2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Honest Review & What You Need To Know

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2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Honest Review & What You Need to Know

Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder? You've come to the right place. Let's dive into a thorough review, covering everything you need to know before making a decision. Is it the right SUV for your family and your adventures? Keep reading to find out!

Overview of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder marks a significant step forward from its predecessor, bringing a fresh design, improved technology, and enhanced performance to the table. Nissan aimed to create a more rugged and family-friendly SUV, and for the most part, they succeeded. Stepping away from the softer, more rounded styling of the previous generation, the 2022 Pathfinder boasts a bolder, more truck-like appearance. This design refresh isn't just skin deep; it reflects the Pathfinder's renewed focus on capability and versatility.

Under the hood, you'll typically find a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a solid balance of power and efficiency. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, a welcome change from the continuously variable transmission (CVT) used in the previous generation. The new transmission provides smoother and more responsive shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience. The Pathfinder also offers available four-wheel drive, making it a capable companion for off-road adventures and challenging weather conditions. Inside, the 2022 Pathfinder offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, making it an ideal choice for large families. The interior design is modern and functional, with user-friendly technology and plenty of storage space. Nissan has also paid attention to the quality of materials, giving the Pathfinder a more premium feel than previous models. Overall, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder represents a significant upgrade, offering a compelling blend of style, performance, and practicality. Whether you're looking for a comfortable family hauler or a capable adventure vehicle, the Pathfinder deserves a spot on your shopping list. However, like any vehicle, it has its pros and cons, which we'll explore in detail to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder generally delivers a satisfying experience, but it's important to have realistic expectations. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, producing around 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. This is enough grunt for confident acceleration and comfortable highway cruising. However, the Pathfinder isn't exactly a sports car, and it can feel a bit sluggish when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The 9-speed automatic transmission is a significant improvement over the previous generation's CVT. It offers smoother and more responsive shifts, contributing to a more refined driving experience. The transmission also helps to optimize fuel economy, although the Pathfinder's fuel consumption is still fairly average for its class. Handling is decent, but not particularly sporty. The Pathfinder's suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and compliant ride on most road surfaces. However, this also means that it can feel a bit soft and floaty in corners. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The available four-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability in slippery conditions. It offers various drive modes, including snow, mud/sand, and tow mode, allowing you to tailor the Pathfinder's performance to different situations. While the Pathfinder is not designed for serious off-roading, it can handle moderate trails and unpaved roads with ease. Overall, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder offers a balanced performance profile. It's not the fastest or most agile SUV in its class, but it provides sufficient power, a comfortable ride, and decent handling. Whether it meets your needs will depend on your priorities and driving style. If you're looking for a sporty and engaging driving experience, you might want to consider other options. But if you prioritize comfort, practicality, and all-weather capability, the Pathfinder is definitely worth a look.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Let's talk about the interior comfort and technology inside the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Nissan really stepped it up in this department. The cabin is designed with both driver and passenger in mind, focusing on creating a comfortable and user-friendly environment. The seats are generally supportive, especially in the higher trims, making long road trips more bearable. The second-row seats offer decent legroom, and the third-row is best suited for children or smaller adults. Access to the third row is made easier by Nissan's EZ FLEX seating system, which allows the second-row seats to slide and tilt forward with minimal effort. The interior design is modern and attractive, with quality materials used throughout. The dashboard is well-organized, and the controls are easy to reach and operate. Depending on the trim level, you can find features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. As for technology, the 2022 Pathfinder comes with a range of impressive features. The infotainment system is centered around an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim. The system is generally responsive and user-friendly, with intuitive menus and crisp graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. Other available tech features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, and a premium Bose sound system. The Pathfinder also offers a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features can help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient. Overall, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's interior is a comfortable and tech-filled space. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and the available technology features are both useful and easy to use. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a family road trip, the Pathfinder's interior will keep you comfortable and connected.

Cargo Space and Practicality

When it comes to cargo space and practicality, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder shines as a family-friendly SUV. With all three rows of seats in place, it offers a respectable 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This is enough for a few grocery bags or small suitcases. When you fold down the third row, the cargo space expands to 45 cubic feet, providing ample room for larger items like strollers, sports equipment, or luggage for a weekend getaway. If you need even more space, you can fold down the second row as well, opening up a cavernous 80.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is comparable to some smaller crossover SUVs and should be sufficient for most hauling needs. In addition to the generous cargo area, the Pathfinder also offers plenty of small storage compartments throughout the cabin. You'll find a large glovebox, a center console with cupholders, door pockets, and seatback pockets. These storage spaces are perfect for stashing small items like phones, wallets, and snacks. The Pathfinder also boasts a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. This allows you to tow trailers, boats, or other recreational vehicles with ease. The available tow mode helps to optimize the Pathfinder's performance when towing, ensuring stable and controlled handling. From a practicality standpoint, the 2022 Pathfinder is designed to make your life easier. The rear liftgate is available with a power-operated function, allowing you to open and close it with the touch of a button. This is especially convenient when your hands are full. The Pathfinder also offers available roof rails, which can be used to carry additional cargo like bikes, kayaks, or luggage carriers. Overall, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is a highly practical SUV with plenty of cargo space and convenient features. Whether you're hauling groceries, transporting sports equipment, or embarking on a family road trip, the Pathfinder has the versatility to handle it all.

