The iconic Nissan Pathfinder has been reborn for 2022, blending its legendary rugged heritage with the modern features and family flexibility demanded by today’s SUV owners. This all-new model marks a significant return to form, delivering a bold design, enhanced capability, and advanced technology, making the 2022 Pathfinder a compelling choice in the competitive SUV market.
A Bold and Rugged Design Reimagined for the 2022 Pathfinder
The 2022 Pathfinder makes a powerful statement with its all-new exterior design. Nissan has intentionally moved away from the softer lines of the previous generation, embracing a more muscular and robust aesthetic. Every panel and detail has been meticulously crafted to project strength and capability. The 2022 Pathfinder boasts a strong, upright front fascia, widened stance, pronounced fender flares, and a shortened front overhang, all contributing to its confident SUV presence.
The larger, more assertive grille on the 2022 Pathfinder enhances its visual size and strength, complemented by larger tires that reinforce its authentic rugged SUV character. Nissan’s signature design cues are seamlessly integrated, including the distinctive V-motion grille, now featuring a three-slot detail as a nod to the original Pathfinder. C-shaped headlights and a floating roofline further define its modern Nissan identity. Standard LED headlights with slim daytime running lights and a robust C-pillar design that allows for optional two-tone paint schemes – a first for the Pathfinder – add to its visual appeal.
Muscular “U-shaped” accents connect the powerful fender flares, creating a cohesive and tough appearance. At the rear, the LED taillights are now slimmer and more contemporary. The liftgate design returns to the more upright, “boxed out” style reminiscent of the first-generation Pathfinder, proudly displaying the oversized, satin chrome PATHFINDER badge. Even the newly designed aluminum-alloy wheels exude a sense of purposeful, tool-like robustness, completing the 2022 Pathfinder‘s rugged yet refined exterior.
A diverse palette of 14 colors and combinations is available for the 2022 Pathfinder, including five striking two-tone options designed to enhance the overall vehicle design. The new two-tone Scarlet Ember with Super Black Metallic evokes the vibrant red of the original Pathfinder, while the Obsidian Green Pearl offers a deep, dark green hue with a subtle pearl finish, perfectly capturing the essence of outdoor adventure.
Enhanced Performance and Capability for the 2022 Pathfinder
The 2022 Pathfinder is engineered to be more than just visually appealing; it’s built for modern capability and family adventures. Under the hood, every 2022 Pathfinder is powered by a robust 284-horsepower 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 engine producing 259 lb-ft of torque. This proven engine is now paired with an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth, responsive, and direct power delivery. The new transmission ensures that the 2022 Pathfinder is always in the optimal gear, enhancing both fuel efficiency and driving comfort. This combination provides confident acceleration for merging onto highways or exiting corners and minimizes engine speed fluctuations on inclines.
For enhanced capability, 2022 Pathfinder 4WD models feature Nissan’s all-new Intelligent 4WD system with a 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector. This advanced 4WD system uses direct coupling to transfer torque efficiently via an oil pressure-activated clutch pack, providing immediate and confident traction in low-grip conditions. Drivers can easily select from seven modes – Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut, and Tow – with the selected mode clearly displayed on the instrument cluster.
Handling and maneuverability are improved in the 2022 Pathfinder thanks to a new dual-pinion electric power steering system and wider 255/50R20 tires (up from 235/55R20 on the previous model). These upgrades result in stable, quick steering response and a 40 percent improvement in steering angle rate, reducing steering effort and enhancing driver confidence.
The 2022 Pathfinder‘s suspension has also been significantly upgraded. The front suspension features a revised mount system, increasing roll stiffness by 28 percent, while the rear multi-link suspension incorporates updated shock absorbers and dampers, contributing to a 14 percent increase in rear roll stiffness. These improvements, combined with a 50 percent increase in the use of high-strength steel in the vehicle’s construction, result in a more refined and confident driving experience.
For those needing to haul trailers or recreational equipment, the 2022 Pathfinder offers a substantial 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity. Trailer Sway Control is included as standard, providing added stability and confidence when towing. Despite its increased capability, the 2022 Pathfinder also delivers respectable fuel economy. 2WD models achieve an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. 4WD models are rated at 21 mpg city (20 mpg Platinum), 27 mpg highway (25 mpg Platinum), and 23 mpg combined (22 mpg Platinum).
Family-Focused Interior: Comfort and Flexibility in the 2022 Pathfinder
Inside the 2022 Pathfinder, adventure meets family comfort. The interior has been completely redesigned with refined materials and an open, spacious layout. Both driver and passengers are welcomed into a modern and inviting environment.
