2022 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan has given the Pathfinder a complete redesign for the 2022 model year. This new iteration is the fifth generation of the SUV. The three-row family crossover is now both more rugged looking and modern. Nissan designers even managed to incorporate a few subtle design throwbacks for fans of the original (and very popular) 1980s-era Pathfinder, including its bulging fenders and triple horizontal slots on the leading edge of the hood.

Despite these echoes of the past, the design is thoroughly contemporary with crisp lines and muscular proportions.  At 197.7-inches long, the 2022 edition is virtually the same size as the outgoing model and competitors such as the Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. A slightly tweaked version of Nissan’s long-running 3.5-liter V6 engine provides 284 horsepower, a bit less than the 291-hp V6s of the two Korean SUVs and the 300-hp from Ford’s turbocharged four-cylinder. 

The most crucial mechanical change this year is the replacement of the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with a 9-speed conventional automatic with a choice of front or all-wheel-drive. The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly and offers a 1 mpg improvement in the EPA fuel economy rating, to 23 mpg in combined city and highway driving. While that is competitive with the gas-powered models from other brands, it falls short of the 25 mpg Explorer hybrid and the 35 mpg Toyota Highlander hybrid. 

The new interior is plush but not as good as the rival Palisade and its top-notch materials. Nissan has addressed a long-running complaint about the previous generation’s dim and poor contrast infotainment screens. The Pathfinder’s center screen is clearly visible, even through polarized sunglasses. The S and SV have an 8-inch touchscreen, while the SL and Platinum grades get a 9-inch screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all models, with the SL and Platinum offering a wireless Apple connection. 

Nissan offers four trims: S, SV, SL and Platinum. All but the S get radar-adaptive cruise control, but a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features comes standard on all trims. The SV gets Nissan’s hands-on lane centering assist called ProPilot. The SL and Platinum trims have the upgraded version that links to the navigation to automatically slow the vehicle when going through corners where it might be too quick. The new Pathfinder earns five stars from NHTSA, but only “good” ratings from IIHS.

The S, SV and SL trims come standard with a split three-passenger bench for the second row. Captain’s chairs are available for SV and SL and standard on Platinum, cutting the passenger count from eight to seven. For families with small children, the second-row seats tilt forward without changing the seat angle so child seats and boosters can stay in place while accessing the back row. Pricing for the Pathfinder starts at $35,105, including delivery for the front-wheel-drive S and goes up to over $53,000 for a loaded Platinum. 

Performance: 12/15

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has one powertrain configuration. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine carries over from the previous generation and still makes 284 hp and 259 pound-feet of torque, but it’s now paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous CVT. All four trim levels have a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. 

The new transmission is a significant improvement over the wheezy CVT, offering fast, smooth shifts. For drivers that want a bit more control of the transmission, paddles on the back of the steering wheel allow for manual shifts. Overall performance is more than adequate, and the engine provides enough grunt to handle merging even on busy highways and passing maneuvers on rural roads. 

The standard tow rating is 3,500 pounds, which is only so-so for the class, but the optional tow package bumps it up to 6,000 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the Explorer, Telluride or Palisade and good enough for a slot on our best midsize SUVs for towing list.

The Intelligent all-wheel-drive system includes immediate direct clutch coupling to ensure confident traction in slippery conditions. A drive mode selector allows the driver to choose from seven modes, Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow, which adjust the throttle response, steering and stability control settings for improved performance in different environments. The Pathfinder is capable, but it isn’t as talented off-road as the Toyota 4Runner.

Fuel Economy: 9/15  

The fuel economy of the Pathfinder is about average for the gasoline-V6 powered class at 23 mpg combined for both the front and all-wheel-drive and marginally better than the previous generation model. The fully loaded Platinum trim with its standard 20-inch tire/wheel package is heavier and comes in 1 mpg lower at 22 mpg. 

However, unlike Ford and Toyota, Nissan doesn’t yet offer electrified powertrain options for the Pathfinder. The more powerful V6 hybrid Explorer gets a combined 25 mpg, and the four-cylinder hybrid powertrain in the Highlander achieves a class-leading 35 mpg combined. 

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 13/15

Like all new Nissan models, the Pathfinder includes a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including front and rear automatic emergency braking. The latter automatically applies the brakes to prevent backing into large stationary objects. Blindspot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and auto high beam assist are also standard on all trims. 

The base S trim gets conventional cruise control, while others get standard radar-based adaptive cruise control. The SL and Platinum also get a surround-view camera system.  

