The iconic Nissan Pathfinder has been reborn for 2022, blending its legendary rugged heritage with modern family needs and cutting-edge technology. This all-new SUV is designed to conquer both off-road trails and the daily school run, offering a bold new look, enhanced performance, and a suite of intelligent features to elevate every journey.
The 2022 Pathfinder marks a significant return to its roots, emphasizing strength and capability while incorporating the advanced safety and technology features demanded by today’s families. Nissan has listened to Pathfinder enthusiasts and delivered an SUV that not only respects its heritage but also boldly steps into the future.
A Bold and Rugged Design Language
The 2022 Pathfinder boasts a complete redesign from the ground up, meticulously crafted to exude strength and confidence. Its robust front fascia, wide stance, pronounced fenders, and reduced front overhang create an assertive and capable SUV aesthetic.
Nissan’s signature design elements are seamlessly integrated into the new Pathfinder. The V-motion grille, now featuring a distinctive three-slot detail as a nod to the original Pathfinder, commands attention. C-shaped headlights and a floating roofline further contribute to its modern and recognizable Nissan identity. Standard LED headlights include sleek daytime running lights, and the C-pillar design allows for striking two-tone paint options, a first for the Pathfinder, adding a touch of personalization and style.
Muscular “U-shaped” accents connect the powerful fender flares, creating a tough, sculpted appearance. At the rear, the wide LED taillights are sleeker and more contemporary. The return of the “boxed out” liftgate design echoes the boldness of the first-generation Pathfinder, proudly displaying the oversized satin chrome PATHFINDER name. Even the newly designed aluminum-alloy wheels convey a sense of ruggedness and precision.
A diverse palette of 14 colors and combinations is available, including five new two-tone options that are thoughtfully integrated into the overall design. The vibrant two-tone Scarlet Ember with Super Black Metallic evokes the iconic red of the original Pathfinder, while the new Obsidian Green Pearl offers a deep, adventurous hue, perfectly capturing the spirit of outdoor exploration.
Enhanced Performance with New 9-Speed Transmission and Intelligent 4WD
The 2022 Pathfinder is engineered to be more than just visually appealing; it’s built for modern adventures with enhanced capability and performance.
Powering every 2022 Pathfinder is a robust 284-horsepower 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 engine producing 259 lb-ft of torque. This engine is now paired with an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth, responsive, and direct power. The new transmission ensures optimal gear selection for any driving situation, contributing to both improved fuel efficiency and a more comfortable ride. This combination of a proven V6 and advanced 9-speed transmission provides confident acceleration for merging and passing, while minimizing engine rev fluctuations on inclines.
For those seeking enhanced capability, Pathfinder 4WD models feature Nissan’s all-new Intelligent 4WD system with a 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector. This advanced 4WD system utilizes direct coupling, enabling immediate torque transfer via an oil pressure-activated clutch pack, ensuring confident take-offs in slippery conditions. The Drive and Terrain Mode Selector offers seven distinct modes – Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut, and Tow – easily selectable and displayed on the meter cluster.
A new dual-pinion electric power steering system, combined with wider 255/50R20 tires (compared to the previous 235/55R20), provides responsive and stable handling. This system offers a 40 percent improvement in steering angle rate, resulting in reduced steering effort and enhanced maneuverability.
The front suspension features an updated mounting system, increasing roll stiffness by 28 percent, while the rear multi-link suspension incorporates updated shock absorbers and dampers, boosting rear roll stiffness by 14 percent. These enhancements, along with a 50 percent increase in the use of high-strength steel in the vehicle’s construction, contribute to a refined and confident driving experience.
The 2022 Pathfinder offers a substantial 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, providing ample capability for towing boats, ATVs, trailers, and more. Trailer Sway Control is included as a standard feature, adding to towing confidence.
Fuel economy is also improved, with 2WD models achieving an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, and 4WD models rated at 22-23 mpg combined, depending on trim level.
Family-Focused Interior: Comfort, Flexibility, and Space
The interior of the 2022 Pathfinder is designed with modern families in mind, offering a refined and spacious environment with premium materials and thoughtful features.
A highlight of the redesigned interior is the available 12.3-inch digital dashboard, providing drivers with customizable and easy-to-navigate information displays. Complementing this is an available 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, 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 on the simplified instrument panel for optimal visibility and ease of use for both driver and passenger. Interlocking vents and door finishers create a robust and integrated aesthetic, while the new electronic shifter and “bridge” center console design maximize storage space, adding 13.4 liters of under-console storage.
While maintaining similar overall vehicle dimensions, subtle yet impactful design changes, such as increased track and vehicle width and a widened rear wheelhouse, result in a more spacious cabin with 164.6 cubic feet of total interior volume, an increase from the previous model’s 154.0 cubic feet.
Passenger loading is simplified with standard 8-passenger seating, and for the first time in a Pathfinder, available second-row captain’s chairs with a removable center console (no tools required) offer enhanced comfort and flexibility. Nissan’s EZ FLEX® one-touch seating in the second row is now available on both driver and passenger sides, and the seats tilt further forward for easier access to the third row, even with a child car seat installed. The 60/40 split-folding third-row seats provide versatile configurations for passengers and cargo.
The Pathfinder’s cargo area is designed for practicality, capable of accommodating a 120-quart cooler or four golf bags even with all three rows in use. It can even accommodate 4-foot wide plywood sheets, reinforcing its utility. A new easy-to-clean luggage box under the cargo floor offers 54.1 liters of storage, significantly increasing from the previous model’s 33.3 liters.
Interior upholstery options include woven cloth, leather, or premium quilted semi-aniline leather in a range of new colors and materials. New ambient interior lighting further enhances the premium ambiance. Enhanced cabin quietness is achieved through new acoustic laminated front glass, thicker second-row glass, increased door isolation, and thicker carpet backing.
Available interior features include a 10-way power driver’s seat, climate-controlled front seats, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, and heated rear seats for ultimate passenger comfort.
Advanced Technology and Comprehensive Safety Features
The 2022 Pathfinder is packed with advanced technology and safety features, ensuring connectivity, convenience, and peace of mind for all occupants.
NissanConnect® with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is standard across all Pathfinder 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 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 highway driving by assisting with steering, acceleration, and braking in both stop-and-go traffic and open highway conditions. The Pathfinder Platinum grade further elevates this with ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, which utilizes navigation data to proactively adjust speed for upcoming curves, junctions, and freeway exits.
Every 2022 Pathfinder comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a suite of six advanced safety technologies including 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. Ten airbags are standard, with Platinum models featuring 11.
Pathfinder Trims and Available Options
The 2022 Pathfinder is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations and comes in four well-equipped trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum.
The base 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 Pathfinder SL includes ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, Intelligent Around View® Monitor, and wireless Apple CarPlay® integration. The top-of-the-line Platinum grade adds the 12.3-inch digital dashboard, 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, wireless charging pad, and other premium features.
Two optional packages are available: the SV Premium Package, featuring a panoramic moonroof, power liftgate, tow hitch, second-row captain’s chairs, and removable center console; and the SL Premium Package, which includes the SV Premium Package content plus heated rear seats, wireless charging pad, and Bose® Premium Audio.
With 35 available accessories, the 2022 Pathfinder offers extensive customization options to enhance your adventure experience.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is more than just an SUV; it’s a versatile and capable vehicle designed for families who seek both everyday practicality and weekend adventures. Its bold design, enhanced performance, spacious interior, and advanced technology make it a standout choice in the competitive SUV market. Explore the all-new 2022 Pathfinder and rediscover your passion for the road.
