First Spin: 2022 Nissan Pathfinder | The Daily Drive | Consumer Guide® The Daily Drive

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

With the redesign of its long-running Pathfinder midsize SUV for 2022, Nissan appears to be attempting to have its cake and eat it too. Stylistically, the brand new Pathfinder will get a sharper-edged, beefier look that remembers the rugged styling of the truck-based, body-on-frame Pathfinders of the Nineteen Nineties and early 2000s. Beneath, nevertheless, is a closely modified model of the extra family-friendly, crossover-style unibody structure that the Pathfinder has been constructed upon since 2013.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder’s redesign for 2022 brings edgier new appears to be like, a 9-speed computerized transmission instead of the earlier CVT computerized, and several other new expertise options.

As if to place an exclamation level on the brand new Pathfinder’s brawnier-looking new visage, Nissan’s promotional pictures showcases an instance decked out with a set of dealer-installed equipment that make it look prepared for a safari as a substitute of the youngsters’ soccer recreation. These add-ons embody blacked-out trim, beefy all-terrain tires, and a big basket-style roof rack that additionally serves as a mount for accent lights. We requested a Nissan consultant how a lot it could price to outfit a Pathfinder to match. The reply was alongside the strains of “you’ll have to speak to your supplier,” which is as unsatisfying as it’s comprehensible. The tires and roof rack will doubtless make the Pathfinder noticeably noisier inside whereas hurting gas financial system, which might be why they aren’t a part of a manufacturing unit trim stage or look package deal. Nonetheless, it’s telling that Nissan needs to broadcast the fashion assertion.

Fast Spin: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp

The SL Premium and Platinum fashions we drove boasted properly completed cabins, with options comparable to leather-based upholstery and a 9-inch infotainment display screen with navigation. Controls are properly laid out, and small-items storage spots abound.

Even with out the overlanding-style equipment, the brand new Pathfinder’s bodywork does certainly look extra aggressive, with blockier shapes, matte-finish fender flares, and crisper physique strains, however the general proportions and exterior dimensions are little modified from the previous-generation mannequin.

Check Drive: 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

The infotainment touchscreen options clear graphics and is fast to reply to inputs. SL and Platinum fashions come normal with a useful 360-degree surround-view monitor.

The 2022 Pathfinder lineup follows Nissan model-naming custom, ascending by S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim ranges. Pathfinder S (base MSRP: $33,410) comes normal with options comparable to LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone local weather management, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

The SV ($36,200) provides Nissan’s ProPILOT Help system, NissanConnect Providers, adaptive cruise management, distant engine begin, heated steering wheel, heated entrance seats, and an 8-way energy driver’s seat with energy lumbar assist. SV provides an optionally available Premium Package deal ($2170) that features a panoramic sunroof, energy liftgate, towing prep package deal, and second row captain’s chairs with a detachable console that matches between them.

Nissan expects the SL ($39,590) to be the preferred Pathfinder mannequin. It comes geared up with leather-trimmed upholstery, 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, upgraded ProPILOT Help system with NaviLink expertise, 360-degree surround-view monitor, wi-fi Apple CarPlay connectivity, and an influence liftgate. The SL Premium Package deal ($2900) contains the identical options because the SV Premium Package deal and provides 20-inch wheels with 255/50R20 all-season tires, heated rear seats, premium Bose audio system, and a wi-fi charging pad.

The highest-line Platinum ($46,190) contains the options of SL Premium, and provides a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, heads-up show, quilted semi-aniline leather-based upholstery, distinctive inside trim, a 120-volt energy outlet within the second row, a hands-free energy liftgate, and chrome bodyside moldings.

All 2022 Pathfinders come normal with Nissan’s Security Protect 360 suite of energetic security options, which incorporates computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, computerized high-beam headlights, and rear computerized braking. Different normal security options embody ahead collision warning, driver alertness monitor, and rear-door alert. Out there security options embody a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, and visitors signal recognition.

First Spin: 2021 Lincoln Nautilus

The middle console homes twin cupholders, a cell-phone slot, drive-mode selector knob, and Nissan’s unconventional “slider” shift lever. An open purse-shelf storage space is nestled beneath the console.