Trim Levels and Features

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder comes in several trim levels, each offering a different combination of features and equipment. Understanding the differences between these trims can help you choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. The base S trim is the most affordable option, but it still comes with a decent array of standard features, including an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of advanced safety features. Stepping up to the SV trim adds features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also includes Nissan's ProPILOT Assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist to provide semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The SL trim adds even more luxury and convenience features, such as leather upholstery, a 9-inch touchscreen display, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. It also includes a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim is the most luxurious option, offering features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, and a premium Bose sound system. It also includes heated and ventilated front seats, as well as second-row captain's chairs. In addition to the standard features, each trim level can be further customized with a variety of optional packages and accessories. These packages can add features like a tow hitch, all-weather floor mats, and a cargo organizer. When choosing a trim level, it's important to consider your budget, your needs, and your preferences. The base S trim is a good option if you're looking for an affordable and well-equipped SUV. The SV trim offers a good balance of features and value. The SL trim is a great choice if you want more luxury and convenience. And the Platinum trim is the ultimate in luxury and technology. No matter which trim level you choose, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is a capable and versatile SUV that is sure to meet your needs.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Let's face it, fuel economy is a big deal, especially with today's gas prices! So, how does the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder fare in this area? The EPA estimates the Pathfinder's fuel economy at around 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models. Four-wheel-drive versions see a slight dip, with estimates of 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and the weather. If you have a lead foot or spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, you can expect to see lower fuel economy. On the other hand, if you drive mostly on the highway and maintain a steady speed, you may be able to achieve better fuel economy than the EPA estimates. Several factors can affect the Pathfinder's fuel economy. The weight of the vehicle, the size of the engine, and the aerodynamics all play a role. The Pathfinder's 3.5-liter V6 engine is relatively large, which can contribute to lower fuel economy. However, the 9-speed automatic transmission helps to optimize fuel efficiency by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. The use of lightweight materials in the Pathfinder's construction also helps to improve fuel economy. In real-world driving, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's fuel economy is generally in line with the EPA estimates. Some drivers have reported achieving slightly better fuel economy on the highway, while others have seen lower fuel economy in the city. Overall, the Pathfinder's fuel economy is decent for its class, but it's not a standout. If fuel economy is a top priority for you, you may want to consider other SUVs that offer better gas mileage. However, if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of fuel economy for the Pathfinder's other strengths, such as its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and capable performance, it's still a worthy contender.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder so you can get a clear picture.

Pros:

  • Spacious Interior: The Pathfinder offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families.
  • Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and compliant ride on most road surfaces.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use, and the available tech features are both useful and convenient.
  • Capable Performance: The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides sufficient power for most driving situations, and the available four-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability.
  • Attractive Design: The Pathfinder's exterior and interior design are modern and appealing.

Cons:

  • Average Fuel Economy: The Pathfinder's fuel economy is decent for its class, but it's not a standout.
  • Handling Not Sporty: The suspension is tuned for comfort, which means that the handling is not particularly sporty.
  • Third-Row Seating Limited: The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults.
  • Some Interior Materials Could Be Better: While the interior design is attractive, some of the materials could be of higher quality.

Final Verdict: Is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Right for You?

So, after all that, is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder the right SUV for you? It really depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a spacious, comfortable, and capable family SUV with user-friendly technology, the Pathfinder is definitely worth considering. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, a smooth ride, and a decent array of features. However, if you're prioritizing fuel economy or sporty handling, you might want to explore other options. The Pathfinder's fuel economy is average for its class, and its handling is not particularly engaging. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is right for you is to take it for a test drive. See how it feels on the road, try out the technology features, and assess whether it meets your needs in terms of space, comfort, and performance. Don't hesitate to compare it to other SUVs in its class to get a better sense of its strengths and weaknesses. With a little research and careful consideration, you can make an informed decision and choose the SUV that is perfect for you and your family. Happy car hunting, folks!