What’s New about the Pathfinder
Everything but the name. The Pathfinder name has been part of the Nissan lineup for 35+ years at this point. It’s had more underlying architecture changes than nearly anything else in the segment. It was one of the first to jump to the more car-like crossover frame in 1996, before jumping back to a truck-like frame in 2005, and then finally switching back to the more on-road friendly crossover bones in 2013. Of course most shoppers won’t really care about what’s underneath. And since crossovers now dominate the industry by a wide margin it’s fairly moot. That said, the latest Pathfinder ditches some of the jellybean shape and soft curves of the prior generation for looks that lean more into the rugged spectrum of life. Also gone (hallelujah!) is the maligned CVT transmission in favor of a new 9-speed automatic transmission to go with the carryover 3.5-liter V6 engine. Inside tech is also elevated with elements like a digital instrument cluster and head-up display available.
What’s Good about the Pathfinder
The prior generation Pathfinder was extremely family friendly, and the new one continues that theme. 2nd row seats (now available in bench and captain’s chairs) can pivot and tilt forward for 3rd row access with a car seat installed (don’t leave the kid in the seat though!). It’s still a great size for the segment with good seating and cargo capacity without being overly large.
Key Content / Trims available
For 2022 there are 4 main trims: S, SV, SL and Platinum. 2023 will see the return of the off-road themed Rock Creek Edition.
Starting with the S, all Pathfinders share the same core mechanical bits: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of the torques channeled through the new 9-speed automatic. All trims are available in either 2WD (front wheel drive) or 4WD. 3-row seating is also standard fare. Being family friendly, lots of good safety equipment is also standard like automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert and even rear parking sensors with rear automatic braking. Smart key with push button start is there, as it Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via an 8″ infotainment display. LED headlights and daytime running lights are also onboard.
Going up to the SV you get enhanced driver assistance tech with ProPILOT assist with intelligent lane intervention and blind spot intervention. Comfort wise you get a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and remote engine start. The optional SV Premium Package adds a panoramic moonroof, power lift gate and 2nd row captain’s chairs as well as a tow hitch.
On the SL, you build off the SV (not the SV Premium Package) and you get the 360 around view parking camera system, front parking sensors get added into the mix. LED fog lights and silver roof rails help set the SL apart, along with unique machine finished wheels. A power lift gate and rear sunshades are added, along with very hand rear door handle keyless entry (huge for families who tend to load kids in the rear first). Added convenience like an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror and programmable HomeLink garage door opener are here, heated steering wheel and a 4-way power passenger seat and leather seating for the first 2 rows. Apple CarPlay also becomes wireless here. An SL Premium Package brings 20″ wheels, up from 18″, panoramic sunroof, 2nd row heated captain’s chairs, Bose audio system, wireless charging pad and a tow hitch.
Finally, up top in the Platinum. To the SL, it adds 20″ wheels, kick activated lift gate our back, panoramic moonroof, power folding outside mirrors that also tilt-down in reverse, power tilt and telescoping steering column and all that can be tied in with the driver memory system and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, nicer semi-aniline quilted leather comes in, along with the added cooling front seats. Platinum only comes with the 2nd row heated captain’s chairs, so no 8 passenger config here if that’s important. The Bose Premium Audio and wireless charging pad are found here as well. A digital dashboard is unique to the Platinum, as is the head-up display and interestingly, a driver seat-mounted front center airbag. Platinum just crests $50,000 with destination, right in line with the core of the segment.
Quick Spin
Nissan seems to have spent all the right dollars in all the right places with the latest Pathfinder. The 9-speed auto is on of the best adaptations of it I’ve driven. While typically clunky in vehicles from Stellantis/FCA and even Honda has struggle with their 9-speed, this one was well done from our short stint and changed the driving character of the Pathfinder completely. Seats are typical Nissan comfy and the cabin felt airy and wide. It doesn’t really exceed the competition in any specific area, but this update really brings the Pathfinder straight into the heart of the segment with plenty for any cross-shopping activity.
Improvement Areas
Would like to see some nicer materials inside and some tighter build gaps, but there’s always the Infiniti QX60 for some of that.