Nissan invited Shopper Information to preview the 2022 Pathfinder at a press occasion outdoors of Missoula, Montana, the place we had the chance to drive a four-wheel-drive SL Premium and a front-drive Platinum mannequin. With the optionally available ground mats ($255) and $1150 vacation spot cost, our SL Premium stickered for $45,795. The front-drive Platinum had an optionally available $795 Lighting Package deal that added illuminated kick panels and welcome lighting. With the identical floor-mat package deal and vacation spot, the underside line was $48,390.

The previous-gen Pathfinder’s powertrain paired a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a CVT transmission. For 2022, the Pathfinder’s V6 is basically unchanged and retains the identical rankings of 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, however the CVT has been changed with a brand new 9-speed computerized transmission. Entrance-wheel drive is normal, whereas four-wheel drive is a $1900 possibility throughout the board.

The engine gives good energy and is mostly unnoticed whereas it goes about its enterprise. A fuel-saving idle stop-start operate is included, however it may be shut off by urgent a button on the console.

We’re impressed with the brand new 9-speed computerized transmission; it downshifts in a short time once you press on the fuel, and the shifts themselves are commendably easy. The Pathfinder’s console-mounted shifter is an unconventional design that’s shared with the redesigned-for-2021 Nissan Rogue. You push the lever ahead to pick out reverse and pull again to pick out drive, and press a button on high to interact Park. We discovered the shifter’s motion a bit awkward at first, however after utilizing it a couple of instances it was changing into second nature. Nissan additionally contains steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, however in regular driving the transmission does simply high quality by itself. Correctly geared up, Pathfinder’s most tow ranking is 6000 kilos. That is unchanged from the previous-gen mannequin, however trailer sway management is now normal.

Check Drive Gallery: 2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature

The brand new Pathfinder’s inside house doesn’t change a lot from the previous-gen mannequin, which is ok… there’s good room for adults within the first and second rows, and respectable house within the third row as properly.

We didn’t have the chance to measure fuel mileage on our preview drives, however Pathfinder’s EPA-estimated gas financial system is 21 mpg metropolis, 26 freeway, and 23 mixed for front-drive fashions. The 4WD S, SV, and SL fashions all have estimates of 21/27/23, whereas the 4WD Platinum is rated at 20/25/22. Most of those numbers are modest enhancements in comparison with the 2020 Pathfinder (Nissan skipped the 2021 mannequin 12 months for the Pathfinder), however the freeway quantity has dropped by one MPG on many fashions.

First Spin: 2021 Kia Sorento

With each the second and third seats folded, the Pathfinder provides 80.5 cubic ft of cargo house–very respectable, however not fairly as capacious as some key three-row class rivals.

4-wheel-drive Pathfinders have a brand new 4WD system with a Drive and Terrain Mode Selector. The modes—Commonplace, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut, and Tow—change parameters comparable to throttle response, steering really feel, the transmission’s shift mapping, and the 4WD system’s torque distribution. The 4WD system makes use of a direct coupling that Nissan says will switch torque to the car’s rear wheels extra readily than the setup used within the 2020 Pathfinder, however low-range gearing for severe off-roading is just not included.

Finest Small Crossovers of 2021

To point out off the Pathfinder’s adventure-ready capabilities, Nissan displayed an accessorized mannequin totally outfitted for tenting responsibility on the press-preview occasion.

To permit us to expertise the Pathfinder off-road, Nissan ready some dusty trails with a couple of reasonably difficult sections. On the usual all-season tires, the 4WD SL Premium we drove in Mud/Rut mode proved succesful on this setting. The roughest terrain we encountered was a rock-littered downhill slope. Spotters helped us navigate the rocks, and right here we discovered that the usual hill-descent management labored properly. The return journey took us up this similar hill, once more with spotter help. Traction was not a difficulty, and we made it up with out drama, appreciative of the V6’s wonderful throttle response and the useful around-view monitor.