Among the standout interior features is the available 12.3-inch digital dashboard, offering drivers a customizable and easy-to-navigate display. Complementing this is an available 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, a first for the Pathfinder, projecting essential information like turn-by-turn directions directly onto the windshield, keeping the driver’s focus on the road.
A prominent 9.0-inch color touchscreen center display is positioned high in the simplified and intuitive instrument panel, ensuring excellent visibility and accessibility for both front occupants. Interlocking side vents and door finishers create a sense of structural solidity. The new electronic shifter design allows for a “bridge” style front center console, adding a generous 13.4 liters of storage space underneath.
While maintaining similar overall vehicle dimensions, subtle yet impactful design changes, including increased track and overall vehicle width, along with a widened rear wheelhouse, have increased the total interior volume to 164.6 cubic feet, up from 154.0 cubic feet in the previous model.
Passenger access and flexibility are prioritized in the 2022 Pathfinder. Standard 8-passenger seating is offered, and for the first time, available second-row captain’s chairs with a no-tools-required removable center console provide a more premium seating configuration. Nissan’s EZ FLEX® one-touch seating system in the second row is now available on both driver and passenger sides and now tilts further forward, creating a wider opening for easier access to the third row – even with a child seat installed. The 60/40 split-folding third-row seat further enhances cargo and passenger versatility.
The 2022 Pathfinder‘s cargo area is designed to be genuinely practical, accommodating a 120-quart cooler or four golf bags even with all three rows of seats upright. It can even accommodate 4-foot wide plywood sheets laid flat, reinforcing its utility credentials. A new easy-to-clean luggage box under the cargo floor offers 54.1 liters of storage, significantly increasing from 33.3 liters in the previous generation.
Interior material choices include woven cloth, leather, or premium quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats in new color options. New ambient interior lighting adds to the upscale atmosphere. To enhance cabin quietness, the 2022 Pathfinder incorporates new acoustic laminated front glass, 20 percent thicker second-row glass, a 20 percent increase in door isolation area, and 2.5 times thicker carpet backing mass.
Available interior features include a 10-way power driver’s seat, climate-controlled front seats, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with second-row climate control, and heated rear seats, ensuring comfort for all occupants in the 2022 Pathfinder.
Advanced Technology and Comprehensive Safety Features in the 2022 Pathfinder
The 2022 Pathfinder is packed with advanced technology and safety features. NissanConnect® with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration is standard across all trim levels. Available features include NissanConnect® with Wi-Fi Hotspot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay® integration, a Bose® Premium Audio system with 13 speakers, NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM®, Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation, and a digital Intelligent Around View® Monitor with enhanced resolution and a wider viewing angle.
For enhanced driver assistance, the 2022 Pathfinder SV and SL grades offer Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, a hands-on technology that reduces the stress of stop-and-go traffic and long highway drives. ProPILOT Assist combines steering assist and Intelligent Cruise Control to manage acceleration, braking, and steering in various driving conditions.
The 2022 Pathfinder Platinum grade elevates this further with ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, initially introduced on the 2021 Nissan Rogue. By integrating ProPILOT Assist with Nissan’s Door-to-Door Navigation System, the system can proactively adjust speed for upcoming curves, junctions, and freeway exits based on navigation data.
Every 2022 Pathfinder comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a suite of six advanced safety technologies: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking. Class-exclusive Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Rear Door Alert are also standard. Available safety features include Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and Traffic Sign Recognition. The 2022 Pathfinder features ten standard airbags, with eleven in the Platinum trim.
Options for Every Adventure with the 2022 Pathfinder
The 2022 Pathfinder is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations and comes in four well-equipped trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base 2022 Pathfinder S includes the 3.5-liter V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, NissanConnect® with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and Nissan Safety Shield® 360. The SV trim adds ProPILOT Assist, NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM®, heated front seats and mirrors, and more. The SL trim includes ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, Intelligent Around View® Monitor, and wireless Apple CarPlay® integration. The top-of-the-line Platinum grade adds a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, and wireless charging pad, among other premium features.
Two optional packages are available to further customize the 2022 Pathfinder. The SV Premium Package includes a panoramic moonroof, power liftgate with position memory, a receiver hitch with 6,000-pound towing capacity, second-row captain’s chairs, and a removable second-row center console. The SL Premium Package includes all features of the SV Premium Package, plus heated rear seats, a wireless charging pad, and a Bose® Premium Audio system with 13 speakers. A wide range of 35 accessories are also available to personalize and enhance the adventure-ready 2022 Pathfinder.
The 2022 Pathfinder successfully blends its rugged heritage with modern design, family-friendly features, and advanced technology, making it a strong contender for families seeking a capable and versatile SUV.
