For 2022, the CVT will be replaced by a nine-speed manual.
The Pathfinder SUV, one of Nissan’s most popular vehicles, is a hugely important part of the brand. It’s also the oldest vehicle in the Nissan stable and needs to be updated for at least a few more years. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has arrived! It brings the same techno-chic curb appeal as the redesigned Rogue, and facelifted Armada in midsize three-row crossover form.
The Pathfinder’s stylish exterior aside, it also offers a wide range of connectivity and safety equipment, as well as a family-friendly interior package and decent performance. The new 2022 SUV will be even more fun to drive, as Nissan has replaced the old model’s droning continuously variable transmission with a standard nine-speed manual gearbox. The new Pathfinder is a unibody crossover SUV that can be driven front- or all-wheel. It offers seven terrain modes and a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.
Bold-Faced Confidence
Although the outgoing Nissan Pathfinder looks good, it lacks personality. Its successor is no different, with headlights that are wilted at the turn signal, square-off grilles (that the company still calls V-motion), and a flat roof that looks less like a minivan than the current Pathfinder. The SUV’s floating-roof effect is enhanced by the addition of blackened A, D, and B-pillars to some models.
The crossover appears wider and more planted from the rear thanks to the slim LED taillights. A convex hatch with silver “PATHFINDER”, wordmark is also visible, recalling the first-generation SUV. Although we can’t see the link in the back, the three mail slots located near the hood on the front grille are a nice nod to the Pathfinders from the 1980s and 1990s. The 2022 model’s bold, blistered wheel arches are just as radical. Those flares make the Pathfinder look more muscular and grounded than before, despite being cheap nostalgia.
The Sitting Room
Interiors are what make or break three-row crossovers. The 2022 Pathfinder looks set to be a success in this regard, thanks to its revised technology suite, which includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen at the center, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and ten-inch head-up display. Standard equipment includes an 8.0-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The trim walk will be similar to the Rogue – smaller screens on the SV, SL, and SL grades. The 9.0-inch display is optional on the Platinum and on the SL.
Bold styling is also the order, with the infotainment and climate controls located in a driver-oriented dashboard. The Pathfinder’s technology-forward exterior is enhanced by the use of metallic-finished trim bits that “interlock with” the dash. Nissan will offer the Pathfinder in woven cloth, leather or semi-aniline quilted Leather, with the Platinum model likely to have the latter.
The 2022 Pathfinder has a three-position rear bench. This increases the standard seating capacity from seven to eight. Optional second-row captain’s seats with an easily removable center console are available for families who prefer more comfort. Standard second-row bench still retains fold-and slide function of the SUV, but is enhanced with passenger-and driver-side access. This makes it easier for children to climb into the third rows even if a child seat has been installed.
Although Nissan has not yet revealed the interior dimensions, the new Pathfinder will have 16.6 cubic feet more cargo space than the third row. This is a slight 0.4-foot increase. The SUV’s 80.5 cubic feet of space can hold a 4×8 sheet plywood if the rear seats are folded flat. This is a one cube increase over the 2021. The interior binnacles and cubbies of the Pathfinder will make it more appealing on a daily basis. An electronic shifter that looks like a Rogue opens up beneath the console to allow for open storage. This is ideal for small bags, tablets, and face masks.
Technology can help you live a better life
The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite will be available on the basic Pathfinder S. It includes automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist will be available on the mid-level SV or SL models. This adds adaptive cruise control to the lineup. The Platinum’s ProPilot Assist With Navi-Link is at the top of the pile. This uses data from embedded navigation to predictably slow down for upcoming bends, freeway exits and interchanges.
The Pathfinder is a great place to spend a long road trip, if it works as well in the Rogue. Acoustic laminated front and rear doors, thicker rear doors, and additional floor and door isolation will all add to the tranquility. This is a good thing, as the Pathfinder’s current design has an echo chamber feeling of buzziness at freeway speeds.
Crisp Performance
The Pathfinder’s droning, continuously variable transmission was removed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. The 2022 model retains the predecessor’s direct-injected, 3.5-liter V6 engine with 284 horsepower (212 megawatts) and 259 pounds-feet (351 Newton-meters). However, that mill is now coupled to a nine speed automatic gearbox. Although the trailer’s maximum towing weight is still impressive at 6,000 pounds, we wouldn’t have felt comfortable pulling such a large trailer behind a rubber band CVT. The automatic should be more reliable.
Although Nissan claims the Pathfinder has the best towing, it puts the Dodge Durango in a different class. The Durango V6 can tow 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. However, certain models with the V8 are capable of towing a Suburban-shaming 8,700 lbs. The Pathfinder is able to out-lift the Ford Explorer (5.600 lb towing capacity), Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot (5.500 lb).
2022 Nissan Pathfinder |
2021 Chevrolet Traverse |
2021 Dodge Durango V6 |
2021 Ford Explorer |
2021 Honda Pilot |
2021 Telluride |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 Volkswagen Atlas |
|
Cargo Volume Behind the 3rd/2nd/1st row |
16.6 / 45.0/ 80.5 cubic feet | 23.0 / 56.8 / 98.1 cubic feet | 17.2 / 45.3 (/85.1 cubic feet) | 18.2 / 47.9/ 87.8 cubic yards | 16.5 / 46.8/ 83.9 cubic feet | Est. Est. | 16.0 / 48.4/ 84.3 cubic yards | 20.6 / 55.5/ 96.8 cubic yards |
Maximum towing capacity |
6,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds | 6,200 pounds | 5,600 pounds | 5,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
Make it Make Cents
When it comes to signing the contract, we don’t yet know how much you will have to spend on a 2022 Pathfinder. The price of the 2022 Pathfinder will likely be lower than that of the current crossover. It starts at $31,980 in S 2WD and $44,910 for Platinum 4WD. All Pathfinder trims – S, SV and SL – are available with front- or all-wheel drives.
The 2022 Pathfinder will not be the only model that goes on sale this summer. It will join a number of other new or refreshed models in the company’s lineup. In fact, Nissan’s utility-vehicle lineup is quite comprehensive, with the Kicks and Rogue and Pathfinder. Only the Rogue Sport is the only archaism. It remains to be determined if this will be enough to make the Pathfinder a high-volume seller.