active Sound Control, making it more fun to drive. The RX 350h averaged 32 mpg during testing, offering a quieter cabin and better gas mileage.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior was designed for comfort and flexibility. Improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass reduced road noise. The Pathfinder offered best-in-class front-seat legroom and five inches more hip room for third-row passengers. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy third-row access. The second-row center console was removable, and the front center console offered 13.4 liters of storage space. The Pathfinder provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Pathfinder’s seats were comfortable, with heated and ventilated options available.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid’s interior was comfortable, with the RX 350h Luxury trim offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard heated and ventilated seats. The hybrids’ battery packs were placed under the back seat, providing excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, an improvement over the previous model but still short compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came with a wealth of standard technology, including a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. Upper trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging pad, and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system had some usability issues, including reflections on the screen and a lack of a tuning knob. The RX also featured a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. It also featured a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning. Upper trims offered a surround-view monitor, and the Pathfinder Platinum had 11 airbags.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was also available, automatically slowing the RX to maintain a safe following distance. The RX offered a new Traffic Jam Assist system and Advanced Park technology.