Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A red 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is parked on dirt in front of mountains.

Forging a New Path: The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

It looks like Nissan has decided to forge ahead and skip production of a 2021 Pathfinder, jumping straight to the 2022 model. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, anticipated to arrive in the summer of 2021, will be a redesigned return of this rugged family-favorite SUV. With a sleek new look and some exciting features to spice things up, this new Pathfinder is following its own path through the stiff SUV market to come out better than ever before. With a design that will provide thrills both on and off the road, the 2022 Pathfinder is sure to check off all the boxes on your wishlist.

Let’s Talk Style

This new Pathfinder has an eye-catching exterior that is more refined than its predecessor. With a classic body, smooth lines, and design choices that show this model is off-road ready, you will want to get this SUV purely for its exterior aesthetics alone. The “floating” roofline makes this model feel larger than life while also providing the illusion of open-air driving reminiscent of the Wrangler or the Bronco. However, the exterior isn’t the only place you should focus your eye for style on.

The interior of the 2022 Pathfinder is also redone, with seating for either seven or eight, depending on the second-row configuration. If you need all the seating you can get, opt for the EZ Slide second-row bench seating; however, that’s not your only option. For the first time ever in a Pathfinder, you can change out the second-row bench seating for two captain’s chairs. These chairs come with individual armrests and are accompanied by a removable center console that lets everyone have a cup holder and storage spot in the back. The captain’s chairs are also EZ Slide, so getting into the back row is a breeze, even when you have a car seat installed.

You also get the added benefit of additional cargo space with available under-floor storage spaces. Not only that, but the Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control System will let everyone set a comfortable temperature. Meanwhile, the available Panoramic Moonroof will provide the cabin with extra light and a look at the sky to help fuel your sense of adventure. Inside and out, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder looks good and feels comfortable.

The rear two rows of white seating are shown in a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.

The Power to Tackle Rough Terrain

This new Pathfinder may look stylish and be comfortable, but it is also a rugged off-road-ready SUV. With a powerful V6 engine standard, you simply can’t go wrong behind the wheel. The 2022 model also features the exciting addition of a new 9-speed automatic transmission. No matter what road you are on, this transmission will deliver a quick response that will provide you with smooth control throughout your journey.

Not only does this model have a new automatic transmission, but also new is the Intelligent 4×4 system with a Terrain and Drive Mode Selector. The Intelligent 4×4 allows you to take on any terrain you might encounter. Just turn the Drive Mode Selector dial to activate whichever of the seven drive modes fits the current conditions and continue to drive on smoothly. These modes can tackle any terrain, including ice, snow, rain, gravel, sand, dirt, pavement, and more.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder also offers best-in-class towing capacity. With the V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, you can equip your Pathfinder to tow up to 6,000 pounds. There’s even a “tow” option on the Drive Mode Selector dial to make hauling whatever you need for your daily adventures a breeze. As we said, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder doesn’t just look good; it has the capability to match.

Safe and in Control Wherever You Go

Another all-new system for the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link. Make your drive easier than ever with the push of a button. Active the ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link, and your Pathfinder will use detailed mapping of the road ahead to adjust your vehicle to maintain a smooth ride. Adjusting for curves, interchanges, junctions, and more, this system will slow you down if it senses a change. ProPILOT Assist will even adjust the set cruise speed of your vehicle to match changing speed limits. That kind of tech can go a long way to a smooth ride at the end of a busy day of work or rushing around.

Not only does the Pathfinder help make driving easier, but it can help keep you safer too with top-of-the-line modern safety technology. The available Lane Change Intervention is there to help stop you from drifting out of your lane by monitoring the road lines and guiding you back into the middle if you begin to drift. Also available is the Blind Spot Intervention feature. This system monitors your blind spots and will actually help prevent you from changing lanes if a vehicle is in your blind spot.

While these safety features are amazing additions you can add to the Pathfinder, the standard Safety Shield 360 will also go a long way to giving you peace of mind while traveling. With six standard features to monitor around your vehicle, this system will help prevent you from getting into an accident. This suite of features has three different warning systems that act as an extra pair of eyes watching your sides (Blind Spot Warning), back (Rear Cross Traffic Alert), and your road orientation (Lane Departure Warning).

Safety Shield 360 is also there to help when you have to stop suddenly, with Rear Automatic Braking being useful when backing out of parking spaces and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection watching for obstacles ahead. Finally, you get a little extra assistance driving at night with the High Beam Assist that automatically switches from high to low beams when oncoming traffic is detected. With all of these features and more, it is easy to feel safe and relaxed while driving the 2022 Pathfinder.

Can’t Forget About the Tech

The Head Up display is shown in a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.

In this day and age, your car needs to provide a seamless transition between your technology, and the 2022 Pathfinder certainly does. You can wirelessly connect to Apple CarPlay for easy smartphone integration, and there is also a wireless charging path to keep your battery charged without fumbling for a charging cord. If you are not an iPhone user, no worries, there is also Android Auto compatibility that will let you get directions, send messages, and control your media. However, tech is about more than just the ability to connect your phone.

The 2022 Pathfinder also has advanced new digital displays to provide information on crisp and clear screens. Starting off, all of the driving stats you need are available on the high-definition 12.3-inch digital driver display, and you also have the added bonus of a Head-Up Display that projects your most important information right onto the windshield. Another important screen in the vehicle is the infotainment system, and the Pathfinder has a 9-inch easy to use touchscreen that provides an intuitive display for you to access all of your apps. To top it all off, you can listen to all of your media through the crisp and clear Bose premium audio system.

Forge a New Path

This is just a small selection of some of the amazing features you can expect to get with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Coming back to the market better than ever, this redesigned model is taking center stage with its new looks and outstanding capability. While it will still be a while before this new model hits the roads, there is plenty to look forward to when it does. If you are ready for an SUV that will forge its own path, then it’s time for you to start thinking about getting the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.