The on-road drives befell largely on rural two-lane highways. Pathfinder handles confidently, and the steering is properly weighted. Experience high quality is comfy general, however we predict the 4WD SL Premium felt extra settled than the front-drive Platinum, which exhibited some refined physique movement. In each, street and wind noise are properly managed.

Inside look is engaging, and considerate design particulars add visible curiosity. The touchscreen has sharp graphics and responds rapidly to inputs, however we’re completely happy most controls use conventional knobs and buttons. Pathfinders use Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats which are comfortable but supportive and comfy. Your 6’2” tester had ample head room beneath the panoramic sunroof, and leg/elbow room is beneficiant as properly. Outward visibility is mostly good.

The rear doorways open helpfully extensive, making it simpler to load children and automobile seats and the like. The second row has new “EZ FLEX” seats that raise up and ahead on the contact of a button. This characteristic works simply, with the seat shifting far sufficient ahead to open a decent-sized path for entry to the third row. And, the seats will nonetheless transfer ahead and up as supposed when there’s a forward-facing automobile seat put in, which ought to show useful for folks. Pathfinders with the second-row bench seat can accommodate three automobile seats throughout, and if desired a single automobile seat could be mounted within the middle place.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s beefier appears to be like could be additional enhanced by aftermarket, dealer-installed equipment.

Passenger house within the second row is beneficiant. The Pathfinders we drove had the obtainable second-row captain’s chairs, which scale back complete seating capability from 8 to 7 however add the comfort of a console between the seats. The console is well detachable with one hand, and the latch that releases it may be activated whereas seated within the entrance seats.

Climbing into the third-row seat wasn’t troublesome, and we discovered good headroom again there. Nevertheless, legroom was very tight, and the second-row seats sit near the ground—too shut to go away sufficient room for our size-13 footwear. We’d guess children and perhaps even smaller adults can be comfy although, and Nissan says the third row will accommodate two automobile seats. Additionally, third-row passengers can simply launch the EZ FLEX second-row seats to exit by urgent a button on the seat again.

There’s 16.6 cubic ft of cargo room behind the third-row seat—a shade higher than the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, however in need of the roomier Ford Explorer (18.2 cubic ft) or Volkswagen Atlas (20.6 cubic ft). There’s additionally a beneficiant underfloor storage space that may be divided into separate compartments; its hinged lid stays open its personal, and the plastic compartment can maintain moist or soiled gadgets like footwear or sports activities gear.

The second- and third-row seats simply fold down to extend cargo room to 80.5 cubic ft—one cubic foot greater than the outgoing mannequin, however nonetheless much less house general than the Pilot (82.1 cu. ft.), Explorer (87.8), Highlander (84.3), or Atlas (96.8). We appreciated that the third-row seats had been straightforward to lift or decrease whereas standing on the rear of the car. The ensuing load ground is flat, and Nissan says four-foot-wide sheets of plywood will simply match contained in the cargo space.

Inside small-items storage is kind of good. The entrance console has a pleasant extensive bin beneath the armrest, in addition to two giant cupholders and a slot that can maintain a cellphone upright. A big cubby bin homes a 12V outlet, USB-A port, USB-C ports, and, if geared up, a wi-fi charging pad. An open “purse porch” storage space beneath the entrance console is accessible from both entrance seat, and a slim shelf above the glove field is sized to suit the most important iPhone. The second and third rows get their justifiable share of USB ports and cup/bottle holders as properly.

The 2022 Pathfinder’s bolder new appears to be like cowl a fundamental car that principally sticks to the identical course because the previous-gen mannequin, however there’s sufficient that’s new and improved right here to place Nissan’s three-row folks hauler on extra SUV buyers’ test-drive lists… whether or not they plan to barrel down dusty backwoods trails or simply choose up groceries and get the youngsters to baseball observe.

Check Drive: 2020 Chevrolet Traverse Excessive Nation

The Pathfinder’s 6000-pound most towing capability comfortably tops most of its class rivals, which usually high out round 5000 kilos. Trailer sway management is a regular characteristic.

Try the Shopper Information Automotive Stuff Podcast