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All-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Big fun and adventure

2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum (the red model featured in this article).

 

 

The Nissan Pathfinder has gotten a heavy-duty refresh for 2022, and it's looking like a pretty solid choice for buyers in the market for a family-size SUV that won't break the bank. With a 284-hp 3.5-liter direct-injection V6, space for eight, upgraded tech, and confident towing power, Pathfinder has a lot to offer in the way of big fun and adventure.

The all-new 2022 Pathfinder is offered in 2WD and 4WD and in four well-equipped trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Each one features the V6 with 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched with an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission (no more CVT), which provides a smooth and direct vehicle response. A 6,000-lb maximum towing capacity is available.

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 takeoff in low-traction situations. Mode selection (Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut, and Tow) is displayed as a pop-up notification on the dash.

A new dual-pinion electric power steering system, combined with wider 255/50R20 tires (vs. the previous 235/55R20 tires), provides a stable, quick response and a 40% improvement in steering angle rate, leading to less steering effort.

The front suspension features an updated mount system, helping increase roll stiffness by 28%, and the rear suspension features a multi-link design with updated shock absorbers and dampers, helping increase rear roll stiffness by 14%. These updates are coupled with a 50% increase in the use of high-strength steel.

The overall proportions remain the same as its predecessor model, but the exterior design is a little more aggressive and beefy now, which is apparent when looking at its strong front face, wide stance, blister fenders, and a shorter front overhang. It also sports those larger tires mentioned.

Distinctive Nissan signature features are integrated into the new Pathfinder design, such as the V-motion grille with a three-slot grille incorporated as an homage to the original Pathfinder, C-shaped headlights, and floating roofline. A nice touch is the option of two-tone paint, which is a first for Pathfinder. A total of 14 colors/color combinations are offered, including five new two-tone treatments.

In the rear, the wide-aspect LED taillights are slimmer than the previous design. The "boxed out" liftgate returns to the boldness of the first Pathfinder, including the oversized, satin chrome PATHFINDER name. Even the new aluminum-alloy wheel designs have a machined, tool-like quality about them.

The interior of the adventure-ready Pathfinder features new materials and an open design. Driver and passengers are greeted with a modern, spacious environment that boasts 10.6 cubic ft of more space than the previous model.

An available 12.3-in. digital dashboard provides the driver with a variety of easy-to-navigate screen options. Complementing the digital dashboard is an available 10.8-in. Head-Up Display, which is a new feature for Pathfinder, that enables the driver to view preferred content such as turn-by-turn directions while staying focused on the road. An available 9-in. color touchscreen center display is placed high on the new simplified, intuitive instrument panel, providing easy visibility and accessibility for the driver and front passenger.

Loading the family is now easier with standard 8-passenger capacity or, for the first time on Pathfinder, available second-row captain's chairs with a no-tools-required removable center console. Nissan designed the Pathfinder's ample cargo area to accommodate a 120-qt cooler or four golf bags with all three-rows up, and even room to slide 4-ft-wide plywood sheets into the vehicle. Located under the cargo area floor, a new easy-to-clean luggage box offers 54.1 liters of storage -- up from 33.3 liters on the previous model.

Woven cloth, leather, or premium quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats are offered in a range of new colors and materials. New ambient interior lighting adds to the vehicle's premium feel. 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.

Tech-wise, the 2022 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 both heavy traffic and on the open highway.

Pathfinder Platinum grade combines the new ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, which was first introduced on the all-new 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 (11 on Platinum). Lots more features.

Nissan did not release pricing, but a 2020 Pathfinder S starts at $31,980. The top-of-the-line 2020 Platinum starts at $43,220. That should give you some idea.

Learn more and get updates at nissanusa.com/vehicles/future-concept/2022-pathfinder.html.

Source: Nissan

Published June 2021

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