All-new Nissan Pathfinder returns to its roots

Nissan says that 35 years after the launch of the original model, Pathfinder has returned to its “rugged roots, loaded with the benefit of everything learned along the way,”

“Today’s large SUV owners want a vehicle that conveys strength and rugged capability, while using advanced safety and technology features to keep their family safe and comfortable during every-day adventures, and the all-new 2022 Pathfinder is ready to take on those adventures,” said Jared Haslam, Vice President, Product and Services Planning, Nissan North America.

Nissan says the 2022 Pathfinder is all-new from the ground-up. The vehicle was designed to convey a sense of strength and capability with a strong face, wide stance, blister fenders and a shorter front overhang, compared to the previous design.

Distinctive Nissan signature features are integrated into the new design, such as the V-motion grille with a three-slot grille incorporated in homage to the original Pathfinder, C-shaped headlights, and floating roofline. Standard LED headlights include slim upper Daytime Running Lights, and the C-pillar has a structural SUV look that allows use of two-tone paint – a first for Pathfinder.

On the side, strong ‘U-shaped’ highlights fuse the powerful fender blisters together, providing a tough, muscular look. In the rear, the wide-aspect LED taillights are slimmer than the previous design while the ‘boxed out’ liftgate returns to the boldness of the first Pathfinder, including the oversized, satin chrome PATHFINDER name. According to Nissan, the new aluminium-alloy wheel designs have a “machined, tool-like seriousness to them”.

A total of 14 colours/colour combinations are offered, including five new two-tone treatments carefully designed to integrate into the overall design. Nissan says new two-tone Scarlet Ember with Super Black Metallic brings a high-energy feel and is similar to the iconic bright red colour of the original Pathfinder, while new Obsidian Green Pearl is a solid dark green with a hint of pearl.

Every 2022 Pathfinder features a 284hp (212kW) 3.5-litre Direct Injection V6 with 259lb-ft (351Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission, which Nissan says provides a smooth, strong, direct vehicle response. According to Nissan, the combination provides strong acceleration and driver confidence when merging or driving out of turns and minimises rpm variation on grades.

Pathfinder 4WD drive models feature Nissan’s all-new Intelligent 4WD with 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector. The 4WD system features direct coupling, which allows torque transfer directly on the clutch pack using oil pressure, allowing for confident, immediate take-off in low-traction situations. Mode selection – Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow – is displayed as a pop-up notification on the meter cluster.

A new dual-pinion electric power steering system combined with wide, 255mm tyres provide stable handling with a sporty feel. Stability and confidence are bolstered by Pathfinder’s front strut and rear independent multi-link suspension design with front and rear stabiliser bars and 4-wheel disc brake system.

According to Nissan, Pathfinder features best-in-class available 6,000-pound (2722kg) maximum towing capacity – plenty for towing boats, ATVs, camp tents or trailers. Trailer Sway Control is standard.

The interior features refined new materials and a robust, open design. Driver and passengers are greeted with a modern, spacious environment.

Among the long list of interior touches is a new available 12.3-inch digital dashboard which provides the driver with a variety of easy-to-navigate screen options. Complementing the digital dashboard is an available 10.8-inch Head-up Display. New to Pathfinder, the Head-Up Display enables the driver to view preferred content such as turn-by-turn directions while staying focused on the road.

An available 9.0-inch colour touchscreen centre display is placed high on the new simplified, intuitive instrument panel, providing easy visibility and accessibility for the driver and front passenger. Interlocking side vents and door finishers provide a solid structural appearance, and with the use of a new electronic shifter, the new ‘bridge’ front centre console allows extra storage space underneath.

Woven cloth, leather- or premium quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats are offered in a range of new colours and materials. Brushed bronze metallic accents are among the seven available interior ‘environments’, while new ambient interior lighting adds an even higher level of ambiance. 

Seat flexibility – a critical factor for large SUV buyers – has been improved with standard eight-passenger capacity or, for the first time on Pathfinder, available second row captain’s chairs with a no-tools-required removable centre console. The second-row bench seat now offers EZ FLEX one-touch release fold/side with push button activation from both the driver and passenger sides, making life easy for parents and backseat passengers. The 60/40 split folding third row seat provides maximum flexibility for carrying passengers and cargo.

Nissan designed the Pathfinder’s ample cargo area to accommodate a 120-quart (114-litre) cooler or four golf bags with all three-rows up and carry 4×8-foot (1220x2438mm) plywood sheets – making sure ‘utility’ remains part of Pathfinder’s SUV credentials.

According to Nissan, interior quietness has been greatly improved, with acoustic laminated front glass, thicker second-row glass, increased door and floor isolation, and a 60 per cent increase in engine noise absorption.

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.

NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on all Pathfinder grade levels. Also available is NissanConnect with WiFi Hot Spot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bose Premium Audio with 13 speakers, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM, Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation, and Intelligent Around View Monitor, which features a higher resolution and wider image viewing angle than the previous model.

For the first time, Pathfinder SV and SL grades offer Nissan’s innovative ProPILOT Assist, a hands-on, driver-assist technology that reduces the hassle of stop-and-go highway driving and makes long drives on the open highway easier. ProPILOT Assist combines steering assist and Intelligent Cruise Control to help control acceleration, braking and steering in heavy traffic and on the open highway.

Pathfinder Platinum grade adds the new ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, which was introduced on the 2021 Nissan Rogue. By linking ProPILOT Assist with Nissan’s advanced Door-to-Door Navigation System, the navigation map data can proactively reduce speed for upcoming freeway curves or junctions and also help the driver slow for freeway exits.

Every 2022 Pathfinder comes equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes 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, while Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Traffic Sign Recognition are available. Ten airbags are standard.

Pathfinder is offered in 2WD and 4WD and in four equipped trim levels – S, SV, SL and Platinum. Two packages – SV Premium and SL Premium – are available. Additional details will be available closer to the vehicle’s (northern) summer 2021 on-sale date.