When Nissan’s 2022 Pathfinder hits dealer lots this summer, its physical transformation and new under-the-hood offerings will embody trends that have been rippling through the midsize sport utility segment over the past several years.
As young parents have ditched minivans in favor of the more versatile (and more attractive) SUV, automakers have toiled to strike the right balance between comfort and capability. That means the vehicle must retain adventure-ready looks without compromising fuel economy, ride quality and kid-hauling ability.
This is the case with segment stalwarts such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander as well as with new entries like Kia’s Telluride and Subaru’s Ascent.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is no exception. To find inspiration for the fifth-generation redesign of the three-row midsize SUV, which is skipping the 2021 model year altogether, Nissan’s design team dug up the original Pathfinder SUV archives from the mid-1980s. The end result is a large styling departure from the soft jellybean silhouette of the outgoing model that emphasized comfort and roominess above all else.
“At nine model years old, the current Pathfinder is long in the tooth,” says Ed Kim, vice president of industry analysis for research firm AutoPacific. “Its styling is out of fashion, and its technology is old school as well.”
Updated Looks
Notably present in the new model is a “blockier” shape, the three-slot grille of yesteryear and a floating C-pillar signaling the three-door Pathfinder’s triangular side window. Fans of the original will be pleased with the subtle throwback cues included the new model. It also has a new vertical face, a flatter sloping hood and blacked-out over fenders on top of wheels pushed further out to each corner to create a stronger stance and bring attention to fresh proportions.
The rear of the vehicle is cleaner and wider, and features flush, horizontally oriented LED lighting. The Pathfinder badge is spelled out across the center of the three-dimensional tailgate in all caps, a far cry from the 2020 model, which hid its name in the bottom left. The style also is reminiscent of the lettering used on the resurrected Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender.
What makes it most characteristically Nissan is the V-motion grille, which still is distinct compared to the rest of the lineup. Nissan says it is an “evolved” version of its signature grille styling and aligns with what the automaker calls a “return to rugged.”
Unfortunately, the new styling is extent to the Pathfinder’s return to true ruggedness. But some might argue that its exterior changes are enough to compete against its also near-rugged peers.
“Though it rides on the outgoing model’s platform, it appears to be much more in step with today’s family buyer tastes,” Kim says.
New Transmission Boosts Towing Capabilities
The 2022 Pathfinder gets a new 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. It’s also swapped out the outgoing model’s continuously variable transmission for a nine-speed automatic transmission, which Nissan says lends to better fuel efficiency and off-roading. But Nissan says the new Pathfinder doesn’t really “crawl rocks,” as is evidenced by its 7-inches of ground clearance (true off-roaders have at least 8) and that most of its ability is limited to towing and driving through snow.
“The vast majority of three-row crossover owners do not go off-road with their vehicles, but it’s the attitude and image that counts,” Kim says. “The new nine-speed automatic does help Pathfinder become a more competent tow vehicle—an important improvement as the pandemic has inspired many families to take road trips.”
The standard front-wheel drivetrain can be upgraded to an “intelligent 4WD” system with direct coupling, which acts more like an all-wheel-drive set up optimized for pavement and equipped to find traction in inclement weather. The driveline has a seven-mode terrain selector that will let drivers select beyond Standard, Sport and Eco to Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow.
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There are are four trims: S, SV, SL and Platinum. The top versions are equipped to haul up to 6,000 pounds, a best-in-class figure when comparing with the Explorer’s 5,600-pound max tow rating on both 4WD and 2WD models. The S and SV trims are limited to 3,500 pounds of haul capacity though the larger tow figure can be added via a package. Buyers should consider the weight of their boat, trailer or camper before settling on the trim.
The RV market is forecast to grow at a rate of more than 7% from 2020 and 2026, according to Global Market Insights. That means that the 2022 Pathfinder with its new transmission is better suited to take advantage of the growing popularity of travel trailers, Kim says.
Nissan did not specify what (if any) impact the Pathfinder’s aesthetic changes, powertrain tweaks and added features had on fuel economy as mpg figures will be announced closer to the on-sale date. The 2020 model, when equipped with front-wheel drive, achieved 20 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.
Still Comfortable
Cargo space behind the third row is 16.6 cubic-feet, which is less than the Ford Explorer’s 18.2 and Subaru Ascent’s 17.8. When the optional 60/40-splitting seats are folded flat the space expands to 45 cubic-feet, 2 cubic-feet less than the Pathfinder it replaced. Second-row captain’s chairs with a removable console are available (dropping passenger capacity to seven), which also feature power release buttons on both side and a tilt-and-slide feature that allows car seats to stay connected.
Nissan says adults can fit in the third row but did not give leg or headroom dimensions. The 2020 model offered 30.7 inches of legroom and 37.8 inches of headroom. Ford’s 2021 Explorer is top of class in terms of wayback passenger space and has 32.2 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom.
Nissan took care to make the interior experience comfortable yet durable with high-quality materials inspired by adventure but offset by warmer accents. For example, the seats can be upholstered in a coarser grain leather in shades of grey or brown. Instruments also are higher-tech and more thoughtfully arranged.
Updated Tech
The traditional analogue gauge cluster has been replaced with a digital dashboard (standard size is 7 inches; 12.3-inch upgrade available), and the standard 8-inch touchscreen has been repositioned to eye level for better visibility and ergonomics. A 10.8-inch head-up display also is standard on higher trims.
Though higher trims get a larger 9-inch touchscreen, the full lineup is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and four USBs. Higher trims get wireless Apple CarPlay (wireless Android Auto is not yet available) and wireless charging capability. An around view monitor, 13-speaker Bose premium audio and third-row USBs also are available.
Enhanced technology also extends to the driver assists. Though it isn’t available on the base S trim, Nissan’s ProPilot system is standard on all of the other trims. ProPilot is a combination of adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance that can be activated with one button on the wheel. Nissan says the system has improved braking, lane marker detection and steering capabilities.
The SL trim and up get a version of ProPilot that’s linked to mapping data in the navigation system so the car can better predict curves in the road and freeway off ramps.
The full lineup also gets Nissan Safety Shield 360 with automatic emergency braking in the front and rear, blind spot monitors, rear cross traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, automatic high beams. Forward collision warning and a driver attention monitor also are standard. An active blind spot system can be added along with lane keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition.
Lagging Sales
Are all these changes enough for the Pathfinder to go head-to-head with the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander? Both ended 2020 with sales of more than 212,000, dwarfing sales of Nissan’s outgoing Pathfinder of only 48,000 units. Also these sales leaders already offer traditional stepped transmissions, so the powertrain changes might not be enough to place the Pathfinder at a competitive advantage.
However, modern parents more likely fall into the Millennial generation, and their relative youth means they are still likely to prefer distinctively styled vehicles.
“The 2022 Pathfinder’s styling definitely takes a turn toward the expressive, looking to its tough SUV roots as inspiration,” Kim says, noting it’s an important factor to Nissan making up ground in the the segment. “Beefing up Pathfinder’s attitude is critically important as it tries to appeal to its Millennial family customer.”
Nissan will continue to build the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder at its factory in Smyrna, Tennessee, where it has been built since 2004.
