2022 Nissan Pathfinder

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Rating7.8

Ranked #4 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$34,640 - $49,040
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 12, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Smooth automatic to replace the sluggish CVT

Cramped third-row spacing, meant strictly for children

Fully redesigned

Fresh design that will appear to a wider audience

2021 Pathfinder had poor fuel economy, and things don't seem to improve with 2022 MY either

The sluggish CVT is replaced by a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Great interior packaging

Below-average cargo capacity, especially when compared to the rivals

Addition of Terrain Mode Selector(Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud and Tow)

New removable center console without any tools.

16 cup holders and every row have a USB C as well as USB A type charging ports.

Standard Trailer Sway Control.

Second Row Captain chair is an option for 2022 with a push-button seat folding the second row

Specs & Features

$34,640

price

284 hp @ 6400 rpm

horsepower

259 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

torque

9-speed Automatic

transmission

3.5L 6cyl FWD 9A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has passed its hurdle of being a boring minivan by learning from its origin. In simple terms, the new Nissan Pathfinder comes with a design, inspired by its very first vehicle introduced in the early 1980s. It is inspired by the past but acquires the modern touch to it. The previous generation lacked in looks, interior practicality, and premiums. But the new one ticks every box and has become a generous buying option in the segment. The new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is expected to come in a price bracket of $31,980-$48,100.

The 2022 model year also sees a new transmission system in place, 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. There is also an addition of terrain mode selectors and one can choose from Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Tow. There are several cup holders and USB ports that have been installed in the latest model, it also comes along with the standard trailer sway control, and offers second-row captain chairs as optional.

Buying Advice

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.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is here with several modifications despite being a carryover from its previous model year. It comes priced between $31,980-$48,100.  The new model witnesses the departure of its CVT transmission and it now welcomes a 9-speed automatic transmission. Further witnessed several design changes, the addition of charging ports and different mode selectors. It also includes a standard trailer sway control. There is only one engine on offer, a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine. The offering is decent in terms of fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and interior space offered. It gets a little competitive with the cargo space on offer and it faces competitors such as the 2022 Toyota Highlander, the 2022 Ford Explorer, and the 2022 Mazda CX-9.

Buying Advice

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.

Features
7.0/10

"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.

Trim

S

SV

SL

Rock Creek Edition

Platinum

Price

$31,980

$34,770

$38,390

$35,765

$43,220

Features

Automatic Emergency Braking

In addition to features of S trim:-

In addition to features of SV trim:-

In addition to features of SV trim:-

In addition to features of SL trim:-

 

RearView Monitor

Intelligent Cruise Control

NissanConnect Services

Exterior black accents and unique interior finishes

Premium finishes

 

Bluetooth Hands-Free

Blind Spot Warning

Heated front and rear seats

Metallic interior trim

Power Panoramic Moonroof

 

Standard maximum towing up to 6,00lbs

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Intelligent Around View Monitor

Splash guards

Trailer Tow Package

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.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

"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.

Models

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

2022 Ford Explorer*

2022 Toyota Highlander*

2022 Mazda CX-9*

MPG (City)

21

20

20

20

MPG (Highway)

26

27

27

26

MPG (Combined)

23

23

23

23

Fuel Capacity (gallons)

18.5

17.9

17.9

19.5

Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)

390/5267/468 

410/546/468

376/519/430

418/532/456

*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.

Interior
9.0/10

"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.

Models

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

2022 Ford Explorer*

2022 Toyota Highlander*

2022 Mazda CX-9*

Seating Capacity

7

6

8

7

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)

42.2/60.9/44.3

40.7/61.5/43.0

39.6/59.0/42.2

40.1/57.9/41.0

Second Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)

39.4/59.6/35.5

40.5/61.9/39.0

35.9/58.4/41.0

38.5/58.1/39.4

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)

37.8/57.1/30.7

38.9/57.6/31.9

35.9/55.0/27.7

35.4/53.1/29.7

Cargo capacity (cubic feet)

16.6

18.2

16.0

14.4

*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.

Exterior
7.0/10

"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. 

Models

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

2022 Ford Explorer*

2022 Toyota Highlander*

2022 Mazda CX-9*

Curb Weight (lbs)

4,317

4,345

4,370

4,409

Length (inches)

197.0

198.8

194.9

199.4

Width (inches)

77.9

78.9

76.0

77.5

Height (inches)

70.9

69.9

68.1

69.0

Ground Clearance (inches)

7.1

7.9

8.0

8.8

Wheelbase (inches)

114.2

119.1

112.2

115.3

*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

Safety
9.6/10

" 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

Competition
9.0/10

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.

