Competes with: Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander
Powertrain: 284-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with nine-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Summer
As the market for SUVs — especially three-row models — heats up, Nissan gives its long-serving Pathfinder a redesign for the 2022 model year. The Pathfinder gets a rugged new look, a new interior layout and a new, nine-speed automatic transmission.
Most notable about the new Pathfinder’s exterior is how few curves there are. Nissan says it found inspiration in the first-generation Pathfinder, which debuted as a 1987 model. While this isn’t an angular two-door SUV like the original, it eschews most of its predecessor’s curves and flowing lines for straighter edges. The front and rear are very upright, while the hood is flat.
A body-colored C-pillar connects to the roof, and buyers can choose to have a two-tone look with a black roof. Wheels will come in 18- and 20-inch sizes.
Restyled, Roomy Interior
Inside, the Pathfinder follows the path set by both the redesigned Rogue and refreshed Armada, with a new-look set of center controls that’s cleaner and more user-friendly. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, with a 9-inch unit optional. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also optional.
The new touchscreen will include wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Nissan says the system will have over-the-air updates, so it’s possible wireless Android Auto may come at a later date. A wireless device charging pad is also available.
There’s seating for seven or eight occupants, with a third row that can now fit three passengers and a second row that’s either a three-seat bench or two captain’s chairs — the latter setup available with a removable center console, as in the larger Armada SUV.
Cargo figures quoted by Nissan indicate comparable volumes behind the first, second and third rows versus the outgoing Pathfinder. Nissan also claims that a 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood can fit flat inside the new SUV, welcome news for the home-improvement crowd.
Same Engine, New Transmission
Nissan didn’t mess with something that wasn’t broken, leaving the standard 3.5-liter V-6 — and its 284 horsepower and 259 pounds-feet of torque — under the hood. New, though, is a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous continuously variable automatic. Like its predecessor, the 2022 Pathfinder is available in front- or all-wheel drive; estimated fuel-economy figures have not yet been announced. Drivers can switch on the fly between seven drive modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Mud/Rut, Sand and Tow.
Speaking of towing, Nissan has added standard trailer sway control to the new Pathfinder, which can be equipped to have an impressive 6,000-pound towing capacity instead of the standard 3,500-pound capacity. That approaches the Dodge Durango (6,200 to 8,700 pounds) for best-in-class numbers.
Safety Features
Nissan will equip the new Pathfinder with standard Safety Shield 360 technology, which includes automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and high-beam assist. Blind spot intervention, lane-keeping assist, a 360-degree camera system and traffic sign recognition are optional.
Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, which adds lane-centering steering and adaptive cruise control, is available on most trim levels. ProPilot Assist with NaviLink, meanwhile, goes beyond that to use the built-in navigation and adjust speed based on curves and traffic signs; it’s available on SL and Platinum trims.
Pricing and Release Date
Pricing information for the new Pathfinder is not yet available, but we should have that information closer to its expected on-sale date this summer.
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Brian Normile
Road Test Editor Brian Normile joined the automotive industry and Cars.com in 2013, and he became part of the Editorial staff in 2014. Brian spent his childhood devouring every car magazine he got his hands on — not literally, eventually — and now reviews and tests vehicles to help consumers make informed choices. Someday, Brian hopes to learn what to do with his hands when he’s reviewing a car on camera. He would daily-drive an Alfa Romeo 4C if he could.
Car is Ok. Bought it at end of pandemic so had to pay list PLUS adjustment and had to take a lot of options I didn't want and haven't used. Interior is cramped in front. Front passenger seat is low compared to drivers.
Had a slow side wall leak in tire at 8000 miles. Tires were not warranted by manufacturer or Nissan or dealer even though there was no "exception" noted on 36 month bumper to bumper agreement. Dealer strong armed me into replacing ALL FOUR tires. Said one new one would throw off 4 wheel drive alignment. Gave me two copies from manual stating the problem and inferred warranty would be voided. I suggested a used tire with similar tread but dealer didn't recommend that option. Bought 4 new tires at $1,000 AT 8000 MILES.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Comfort4.0
Interior3.0
Performance4.0
Value2.0
Exterior3.0
Reliability3.0
Purchased a New car
Used for Having fun
Does not recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful.
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Knowledgeable and very professional employee
December 13, 2023
By Martha from Brownsville, Texas
Owns this car
JR Castillo does an excellent job in demonstrating and explaining what are the benefits of the vehicle. He is well informed and made me feel well about the vehicle
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Comfort5.0
Interior5.0
Performance5.0
Value5.0
Exterior5.0
Reliability5.0
Purchased a Used car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car
0 people out of 1 found this review helpful.
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No
Overpriced Pathfinder
November 25, 2023
By Carolyn Lompe from Jasper, Texas
Owns this car
Overpaid on purchase, now I can't sell to get out of high debt. The engine also has a tendency to shutoff when stopped at a red light, but starts back up. I was told this is normal.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Comfort5.0
Interior5.0
Performance5.0
Value2.0
Exterior5.0
Reliability5.0
Purchased a Used car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car
4 people out of 17 found this review helpful.
Did you?
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
