Nissan has been exhausting at work updating its present lineup, and the brand new Pathfinder arrives to finish the carmaker’s household automobile portfolio. The three-row household hauler arrives with a extra rugged look, a brand new drivetrain, added off-road skill, and a towing capability that maxes out at 8,000 kilos. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is not all-new, however it’s comprehensively redesigned. Beneath the hood is the acquainted and dependable 284-horsepower naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6, however energy is dispersed now by a brand new nine-speed transmission. Entrance-wheel drive is customary, however those who need to cope with dangerous climate usually or need to enterprise off-road can go for the Pathfinder’s intensely developed four-wheel-drive system. Inside, it may be configured to seat seven or eight folks and is loaded with customary driver help and infotainment expertise.
The brand new Pathfinder is a daring replace to Nissan’s lineup. It seeks to go toe-to-toe with section leaders just like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and the ever-present Toyota Highlander. Nissan invited us out to Montana to spend a day with the massive SUV exploring its roads and trails.
Exterior Design: Purposeful And Difinitive
If we’re form, the earlier era Pathfinder was bland to have a look at. The design gave no sense of objective apart from being destined for rental fleets. The redesigned 2022 mannequin is a totally completely different beast to put your eyes upon. It is good-looking and chiseled with blistered fenders and a decrease entrance overhang, whereas the brand new V-motion grille, floating roofline, and C-shaped headlights add definition and trendy fashion. On the again, the “boxed out” raise gate references the unique Pathfinder whereas including to the overall aura of ruggedness. The LED headlights and slim higher daytime working lights (DRLs) are customary as are the slim wide-aspect LED taillights.
A complete of 14 colours and shade mixtures can be found, together with 5 new two-tone mixtures, together with the Scarlet Ember with Tremendous Black Metallic of our take a look at automotive within the pictures.
Engine, Efficiency, & MPG: Drastic Enchancment
Energy-wise, the three.5-liter V6 within the new Pathfinder makes the identical 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque because the earlier era, nonetheless, its grunt is now unlocked with the brand new nine-speed transmission. It at all times felt just like the variability of the CVT transmission was combating with the V6 engine’s variable timing within the outgoing mannequin. Nevertheless, the brand new transmission fixes that with a powerful, clean, quiet, and direct response. Entrance-wheel-drive is the usual configuration, however an all-new Clever 4WD system is on the market, full with a direct coupling system with torque switch taken care of by a clutch pack utilizing oil stress. When outfitted, the brand new Pathfinder additionally boasts a formidable 6,000-pound most towing capability, whereas Trailer Sway Management is obtainable as customary.
Gasoline economic system is EPA rated at 21/26/23 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed for front-wheel-drive fashions and 21/27/23 metropolis/freeway/mixed for all-wheel drive. Nevertheless, Platinum trim fashions see a drop in freeway mpg to 25. These numbers examine favorably with the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade however aren’t fairly up the Toyota Highlander’s 21/29/24 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed in front-wheel-drive kind, whereas the 20/28/23 mpg in all-wheel-drive configuration is comparable.
The 2022 Pathfinder is blissful to stand up and go when it wants to hitch or overtake site visitors, and the transmission is straightforward to overlook about because it’s quiet and habitually finds the best gear for the scenario. The Pathfinder is assured and managed on the street, noticeably firmer and flatter in corners as a result of redesigned suspension, however nonetheless offers a compliant and comfy trip. The brand new steering system is direct, responds rapidly, and properly weighted as a steadiness between freeway driving, navigating a path, or maneuvering a trailer.
Nissan is not pretending the brand new Pathfinder is a devoted off-road machine, however the all-wheel-drive system is designed to assist get households as much as these out-of-the-way mountain climbing trails and tenting spots. The clever all-wheel-drive system makes use of a direct coupling system for torque switch between the entrance and rear of the drivetrain, and within the dry slippery circumstances we encountered, it delivered clean and stress-free acceleration.
Floor clearance is the one problem on extra arduous trails however the suspension and all-wheel-drive system ensures the Pathfinder is sure-footed and exact. It is unlikely many Pathfinder households will enterprise into steep climbs and rocky floor, nevertheless it’s good to know a improper flip does not essentially spell catastrophe. Nissan additionally informed us about its testing within the desert of Loss of life Valley and its skill to cope with tender sand, which explains the Sand setting being one of many choices on the 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector. The others are Customary, Sport, Eco, Snow, Mud/Rut, and Tow.
Inside: Spacious, Snug, And Nicely Designed
If the drivetrain and exterior styling are important steps ahead, then the inside is a big leap. The design is trendy and truck-like, emphasizing that the brand new Pathfinder is a crossover within the truest sense of the time period. The inside appears to be like nice and is packed filled with sensible touches. There are extra storage and cubbies now, together with a 13.4-liter capability space beneath the middle console accessible by the driving force and entrance passenger. There’s loads of room within the conventional heart console storage field and a complete of 16 cupholders. That is two holders for every occupant until the 2 captain’s chairs are optioned for the center row to make the Pathfinder a seven-seater.
The brand new Pathfinder is shorter however wider now with 164.6 cubic toes of complete inside quantity, up from the earlier mannequin’s 154.0 cubic toes. The additional width means you drop all of the seats and transport 4-feet extensive plywood sheets with ease. With all three rows of seats up, Nissan factors out the there’s sufficient room to retailer both six suitcases stacked in two piles, a 120-quart cooler, or 4 golf luggage. Then, beneath the cargo space is an simply accessible baggage field with 54.1 liters of storage accessible.
