This new Pathfinder is one of just many revamped Nissan products to debut in the near future.
Nissan has just recently unveiled its all-new iteration of its Pathfinder over in North America. One of the Japanese automaker’s best selling nameplates over there, this next-generation large SUV serves as a replacement for the outgoing model that has been around getting on for nearly 9 years already.
An integral part of the Nissan NEXT transformation plan which will see the Japanese automaker launch 10 new products in 20 months, this new Pathfinder is supposedly one of the stars of the show. And honestly, after looking at the specs of this new large SUV, it does actually seem like a more-than-decent alternative to the Kia Sorento, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.
Starting from the outside, gone is its predecessor’s curvy silhouette and in its place instead is a sleeker, chunkier exterior aesthetic. Up front there is a hint of original Pathfinder (aka Terrano) with the three small slots incorporated within the Nissan V-motion front grille, which are in turn flanked by Rogue-like C-shaped LED headlights.
Moving down the side, this new iteration of Nissan’s large SUV features the floating roof look that is all the rage these days courtesy of a two-tone paint job. Round the back however perhaps one of the best views of the Pathfinder, with a good mix of sleek and macho thanks to the pairing of the slim LED tail lights and the butch rear brush-guard that are inset within the boxy rear end profile.
As for the powertrain of the Pathfinder, the sole engine option available is a 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6 that outputs 284 hp and 351 Nm of torque. Mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission (which replaces the old CVT unit), power is sent to all four wheels via Nissan’s all-new Intelligent 4WD system with 7 selectable drive modes.
Interior-wise, the Pathfinder has been brought a step up in terms of luxury with standard acoustic laminated windscreen, greater soundproofing, as well as the availability of a 13 speaker Bose sound system and interior ambient lighting. That said though, the biggest step into the realm of luxury SUV would probably be Nissan’s decision to offer this large SUV with the option of captain’s chairs in the second row, instead of the typical 8-seater option for the first time.
On the tech front meanwhile, Nissan has brought the Pathfinder bang up to date with this new iteration. Featuring the pre-requisite twin-screen layout as per most new cars these days, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen, this large SUV brings with it too a 10.8-inch Head-up Display, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, an electronic gear shifter, tri-zone climate control with rear air-con vents, a powered driver’s seat, heated rear seats and a 360º surround view camera, among other things.
Safety has also not been skimped on by the Japanese automaker, as this all new Pathfinder models will feature the Nissan Safety Shield 360 that adds a veritable plethora of active safety tech to this large SUV. Moreover, higher end variants will also come standard with ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, which is essentially Nissan’s top-tier intelligent cruise control.
To be built in Nissan’s Tennessee plant, the new Pathfinder will be available in four trim levels and is set to go on sale in North America sometime during the summer of this year.
PRESS RELEASE: Nissan today unveiled the all-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder large SUV, set to go on sale in the U.S. this summer.
Passion runs deep for the iconic Nissan Pathfinder. Owners love its long heritage of rugged capability, and they want more of it – while seeking comfort and advanced connectivity and safety features.
“Thirty-five years after the launch of the original model, the Pathfinder has returned to its rugged roots, loaded with the benefit of everything learned along the way,” said Jared Haslam, vice president of product and services and planning at Nissan North America. “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 everyday adventures, and the all-new 2022 Pathfinder is ready to take on those adventures.”
As a significant driver for the Nissan NEXT transformation plan to prioritize sustainable growth and profitability, Nissan is transforming its product lineup in the U.S. – having revealed 10 new products in 20 months, including the Pathfinder today. As a result, Nissan has one of the freshest model lineups among its peers.
A rugged yet modern design rebirth
The 2022 Pathfinder is all-new from the ground up. Every inch of the vehicle was carefully designed to convey a sense of strength and capability with a strong front face, wide stance, blister fenders and a shorter front overhang (versus the previous design).
The larger design of the new face of Pathfinder conveys size and strength which, along with larger tires, gives it an authentic, rugged SUV look. 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. 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, muscled look. 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 seriousness to them.
A total of 14 colors/color combinations are offered, including five new two-tone treatments carefully designed to integrate into the overall design. New two-tone Scarlet Ember with Super Black Metallic brings a high-energy feel and is similar to the iconic bright red color of the original Pathfinder, while new Obsidian Green Pearl is a solid dark green with a hint of pearl – if rugged outdoor adventure was a color, this would be it.
All-new 9-speed transmission, all-new Intelligent 4WD with 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector, best-in-class towing capacity
The all-new Pathfinder is an ideal family adventure vehicle not just in looks, but in modern capability as well.
Every 2022 Pathfinder features a 284-horsepower 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 with 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched with an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission, which provides a smooth, strong, direct vehicle response.
The combination of the proven V6 and all-new 9-speed provides strong acceleration and driver confidence when merging or driving out of a turn, and minimizes rpm variation on a grade.
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, 255-mm tires provide stable handling with a sporty feel. Stability and confidence is bolstered by Pathfinder’s front strut and rear independent multi-link suspension design with front and rear stabilizer bars and 4-wheel disc brake system.
The all-new 2022 Pathfinder features best-in-class available 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity – plenty for towing boats, ATVs, camp tents or trailers. Trailer Sway Control is standard.
Comfort and flexibility for a modern family space
The interior of the adventure-ready Pathfinder features refined new materials and a robust, open design. Driver and passengers are greeted with a modern, spacious environment.
Among the long list of striking interior touches, a new, available 12.3-inch digital dashboard 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 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. Interlocking side vents and door finishers provide a solid structural appearance, and with the use of a new electronic shifter, the new “bridge” front center console allows extra storage space underneath.
Woven cloth, leather- or premium quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats are offered in a range of new colors 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 8-passenger capacity or, for the first time on Pathfinder, available second-row captain’s chairs with a no-tools-required removable center 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 alike. 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 cooler or four golf bags with all three-rows up, and even carry 4×8-foot plywood sheets – making sure “utility” remains part of the Pathfinder’s SUV credentials.
Interior quietness has been greatly improved, with acoustic laminated front glass, thicker second-row glass, increased door and floor isolation, and a 60 percent 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.
Advanced technology and safety, including standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360
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 ever, 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.
The Pathfinder Platinum grade adds the new ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, which was recently 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.
Options for every adventurer
The all-new 2022 Pathfinder is offered in 2WD and 4WD and in four well-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 summer 2021 on-sale date.
