2022 Nissan Pathfinder | Review & Road Test

For the latest Nissan Pathfinder pricing and information:

Nissan Pathfinder Review!

The new one looks much better.

It’s got a modern rugged shape offered in a range of colors including several two-tone combinations. Based solely on aesthetics, generation number 5 is a giant leap for Pathfinder-kind.


If you’re a 3-row midsize SUV you better bring the pragmatism…and indeed the Pathfinder does. The cabin comes in a standard 8 passenger arrangement or a 7-passenger interior with 2nd-row captain’s chairs and a removable center console.
2nd-row space and visibility are great for my totally average 5’10” body.

Using the standard one-touch 2nd release, let’s see how I fare in the 3rd row.

There’s lots of space for people but what about cargo?

Behind the 3rd row hides a commendable 16.6 cu-ft, plus this spacious and reconfigurable underfloor area. Lowering the 3rd row bumps the cubic foot tally t to 45. Yes, the Kia Telluride’s cargo figures are superior but just barely.


Pragmatic elements aside, I’m impressed with the textures and materials here. The Pathfinder’s cabin has a truly upscale quality.

Even on less-fancy trims, the controls are simple to use, cupholders and storage nooks are plentiful including this under-console area, and the standard 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen is placed high near the driver’s line of sight.


I find the interface easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration also come standard. And that is so common now, it might be more efficient to simply note the cruel manufacturers who don’t include it. Hmm.



One more area where the latest Pathfinder eclipses its predecessor is its powertrain.

The 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine (284hp, and 259 lb-ft) has abandoned the former continuously variable transmission for a traditional 9-speed automatic.

Not only is the 9-speed more adept at towing (Text: 6,000lb max tow) but the surging, groaning engine revs of the old CVT give me one fewer thing to complain about.

Don’t worry. I’ll find something to enrage me. Like the fact that some of you haven’t subscribed to KBB’s YouTube channel.

Alright, how does this thing drive? On the move, ride quality is excellent. And the cabin is quiet. The sophistication implied by the Pathfinder’s style is thankfully reflected in its road manners.

I wouldn’t say it steers with a sporty feel.

Rather, it steers competently. Look I made it all the way around that corner. Didn’t crash or anything.

Ok, the steering does have a slight rubbery quality but nobody who’s buying a 3 row SUV cares about steering feel.


As for power, let’s see what she’s got.

Choose an elemental Pathfinder S trim and, for around $33-and-a-half thousand dollars, not including destination charges, it’ll come with 3-zone climate control, 10 airbags, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Departure Warning.


Venture up to higher trims and you can add ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a nifty 360-camera system, and full-speed dynamic cruise control.

For the first time in years, the Nissan Pathfinder is a truly competitive midsize 3-row SUV.

Nonetheless, it’s wise to investigate alternatives like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Hyundai Palisade. All of which can be researched in detail on KBB.com.

In total though, the latest Nissan Pathfinder is practical, stylish, and drives well. I’m not sure the 3-row SUV field needs yet another serious competitor but it’s got one.


00:00 2022 Nissan Pathfinder
0:10 Exterior
0:22 Interior
2:46 Powertrain
3:23 Driving Impressions
5:29 Competitors

[chrisgraydon]

I have a 2012 Nissan Sentra S with over 224, 000 miles on it. Never had an issue with the original CVT. I changed the fluid every 60, 000 miles as required in the owner’s manual. Nissan is capable to be reliable as Toyota and Honda. You haters should learn how to read a manual and drive a car properly and you won’t have any problems long term.

[Zacharary]

Glad to see Nissan coming back finally.

[autonewstv]

*Love this style so much better compared to last generation!* 😍

[goldpony]

Nissan ditching that CVT with style as well! This thing should sell well. Great vid!

[Luckys]

I'm still trying to get used to Nissan's new headlight design language but I do like the new Pathfinder, it certainly has presence

[htenthusiast]

This new Pathfinder matches the name again and is to me the best looking design in this category.

[swedesam]

With its Range Rover styling cues, it's probably the best design in its class.

[jz]

That is the perfect color for the Pathfinder!

[linh]

Rented this for 2 weeks, family loved it

[blaydeesy]

So I stumbled across the 2022 on autotrader and really liked the look. First thing I did was come here, and knowing they ditched the CVT… I’m definitely putting this at my #1 to go test drive.

[ecYRFPTcC]

I rented a previous gen Pathfinder for a week long road trip and I was pleasantly surprised. It was comfortable and the gas mileage was great at 30 on the highway.

[QuackLoud]

"People buying 3 row SUVs do not care about steering feel." Finally somebody that understands what SUV buyers care & don't care about. Like KBB's common sense reviews. Thanks.

[gwgrote]

I'm glad to see Nissan stepping up to the plate. I do miss the Micah Muzio armrest index and nifty places he finds to put the Chapstick. For a comparison, look up his review of the 2020 Telluride. He actually saves James from dying in the backseat. :o)

[nickpatterson]

Love the new look and emblem of Nissan

[royzeng]

Great, you are the only one showing the 3rd row seating space with 2nd row sliding forward.

[jimmyr]

When are u gonna review the new grand cherokee L? Thx

[AlexSkabry]

First, these are always great reviews. Thanks.

Personally we test drove all the top 3rd row comps here - GV80 (and GV70), Telluride, Highlander, MDX and JGC-L. We found the seats here to be the best, the technology was either best or 2nd to Hyundai/Tell, the third row space to be better than anyone not JGC. Across the segment, most engines were pretty similar and met our requirements.

When factoring in the cost of paying for maintenance and warranties over the Highlander it was also one of the least expensive alternatives. We were surprised to find it our choice. If the Hyundai/Telluride dealerships weren't such vultures maybe the conversation would have been different, but I'm not paying above MSRP.

[markh]

FYI:
I test drove a 2022 Pathfinder SL 4WD here in Central Texas where it was 100 degrees today on 7.29.21.. the reason I wanted to test drive one was to see how the AC worked because I saw a few reviews that said the AC didn't get cold enough...and they were RIGHT...The AC did NOT get cold enough IN THE 100 degree weather today..
I had the AC set to recycle the air from the inside air with AC button pressed and had it set to the lowest setting which was 60 degrees and the air did not feel crisp enough and would get warmer when u slowed down, I also un pressed the AC button and that did not help..I own a 2015 Pathfinder SV and the air gets colder in it when I have it set to 70 degrees with the air being recycle from the inside air and the AC button is not pressed..Needless to say I was disappointed..matter of fact we help my mother in law buy a Nissan 2021 Kick last week and the AC gets colder then the New 2022 Pathfinder..Nissan please fix...Here in Texas if the AC isn't cold enough then nothing else matters with all the other new features...I definitely recommend testing one out on a HOT day before buying one..

[danish]

Why is the second row bench seat only available in the base model ?

[robiulhasan]

I cant believe this 2022 nissan pathfinder is coming to Australia after my brithday!!