Did you know that the Nissan Pathfinder you love today didn’t start out as a four-door SUV? In fact, it doesn’t look like the same vehicle at all. Over three decades ago, Nissan built the Pathfinder using the Hardbody truck platform to meet the growing demand for a small sport utility vehicle. The first-generation Pathfinder, which was produced from 1986 to 1995, looked more like a truck with a rear shell, but it served its purpose and proved to be a great seller in the Nissan lineup. So, how exactly did we get from the truck-like Pathfinder to the all-new sophisticated 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?
Nissan updated the Pathfinder for the first time in 1996 and gave the SUV rounder exterior lines as well as a beefier 3.3-liter engine. This marked a significant shift from the truck-based aesthetic of the first generation model and reflected as much with luxury features like a built-in DVD entertainment system and satellite radio. By 2005, Nissan gave the Pathfinder another refresh and made the SUV larger and boxier than its earlier models to seal its fate between the larger and luxurious Armada and the smaller, more rugged Xterra.
Another update followed nearly a decade later, with the fourth-generation Pathfinder released in 2013. That brings us to the latest in the lineup; the 2022 Pathfinder that promises even more comfort, convenience, safety, and capability than ever before. So, how will the all-new Pathfinder fare? Here’s a look at eight things you’ll love about the premium SUV!
#1 Completely Redesigned
Although the Pathfinder has seen numerous updates over its 35 years on the road, nothing compares to what you can expect from the 2022 Pathfinder and its modern design. All-new from the ground up, the Pathfinder will be instantly recognizable on the road, and that’s exactly what Nissan intends. “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,” Nissan says in their press release.
This redesign also includes 14 new colors and combinations that include two-tone options like Scarlet Ember and Super Black Metallic that gives a nod to the original red Pathfinder, while the all-new Obsidian Green Pearl gives the SUV a rugged look that shows it truly belongs out in the woods and on the trail.
#2 Designed to Perform Anytime, Anywhere
Far from your average family SUV that’s best kept in town, the 2022 Pathfinder can easily navigate your daily life, but its capability doesn’t stop there. It’s designed to take you from your workweek to your weekend without breaking a sweat. That capability comes from under the hood with its 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission that delivers 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. This power makes the Pathfinder incredibly responsive and smooth to handle whether you’re traveling down a busy city street, cruising down the highway, or navigating a new trail.
#3 Ready for the Trail
When we mentioned that the Pathfinder isn’t your average family SUV, we meant it. The 2022 redesign includes an all-new intelligent four-wheel drive system that makes the SUV trail-ready. The system improves torque transfer to optimize traction when you need it most. You can also choose between seven custom drive modes in the Drive and Terrain Mode Selector. These options include Standard, Sport, Snow, Eco, Mud/Rut, and Tow, all of which give you more control over the Pathfinder and its ability to deliver the best performance for the condition at hand.
#4 Best-In-Class Capability
Along with the Pathfinder’s off-road readiness, it’s also a capable hauler. This means that you don’t have to think twice about whether the SUV can tow the family boat to the lake, haul an ATV to the woods, or manage a demanding trail loaded with camping gear or a trailer. It can easily do it all with its best-in-class towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and features like Trailer Sway Control that give you greater control and confidence with whatever you’re towing.
#5 The Best Kind of Screen Time
There’s no question that screen space is a hot commodity in modern vehicles, and that’s certainly the case in the 2022 Pathfinder. The premium SUV offers a new 12.3-inch digital dashboard that gives you everything you need within eyesight, from speed and navigation cues to mileage and more. This screen is enhanced by the available 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, which is another new feature for the 2022 model. You’ll also have access to the 9.0-inch center touchscreen display that’s accessible to both you and your front passenger.
#6 A Flexible and Spacious Interior
One of the most attractive features an SUV can offer is a flexible interior that takes the guesswork out of hauling passengers and gear. Nissan knows this firsthand and made several improvements to the Pathfinder’s interior to maximize space. The interior is equipped with flexible seating for eight passengers across three rows. New for 2022 is second-row captain’s chairs with a removable center console that makes it easy for passengers to enter and exit from the third row, which offers a 60/40 split. When the second row is outfitted as a bench seat, it features EZ FLEX one-touch technology that enables you to push one button to fold the seat down. Folding all three rows down (passenger seat, second row, and third row) gives you plenty of room to haul 8-ft lumber, luggage, golf bags, hiking gear, and more.
#7 Shielded in Safety
The 2022 Pathfinder shields you in safety thanks to the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite that offers some of the most advanced safety technology available. The suite is designed to enhance visibility with tools like Blind Spot Warning and High Beam Assist as well as to minimize the potential for collisions by using tools like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection to bring the vehicle to a full stop or enhance your braking if a collision is imminent. Additional features include Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. You can also upgrade these features to include class-exclusive tools like the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Driver Alertness, a Rear Door Alert, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and Traffic Sign Recognition. These features are designed to take more action to reduce the potential for a collision.
#8 Stay Connected Behind the Wheel
Nissan realizes that your life doesn’t stop when you get behind the wheel, which is why it equips the 2022 Pathfinder with the most innovative connectivity features on the market. These features include the NissanConnect system that allows you to connect your smartphone to the car using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. You can also use the WiFi hotspot to stay connected and ensure you’re always on the fastest route from Point A to Point B using the Door-to-Door Navigation system. You’ll also enjoy the 13-speaker Bose Premium-Audio system that delivers crisp sound whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist or SiriusXM. Did we mention that the 2022 Pathfinder really does have it all?
And Now We Wait
What do you love about the all-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder? Do you love its connectivity features that promise to keep you connected wherever the road takes you, or are you a fan of its impressive safety suite that’s designed to give you peace of mind when you’re behind the wheel? Whatever you pick, there’s no question that Nissan is set to outdo itself again with the all-new SUV that will make its grand debut in summer 2021. Until then, all we can do is wait and dream about the day we can finally sit in the driver’s seat!
