2022 Nissan Pathfinder: First Look

© Nissan North AmericaAll New for 2022
Introduced to the U.S. 35 years ago, the original Nissan Pathfinder premiered as a two-door, truck-based sport-utility vehicle. The SUV market in America has changed dramatically since that time — as has Pathfinder. And now the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder premieres as an all-new model with a roomy interior, impressive capability, new technology and rugged looks influenced by the original model from 1987.

© Nissan North AmericaInspired by the Past
“Thirty-five 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,” said Jared Haslam, vice president of product and services 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 [sic] safe and comfortable during every-day adventures, and the all-new 2022 Pathfinder is ready to take on those adventures,” said Haslam.

© Nissan North AmericaUpdated Design
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has a more rugged, squared off design than the outgoing version, although it still sports Nissan’s familiar V-Motion grille — a frontal feature found on almost every model in the Nissan lineup. Standard LED headlights that sit flush with the bodywork flank the grille, while slim LED daytime running lights wrap around the hoodline. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder includes a three-bar grille in tribute to the first-generation Pathfinder.

© Nissan North AmericaClassic Proportions
When viewed from the side, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder clearly possesses classic SUV proportions although with smoother edges; the hood slopes slightly forward while the roofline slopes slightly rearward. Optional two-tone paint — available for the first time ever on Pathfinder — enhances the SUV’s floating roof motif. Bold fenders in a style similar to the new Rogue crossover provide a powerful stance, further emphasized by available 20-inch wheels.

© Nissan North AmericaRear View
At the rear of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, slim LED taillights wrap around the vehicle’s pronounced corners, connected by a dark bar with a centered Nissan logo. Observers will not be mistaking this vehicle for any other thanks to the name PATHFINDER spelled out in large satin-chrome lettering.

© Nissan North AmericaUnder the Hood
Although the design of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is all new, the engine remains unchanged from the previous generation. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Nissan ditches the previous Pathfinder’s CVT in favor of an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission, which should provide more responsive shifts as well as improved performance over the CVT. Towing capacity remains unchanged at 6,000 pounds, which still outclasses most other crossovers in this segment. Trailer sway control is also standard equipment.

© Nissan North AmericaIntelligent 4WD
The new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder comes with front-wheel drive, although all trim levels are available with Nissan’s new Intelligent AWD. This system features direct coupling that should provide a quick torque transfer to the rear wheels as needed. The driver can choose from seven drive and terrain modes to appropriately set up Pathfinder for any road and weather conditions. Modes include Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand Mud / Rut and Tow.

© Nissan North AmericaInner Space
Nissan designers made major improvements to the Pathfinder’s cabin for the 2022 model year. Overall the design is cleaner and has more open space than the outgoing model, centered around an available 9.0-inch touchscreen display mounted high on the dashboard. A new electronic gear selector takes up less room and opens up the center console for more storage, as well as accommodating additional storage below.

© Nissan North AmericaHigh Tech
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder can be equipped with latest high-tech features including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, an intelligent around view monitor and a Bose premium audio system with 13 speakers. Nissan also offers a 12.3-inch digital dashboard providing a high-tech view for the driver. A 10.8-inch head-up display can also be added.

© Nissan North AmericaSeating
Depending on trim level, the seats of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder can be trimmed in woven cloth, leather or premium quilted semi-aniline leather. Pathfinder has standard 8-occupant seating; however, buyers can opt for second-row captain’s chairs featuring a removable center console. Second-row seats can also fold and slide via the touch of a button for easy access to the third row.

© Nissan North AmericaCargo Space
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder doesn’t compromise any utility of the previous generation, offering plenty of cargo space. Nissan says the new SUV has room for four golf bags with all three rows in place. Users can also fold down both rows of rear seats to create enough space to haul a standard 4 x 8 sheet of plywood.

© Nissan North AmericaNissan Safety Shield 360
Nissan Safety Shield 360 — the automaker’s suite of advanced safety features — comes as standard equipment on every Pathfinder trim level. The safety suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and rear automatic braking.

© Nissan North AmericaProPILOT Assist
The new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder will be available with the latest version of ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s driver-assist technology that uses the adaptive cruise control and steering assist to aid in acceleration, braking and steering both in heavy traffic and on the open road. The SV and SL trim levels of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder will also include this advanced safety feature.

© Nissan North AmericaAvailable This Summer
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder will be available in four trim levels — S, SV, SL and Platinum — when it arrives in showrooms this summer. Look for pricing to be released closer to the on-sale date.

The post 2022 Nissan Pathfinder: First Look appeared first on autoNXT.net.

More from Our Auto Expert

OAE TV