We recommend

We recommend going for the SV trim as it offers the best value out of all the trims. The rock creek edition does offer a more off-road-like aesthetic appeal. However, for most use cases, the SV trim comes with most of the comfort and convenience features which one might need.

"This latest Pathfinder offers more tech and more space than the previous generation, and new, rugged styling that's appealing." - Car and Driver

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder will be offered in 4 trims, namely S, SV, SL, Platinum, and Rock Creek edition. With plentiful options for further configuring your vehicle, including AWD versions, Nissan offers a good amount of customizability at each price point.

The prices given in the table above are for the FWD models, however, all four trims are also available within an AWD configuration and these cost slightly more. The price range of the AWD models ranges anywhere between $35,310-$48,100. With regard to the engine specs, interior dimensions, and other features everything else remains the same for the AWD trims.

"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." - Car and Driver

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder carries the same engine option in the new generation. The 3.5L V6 gives out 284 horses and a 259 lb-ft of torque. The addition has been made in the power delivery. It removes the old CVT transmission for a new 9-speed automatic transmission paired with its Intelligent AWD which also has terrain Mode Selector as a major update. The new transmission gives a possibility of an improved and punchy ride. This MY is offered at an MSRP range of $31,980-$48.100.

Also, the new double pinion steering design will allow a comfortable ride around corners and a resistance in sports mode. It can tow a hefty 6000 pounds and is now equipped with Trailer sway control, which slows down the vehicle automatically when the trailer deviates its path. Being a heavy 7 passenger vehicle, acceleration is not what it is meant for but still for the sake of comparison it reaches 60 MPH in 6.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in 16 seconds.

*2021 MY data used for reference

Compared to rivals, Nissan Pathfinder comes second in its 0-60 MPH but Toyota Highlander and Mazda take the game in the quarter-mile. Previously the 0-60 MPH figures were bad, due to the old sluggish CVT but with a new transmission, Nissan has opened its doors for better and refined performance.

"According to the EPA, the most efficient Pathfinder is actually the one with optional all-wheel drive, which earned ratings of 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined" - Car and Driver

Fuel economy has never made a big difference as every automaker builds a heavy, spacious, and durable vehicle in this segment irrespective of how much it consumes. Nissan will continue to give the same fuel ratings as in the present, as there are no major weight changes or new technology like hybrid coming which will change it drastically. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder boasts a gas mileage of 21 for the city and 26 for the highways.

*2021 MY data used for reference

The combined fuel economy of all its rivals is the same as the Nissan Pathfinder which is 23 MPG. When discussed specific to situations the best city MPG is with Pathfinder and the best highway MPG with Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer.

"Quiet cabin, impressive towing capacity, plentiful storage cubbies and bins." - Car and Driver

With a complete overhaul for the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, the interiors see a complete makeover. The interior now feels modern, sensible, and easy to use. The removable second-row center console without any tools is one of the best interior traits. The seat quality, soft-touch material everything reminds you of a luxury minivan. In the previous generation, the third-row space was not even adequate to seat 3 adults. Nissan claims to have changed some slight dimensions which may also affect the overall interior space. The second-row captain seats and their one-touch button fold really eases the way for third-row passengers. Practicality never ends inside the Pathfinder, it consists of over 16 cup holders, large door pockets, and glove boxes for carrying every useful thing one could think of.

The large bin below the front center console is the largest storage space and can accommodate useful stuff inside. as we go towards the upper trims it features semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats with a huge panoramic sunroof symbolizing sheer luxury and comfort for the passengers inside. The cargo capacity has increased slightly in this generation, it gets a trunk of 16.6 cubic feet rather than 16.2 cubic feet.

*2021 MY data used for reference

The Ford Explorer wins in terms of standard cargo space among the rivals and also in third-row legroom which is handy when the vehicle is packed with passengers. On the other hand, Nissan Pathfinder will offer the best first-row headroom as well as shoulder room among the rivals which is a factor worth noticing.

Major Infotainment features of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder are:

• Every row has a USB type C and A charging socket and the second row also offers a 12-volt socket for charging your laptop on your way home. 
• The basic 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is responsive and visible in direct sunlight. 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, wireless smartphone charging pad, SiriusXM satellite radio 
• A head-up display, and an in-dash navigation system come under the category of optional features for the Pathfinder.

"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." - Car and Driver

The exterior design of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is expected to face a major change this year. A bold stance and a boxy structure recall its ancestors to its rescue with some modern tweaks. The big look conveys its size and strength which looks monstrous with big tires. The distinctive Nissan features incorporated in the Pathfinder include a V-motion grille with a three-slot grille reminding of its ancestors again, C-shaped headlights, and a floating roofline.

Standard LED lights and the C-pillar contribute to its strength and allows the Pathfinder to offer a two-tone look which is for the first time included in it. The front grille with the headlamps gives it a commanding on-road position. The side profile is soothing and the long third-row glass gives it a projection of a Rover. 

*2021 MY data used for reference

The option of 20-inch wheels gives it a monstrous look. The back sees beautiful LED taillights and not a messy trunk design, it feels premium and clean. The shape of the trunk has also changed a bit; now it does not hang at the back of the car, rather looks like a vital part of it. A total of 14 color options are offered by the Pathfinder with different combinations which include 5 new two-tone color options, designed to integrate into the overall design carefully.

Some exterior eye-catching traits that are offered are as follows:

• Nissan U shaped grille
• Daytime running lights
• LED headlights and Horizontal LED taillights
• Blacked out the roof to symbolize its statement of a floating roof
• 17-inch or 20-inch wheels

" A semi-autonomous driving mode that Nissan calls ProPilot Assist is standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims. " - Car and Driver

In terms of safety the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has not been in the market yet, and as it has undergone a full redesign one cannot carry forward the previous generation ratings. IIHS and NHTSA organizations have rated Pathfinder with the best scores in the past and we hope that it will improve from here on. Safety features today have become an integral part of every vehicle, the more the features less the intensity of it.

Some of the best safety features in Nissan Pathfinder this year include:-

• Blind-spot Monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic control
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• The surround-view camera system, 
• Active lane control
• Adaptive cruise control
• Front and rear automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection 
• Lane departure warnings and also offers ProPilot assist with two grades enabling limited hands-free driving

2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer has the best-in-class cargo area and is trusted for its rakish looks and powerful engine. Moreover, it is lighter as compared to the Nissan Pathfinder. On the other hand, Nissan is more on the refined side in terms of performance and now gives a tough competition in design and pricing as well, the 2022 Ford Explorer is priced at $36,675.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Toyota Highlander

Toyota has been ruling the sales in this segment, due to its brand value and a hybrid variant that can give 36 MPG combined. But Nissan is also no less, it has the best in segment interior space and can perform well in acceleration from 0-60 MPH. it is just that, a brand that has established its empire, it will take some time for people to get over it and see other options as well.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Mazda CX-9

The 2022 Mazda CX-9, priced at $33,890, is also a very strong competitor in the segment. It offers a spacious interior with a lot of comfort and convenience features. However, the Pathfinder has much better cargo space and towing capacity. The Pathfinder also trumps the 2022 CX-9 in terms of standard safety features which makes it a much more desirable proposition.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is expected to completely change the game in the segment and could be a desirable option for buyers looking for a stylish, spacious, and premium-looking minivan. The performance part will improve with time, but the handling and ride have improved to great extent. The exterior will catch great attention from the buyers which is also a business strategy for Nissan. Overall, it is worth considering.