There is a ton of legroom for second-row passengers, though the third row, as is par for the course within the section, is basically solely sensible for teenagers. With the captain’s chairs put in, a contact of a button will tilt the entire chair ahead for simple entry to the third row. By the vary, seats may be decked out in woven material, leather-based, or premium quilted semi-aniline leather-based in a variety of colours. Additionally accessible are a 10-way energy driver’s seat, climate-controlled entrance seats, tri-zone computerized temperature management with second-row local weather management, and heated rear seats. Customary, the inside is stored quiet with acoustic laminated entrance glass, 20 p.c thicker second-row glass, and thicker carpeting backing all through.
Infotainment, Security, and Driver Tech: Focus On Security
The brand new Pathfinder comes customary with an 8.0-inch infotainment display screen working the most recent incarnation of the NissanConnect software program interface. That features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and each may be optioned wirelessly additional up the trim scale. Additionally accessible is a 12.3-inch digital gauge show, a Bose audio system, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, wi-fi smartphone charging, SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio, one of many clearest head-up shows we have ever skilled, and an in-dash navigation system. The display screen is crisp and clear, and the UI is fluid and quick.
For security, an entire host of options are customary as a part of the Nissan Security Protect 360 system. That features emergency braking, computerized rear braking, blind-spot monitoring, computerized high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Additionally accessible is Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation, the digital Clever Round View Monitor, blind spot intervention, clever lane intervention, and Visitors Signal Recognition. Out there on SV, SL, and Platinum trims is Nissan’s semi-autonomous system known as ProPilot Help.
Verdict: The Adventurous Selection
The brand new Pathfinder goals to compete with the section leaders, and we’re assured it is going to. The brand new exterior design is bolder and extra rugged-looking, however with common attraction. The inside is the place enchancment counts essentially the most, ticking all of the bins for a big household crossover. It is spacious with loads of storage for small objects first rate cargo capability. That is nice for common consumers, however the Pathfinder additionally caters to those that need to tow or get off the crushed monitor with out sacrificing the advantages of a crossover for a extra unwieldy body-on-frame SUV.
Customary, the brand new Pathfinder comes with an appropriate 3,500 lbs of towing capability. Nevertheless, the upgradeable most of 6,000 kilos of towing capability (customary on Platinum trim) is loads for most individuals’s wants relating to pulling boats, ATVs, tents, or trailers. Its off-road capabilities aren’t hardcore however will confidently get hikers and campers to many spots much less visited. The brand new Pathfinder ought to undoubtedly be on the cross-shopping checklist towards the likes of the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.
Trims And Choices
The Pathfinder follows Nissan’s typical scale of trims, beginning with the bottom S mannequin, then the mid-level SV and SL, and adopted by the highest Platinum trim degree. The bottom mannequin contains 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, excessive beams (computerized), LED DRLs, entrance and rear spoilers, 6-way handbook seats, a six-speaker sound system, 8.0-inch infotainment display screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7.0-inch Superior Drive-Help gauge show.
SV trim provides a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors, black roof rails, 8-way energy heated entrance seats with energy lumbar, NissanConnect Providers powered by SiriusXM, Clever Cruise Management, Blind Spot Intervention, Clever Lane Intervention, and ProPILOT Help. It will also be upgraded with the SV Premium Package deal that includes a panoramic moonroof, energy liftgate, towing prep receiver hitch, harness, second-row captain’s chairs, and a second-row detachable heart console. It additionally provides enhanced transmission cooling to lift the towing capability from 3,500 lbs to six,000 lbs.
SL trim then provides 18-inch machined aluminum alloys, LED entrance fog lights, painted silver end roof rails, energy liftgate, semi-aniline leather-based seats, 4-way energy passenger seat, 9.0-inch infotainment display screen, Nissan Door-to-Door Related Navigation with Premium Visitors info, rear door Clever Key, and distant engine begin.
The SL Premium Package deal then provides a swath of additional options together with the panoramic moonroof, 20-inch alloys, a towing prep receiver hitch, harness, Bose Premium Audio with 13 audio system, second-row captain’s chairs, a second-row detachable heart console, heated rear seats, wi-fi cellphone charging. It additionally provides the improved transmission cooling for the 6,000-lb max towing capability improve.
Platinum trim heads into premium automotive territory by including an extended checklist of options. They embody 20-inch alloys with a darkish metallic grey end, chrome bodyside molding, a panoramic moonroof, and a motion-activated energy liftgate. Inside, you will discover bronze Metallic brushed inside trim, energy tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, heated and cooled entrance seats, Bose Premium Audio system, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, a head-up show, digital gauges, wi-fi cellphone charging. Additionally added are a second-row 120-volt energy outlet and a pair of third-row USB cost ports. The Platinum trim degree can be outfitted as customary for the 6,000 lbs most towing capability.
Pricing And Availability
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is on the market from sellers on the finish of June, beginning at $35,310 (together with vacation spot and dealing with costs) for the two-wheel-drive S trim mannequin. That is simply $1,430 greater than the outgoing era. Leveling as much as SV trim begins at $38,100, SL trim is available in at $41,490, and Premium begins at $48,090. Including all-wheel drive to any trim prices an additional $1,900, and the vary tops out with the Pathfinder Platinum 4WD at $49,990.
Conserving issues good and neat in pricing phrases, there are two possibility packages accessible. SV Premium provides $2,170 to the SV’s value, and SL Premium provides $2,900 to the SL trim.