Final Verdict

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.

Trims

    S
    $34,640 onwards
    • 9-inch touchscreen display
    • Heated exterior mirrors
    • Household-Style power outlet
    • Proximity keyless entry w/ push-button start
    SV
    $37,460 onwards
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Heated exterior mirrors
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Remote start
    SL
    $40,540 onwards
    • 9-inch touchscreen display
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Leather upholstery
    • Power liftgate
    • Usb ports
    Platinum
    $47,140 onwards
    • Ambient interior lighting
    • Digital instrument cluster
    • Head-Up display
    • Household-Style power outlet

Compare to similar cars

Price

$34,640- $49,040

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.8

Horsepower

284 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque

259 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

Capacity

8

Read Review

$38,105- $52,920

Gasoline

6.31

270 hp @ 5600 rpm

278 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$35,855- $51,295

Gasoline

8.01

295 hp @ 6600 rpm

263 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

8

Read Review

$32,795- $45,945

Gasoline

6.74

260 hp @ 5600 rpm

277 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

8

Read Review

$38,370- $45,930

Gasoline

7.14

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,700- $54,745

Gasoline

7.19

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

8

Read Review

$38,080- $51,870

Gasoline

6.56

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

8

Read Review

$36,980- $75,675

Gasoline

7.75

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

257 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,600- $27,400

Gasoline

6.87

137 hp @ 5000 rpm

162 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,390- $45,190

Gasoline

8.19

291 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

8

Read Review

2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.9 sec15.6 sec120 mph
    5.9 sec14.4 sec-
    6.2 sec14.8 sec112 mph
    6.5 sec14.9 sec114 mph
    6.5 sec14.9 sec-
    6.6 sec15.1 sec112 mph

    2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      21 mpg26 mpg23 mpg18.5 gal.388.5/481 mi.
      29 mpg31 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/409.2 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg18.5 gal.481/610.5 mi.
      24 mpg29 mpg26 mpg17.7 gal.424.8/513.3 mi.
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg19 gal.418/551 mi.
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg19.4 gal.426.8/562.6 mi.

      2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        197.7 in.77.9 in.70.9 in.7.1 in.114.2 in. -
        205.9 in.78.6 in.70.7 in.7.51 in.120.93 in. -
        204.78 in.78.8 in.69.9 in.7.5 in.120.93 in. -
        199.4 in.77.5 in.67.6 in.8.8 in.115.3 in. -
        198.8 in.78.9 in.70.2 in.8.2 in.119.1 in. -
        198.4 in.78.7 in.67.1 in.7.3 in.113.8 in. -

        2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          16.6 cu.ft.148.5 cu.ft.80.5 cu.ft.
          23 cu.ft.96.3 cu.ft.98.2 cu.ft.
          23.6 cu.ft.157.3 cu.ft.97.4 cu.ft.
          18.1 cu.ft.139.1 cu.ft.95 cu.ft.
          47.2 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.
          18.2 cu.ft.152.7 cu.ft.87.8 cu.ft.

          2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            80.5 cu.ft.16.6 cu.ft.80.5 cu.ft.212 ft.
            86.5 cu.ft.17.8 cu.ft.86.5 cu.ft.-
            67 cu.ft.32.1 cu.ft.67 cu.ft.-
            64.2 cu.ft.30.5 cu.ft.64.2 cu.ft.8 ft.
            87 cu.ft.21 cu.ft.87 cu.ft.211 ft.
            89.7 cu.ft.47.2 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.-

            2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              3500 lbs.1583 lbs.4317 lbs.
              5300 lbs.1425 lbs.4345 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1605 lbs.4127 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1664 lbs.4112 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1700 lbs.4400 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1685 lbs.4145 lbs.

              2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              5

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              118

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              MPG Combined : 23 mpg

              0-60 : 6.9 sec

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              2022 Nissan Pathfinder User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

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              Renee Work

              2022 Nissan Pathfinder

              S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 27, 2024

              My Nissan Pathfinder

              Pros - ["I love the way it drives and how comfortable it is on long distance drives", "Fuel efficiency"]

              Cons - ["No way to open lift gate from inside the car", "One seat is electric and the other isn't."]

              Nissan has always been our go to vehicle for the past 15 years. This is the second pathfinder that we have owned. The fact that it is a mid-size SUV and gets up to 32 mpg highway is a big plus. The room it has inside and with the 3rd row seating is great.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review