2022 Nissan Pathfinder: What you need to know

The Nissan Pathfinder has transitioned from a rugged body-on-frame SUV in the past to a modern three-row SUV that aims to eliminate the needs of a minivan. The 2022 iteration retains the same winning formula that has kept the Pathfinder relevant for so many years, which includes a rugged appearance and a bit of towing and off-road capability. To encaptivate its audience, the Pathfinder is completely new for 2022 thanks to a comprehensive redesign.

With the redesign on the cards, the Nissan Pathfinder finds itself contending against the top dogs of its segment like the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride, and the Toyota Highlander. With a V6 engine onboard and room for 7 or 8 passengers inside, the Pathfinder is the perfect utility vehicle to chauffeur your family. Here we enlist all the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder features so that you can make a justified choice on whether this SUV will be the perfect bet for your family.

What’s the engine under the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s hood?

Under the hood, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder pumps power from a robust 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that generates a decent power output of 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. This engine has been retained from the previous generation Pathfinder. For 2022, Nissan decided to drop the CVT gearbox in favor of a zippy 9-speed automatic gearbox that handles all the gear shifting duties effortlessly. 

The Pathfinder offers front-wheel drive as standard, while the optional all-wheel drive is an absolute must if you plan to take the SUV on off-roading adventures. The AWD system also grants the driver the privilege of 7 driving modes to choose from, including off-road-focused Sand and Mud/Rut modes.

The V6 engine manages a decent 0-60 mph run of 6.7 seconds, which is fast enough for an SUV its size. The Pathfinder’s average handling dynamics may not win any admirers any time soon. Still, Nissan has paid special attention to the sound-deadening measures inside the cabin, making every cruise with the Pathfinder extremely quiet and serene.

Is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder a frugal SUV in the fuel economy department?

Since the Pathfinder retains the same powertrain from its previous generation, EPA estimates its fuel economy figures at the same figures as its 2021 predecessor. Buyers who crave the most fuel-efficient Pathfinder definitely have to opt for the all-wheel-drive variant. According to EPA estimates, the AWD-equipped 2022 Pathfinder is rated at a city MPG of 21 and a highway MPG of 27, equating to a combined MPG of 23.

The standard front-wheel-drive Pathfinder only sees a minor dip in its highway MPG figure, with its city MPG at 21, highway MPG at 26, and combined MPG at 21. With its decent-sized fuel tank capacity of 18.5 gallons, the standard Pathfinder can expect a decent mileage of 388.5 miles in the city and 481 miles on the highway. This frugal fuel economy makes the Pathfinder a decent SUV to cruise around with your family and also saves you some fuel-related expenses.

Is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder comfortable inside?

The most dramatic change for the 2022 Pathfinder is definitely evident in its interior. Nissan hits the ball out of the park with its modern and truck-like interiors, replacing the generic interior design of the previous gen. Almost every interior element inside the XC40 looks modern, thanks to the mixture of metallic accents, contrast stitching, and tactile buttons and dials.

The Pathfinder remains a three-row SUV, which equates to more space and comfort for any family. The front seats are comfortable and well-sculpted for an individual of any size. In the back, the passengers will have plenty of room and adjustability options to make themselves feel comfortable. 

This Nissan SUV is also an incredibly versatile SUV when it comes to small storage amenities, as the SUV is filled with more storage cubbies this time around. Higher-end trims unlock luxury features like semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

What are the cutting-edge gizmos in the 2022 Nissan Patnfinder’s infotainment suite?

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder sports an 8-inch touchscreen integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. On higher trims, the smartphone integration is done wirelessly. The display supports the latest iteration of the NissanConnect infotainment system. 

Nissan also adds the perks of a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, SiriusXM satellite radio, a head-up display, and an in-dash navigation system to its infotainment suite. However, drivers have to shell out extra to avail these excellent features.

The Pathfinder may get a basic 6- or 8-speaker setup as its standard stereo. However, true audiophiles may want to settle for the optional 13-speaker Bose audio system that raises the hysteria of the cabin with its enhanced bass.

Is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder a stylish SUV to roll with on the streets?

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s exterior styling is reminiscent of the first Pathfinder that was launched in 1987. The current Pathfinder SUV blends in both classic and modern visual cues to create a visually appealing SUV profile. 

The high vertical face with short overhangs is still there, alongside a slotted hood just above Nissan’s U-shaped grille. LED headlights flank the sides of the dominant grille. The SUV rides on large 19- or 20-inch wheels that complement its rugged personality very well. The ‘floating roof’ design also adds to the distinctive look of the Pathfinder.

Moving to the rear, the LED taillights are met by a visual light line that runs the whole length of the SUV’s body. Nissan uses the ‘Pathfinder’ badging to join all these elements together, right on the liftgate below the new Nissan badge. The floating roof is available in 5 two-tone color options.

Will the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder be safe for your family?

Standard safety features on the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder include front and rear automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warnings, and automatic high beams. 

Nissan’s special ProPilot Assist driver assistance offers some degree of hands-free driving for 15 seconds. On higher trims, this system also comes with navigation which enables it to read map data to reduce speed while approaching turns or adapt to traffic speeds. 

Other optional gizmos include a surround-view camera system, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. Unfortunately, none of the reputed safety agencies have crash-tested the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder yet. Hence, nothing can be said about its safety quotient right now, although we do expect some stellar safety scores.

Will the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder be a valuable buy?

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder starts at a price tag of $34,560 and goes up to $47,340 for the top-spec Platinum trim. At this price range, the Pathfinder definitely represents a lot of value for a three-row SUV, thanks to its assorted list of features and equipment. The SUV’s performance and practicality are definitely adequate for a large family. The Pathfinder gets some stylish upgrades to both its interiors and exteriors, making it a much more appealing buy.