Nissan’s first-generation ProPilot Assist is standard on the SV trim, while the upgraded ProPilot with Navi-link is included with the SL and Platinum. Both versions are hands-on systems that require driver attention on the road at all times for lane centering and speed control. The Navi-link version will watch the map when using navigation and automatically slow the vehicle when approaching a curve where the current set speed may be too high for the curvature. 

The Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in September 2022, but still receives under five-stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Comfort & Room: 12/15

The Pathfinder offers space for up to eight passengers or seven if equipped with the second-row captain’s chairs. Space in the first two rows is very good and the seats are comfortable and supportive on long drives. The S and SV trims get durable cloth-covered seats, while the SL and Platinum get leather. All variants get a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

The second-row seats pivot forward from the front as a unit with the pull of a single latch to provide third-row access without having to remove an installed child safety seat. The third-row seats can accommodate a pair of smaller adults on shorter trips or children for family road trips. Using all three seatbelts should be reserved for the very slim or very young. Overall volume is about four cubic feet less than competitors from Hyundai, Kia, Ford and Toyota. 

A tri-zone climate control with separate controls for each front seat and a third for the second row comes standard on 2022 Pathfinders. 

Infotainment: 12/15

The infotainment system in the Pathfinder is essentially the same one used on all Nissans for the past several years. The interface is dated, but still relatively straightforward to use. 

The S and SV trims feature an 8-inch touchscreen, while the SL and Platinum get bumped to 9-inches. A long-standing complaint with many previous Nissan vehicles was the use of low-quality displays that were dim, had low contrast and were challenging to read with sunglasses on. The Pathfinder has much higher quality displays. The S, SV and SL feature an analog gauge cluster with a 7-inch information display, while the Platinum features a 12.3-inch full digital cluster display. 

All versions of the Pathfinder have wireless Apple Carplay and (wired) Android Auto, but for now, only Carplay can be used wirelessly. Android phones will still need a USB connection. Qi wireless charging standard is optional on the SL but included on the Platinum. All trims get two USB ports in each of the first two rows with one type-A and one type-C port. The SL adds another USB-A port in the third row, while Platinum offers two in the back seat. 

Cargo Space & Storage: 11/15

At 16.6 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, the Pathfinder falls a bit shy of the Explorer and Palisade, which have 18.2 and 18.8 cubic-feet, respectively. But it comes in just ahead of the 16 cubic-feet offered in the Highlander. With the second and third rows folded flat, 45 or 80.5 cubic-feet are available to store stuff. There is also an additional 1.9 cubic-foot hidden compartment underneath the rear cargo floor. 

All grades but the S get standard roof rails, with the SV rails finished in black and the upper trims in silver. The new electronic shifter opens up storage space under the front row center console for purses or smaller gear. There is also a slot above the glove compartment that can hold phones. 

Style & Design: 8/10

The previous generation Pathfinder felt long in the tooth with a soft, amorphous shape that looked flabby. While retaining essentially the same dimensions, the 2022 model looks modern, athletic and distinctive. It picks up some subtle design hints from the first generation model in the 1980s but in no way seems retro. The crisp lines fit well with other recent releases from Nissan, including the Rogue and Frontier. 

Build quality both inside and out looks first-rate and is at least equal to the competition. Aside from using some piano black plastic on the central controls, there is little to complain about in the cabin. The interior is more premium than the Explorer but not quite up to the high standard set by the Palisade. A panoramic moonroof is available in the SV and SL and standard on the Platinum, giving the cabin a much more open and airy feeling. 

Is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Worth it? Which Pathfinder is the Best Value? 

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder significantly improves on the prior generation with a better-performing drivetrain and a much more attractive design. It has plenty of standard and available features throughout its four trim levels. It doesn’t have as much interior space as some competitors and the lone powertrain configuration lacks an electrification option that could significantly improve fuel efficiency. 

The SV ($38,755 including a $1,295 destination fee) or SL ($41,835) trims offer the best combination of value for the price point. Aside from the second-row seats that allow access to the third row without removing child seats, there is little about the Pathfinder that could be considered best in class, but it’s no longer left behind either. Anyone looking for a modern family hauler could do much worse than the 2022 Pathfinder. 

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Nissan Pathfinder?

The Nissan Pathfinder costs about the same to insure as its peers. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium of $2,018, though this averages all 50 states. That compares to $1,964 for the Kia Telluride, $1,970 for the Toyota Highlander, $1,747 for the Subaru Ascent and $1,915 for the Volkswagen Atlas. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.