The Nissan Pathfinder is back for 2022 and now looks tougher than ever. Although it still rides on unibody underpinnings and with a transverse-mounted engine, it has increased comfort, capabilities, connectivity, and safety.
All 2022 Nissan Pathfinders are powered by a 3.5-liter transverse-mounted V6 engine making 284 horsepower and a preliminary 259 lb-ft of torque. It’s the same engine that powered the outgoing model and is available in front- or all-wheel drive, as an available option on Pathfinder S and Pathfinder SV models. All-wheel drive is standard on Pathfinder SL and Pathfinder Platinum trim levels. When properly equipped, the Pathfinder has a max towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.
And, it has a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission. Made by ZF in Germany, this new transmission dispenses with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) of the past in favor of a gearbox that actually shifts through the gears.
Down a New Path(finder)
It’s still based on the previous unibody architecture from the previous model. The 3-row Nissan Pathfinder has become more SUV and less minivan, thanks to its rugged looks and general seeing-to that it has just received.
Inside, the new Pathfinder is an 8-seater in three rows. With the optional center-row captain’s chairs in place, that drops to seven, with a removable center console. The third-row bench splits 60/40 and folds. Other amenities like a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9.0-inch color touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display are available.
In addition to the standard 3.5-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic, the 2022 Pathfinder is available in either FWD or AWD configurations. Wheels will be 18- or 20-inch alloys (depending on trim level). Connectivity begins with NissanConnect, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trim levels.
Other standard features include Tri-zone automatic climate control with second-row controls. Also inlcuded is Nissan Safety Shield 360: This important safety suite includes automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring system, and rear automatic braking. Also included are rear door alert and driver alertness monitor.
Four Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
The Nissan Pathfinder is available in four trim levels ranging from entry-level Pathfinder S. It continues up through the Pathfinder SV, the Pathfinder SL, and the Pathfinder Platinum.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder goes on sale in the summer of 2021. We expect it to start at about $33,000 for the S and stretch to around $48,000 for the top-level Platinum.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SL is our choice for the model that bridges the gap between entry-level and top-end. This model includes the same powertrain as the other models but adds all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist with Navigation, 360-degree around-view monitor, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Which 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Model is Right for Me?
2022 Nissan Pathfinder S: $33,000 (est.)
- 3.5-liter V6
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- FWD. Optional AWD
- Nissan SafetyShield safety suite
2022 Nissan Pathfinder SV: $36,000 (est.)
- 3.5-liter V6
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- FWD. Optional AWD
- ProPilot Assist
- Nissan Connect
- Heated front seats
- Heated exterior mirrors
2022 Nissan Pathfinder SL: $42,000 (est.)
- 3.5-liter V6
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- ProPilot Assist w/navigation
- 360-degree around-view monitor
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum: $48,000 (est.)
- 3.5-liter V6
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- 12.3-inch digital gauges
- 10.8-inch head-up display
- Wireless charging pad
