2022 Nissan Pathfinder Review, Specs, and Pricing
Like many of today’s three-row SUVs, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder aims to be a replacement for a minivan, but with a rugged appearance and a bit of towing and off-road capability. To that end, the Pathfinder receives a comprehensive redesign for the 2022 model year, which Nissan is hoping will put its three-row mid-size SUV in contention with segment leaders such as the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride, and the Toyota Highlander.
A V-6 engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic; front-wheel drive is standard but buyers who plan to venture off-road will want the optional all-wheel drive system. The cabin features room for seven or eight passengers across three rows, and Nissan offers a host of standard driver-assistance and infotainment features—with even more advanced tech available as options.
What’s New for 2022?
Completely new for 2022, the Pathfinder sheds the frumpy design of the 2020 model in favor of a rugged and modern look. Expect to see the new Pathfinder in Nissan dealerships in summer 2021.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Nissan hasn’t provided a comprehensive breakdown of each of the Pathfinder’s trim levels and standard features yet, but based on the outgoing model’s trim offerings it looks as though the mid-range SV will be the best value of the bunch. Stepping up from the base S should add heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, SiriusXM satellite radio, and adaptive cruise control with Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving mode. An optional SV Premium package will also be offered, but Nissan hasn’t yet said what will be included in that package or disclosed its price. We’ll update this story with details once we learn more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
While the 2022 Pathfinder retains the 284-hp 3.5-liter V-6 from the previous generation model, it drops the continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT) in favor of a new nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard but all trims can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Upgrading to the all-wheel drive system also adds a set of seven drive modes, including off-road focused Sand and Mud/Rut modes. Maximum towing capacity is 6000 pounds. We haven’t had a chance to test drive the new Pathfinder yet, but when we do we’ll update this story with test results and driving impressions.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released the 2022 Pathfinder’s fuel economy estimates yet, nor has Nissan mentioned any projections. Given that the Pathfinder is powered by the same V-6 engine as in 2020, we aren’t expecting much to change. When we get a chance to test drive the Pathfinder, we’ll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test and report our findings here. For more information about the Pathfinder’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
It’s inside where the 2022 Pathfinder takes its biggest leap forward over the outgoing 2020 model. A far more modern and truck-like interior design replaces the dated styling of the last generation. The Pathfinder remains a three-row SUV but buyers can now choose to swap the standard second-row bench seat for captain’s chairs a desirable feature in a family crossover.
Nissan has integrated more storage cubbies this time around, including a large bin below the center console that’s accessible by the driver or front-seat passenger. Upper trim levels come appropriately decked out with luxuries such as semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and runs the latest version of the NissanConnect software interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and the former can be synced wirelessly on upper trims. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display, an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, SiriusXM satellite radio, a head-up display, and an in-dash navigation system are all optional features. Nissan hasn’t said what the Pathfinder’s standard stereo will be yet—we’re guessing a fairly basic six- or eight-speaker arrangement—but a 13-speaker Bose system will be available.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
All Pathfinders come with a host of driver assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlamps. A semi-autonomous driving mode that Nissan calls ProPilot Assist is standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims. For more information about the Pathfinder’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Nissan’s warranty coverage provides nothing remarkable, especially when compared with Hyundai and Kia’s famously long warranties of 10 years or 100,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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