By: Tarek Hawchar
The current fifth-generation Pathfinder, unveiled in early 2021, pays homage to the 1985 original model, thanks to its three-notch front grille, triangular C-pillar, and side wheels fenders
Over five generations spanning almost four decades, the Nissan Pathfinder earned a reputation for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities. The current fifth-generation Pathfinder, unveiled in early 2021, pays homage to the 1985 original model, thanks to its three-notch front grille, triangular C-pillar, and side wheels fenders.
At heart, Nissan extensively reworked the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder both inside and out, adding a better suite of technology and luxurious touches to make its occupants feel more connected and comfortable than ever before.
Under the hood, the new three-row SUV comes with a 271-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, sending power to either the front or to all four wheels.
We recently explored the full potential of the new eight-seat SUV. Despite its off-road capabilities, Nissan's SUV handled with remarkable agility. Taking the latest Pathfinder across every type of terrain was a truly thrilling experience, without sacrificing comfort.
Thanks to the large exterior dimensions, the 2022 Pathfinder offers unrivaled interior space and can accommodate up to eight adults in its three rows
Exterior
Visually, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder looks bigger, bolder, and more modern. The new boxy-shaped SUV sets itself apart from the previous generation with its new front fascia and C-shape LED headlamps, while the signature V-motion chrome-plated grille gives a more premium look.
In Qatar, the fifth-generation Pathfinder is offered in three trims: S, SV, and SL. Aside from the elements inspired by the first-generation Pathfinder—the three-notch front grille, triangular C-pillar, and side wheels fenders—Nissan’s new three-row SUV comes with 18-inch wheels as standard, while the SV and SL trim levels are offered in 20-inch wheels.
Other key exterior highlights include LED fog lamps, long LED taillights, a choice of silver or black roof rails, a motion-activated liftgate, powered exterior mirrors with LED signal indicators, and stainless steel entry guards.
Nissan offers the 2022 Pathfinder in 10 exterior shades, five of which are dual-tone shades, including the Pearl White TriCoat/Super Black, Gun Metallic/Super Black, Boulder Grey/Super Black, Scarlet Amber TintCoat/Super Black, and Obsidian Green Pearl/Super Black.
When speaking of dimensions, the latest Pathfinder is 5004 mm long, 1978 mm wide, and 1802 mm tall, with a generous wheelbase of 2900 mm.
The high-tech dashboard features a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Interior
Inside, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is a radical departure from its predecessor and features a more modern and truck-like interior styling. The new Pathfinder remains a three-row SUV with an eight-seat layout as standard on the S, SV, and SL grades.
To ensure the interior is as pretty as the exterior, customers can choose from a variety of interior shades, including the Mocha Almond Pearl, Scarlet Amber TintCoat, Deep Ocean Blue Pearl, Obsidian Green Pearl, and Super Black.
Depending on trim level, the high-tech dashboard features a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster located behind the three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel. The range-topping SL variant is equipped with a head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system.
Other interior highlights of the top-of-the-range SL grade include leather seats with quilted inserts, tri-zone climate control with rear vents, keyless entry, keyless start, eight-way adjustable power driver's seat with four-way lumbar support, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charger, to name a few.
Thanks to the large exterior dimensions, the 2022 Pathfinder offers unrivaled interior space and can accommodate up to eight adults in its three rows. For the SL trim level, customers can swap the standard second-row bench seat for two captain's chairs.
The latest Pathfinder gains an assortment of driver-assistance systems, including intelligent cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent lane intervention, and intelligent blind spot intervention. Rear and front parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent around view monitor, vehicle dynamic control, traction control system, hill start assist, hill descent control, trailer sway control, and 10 airbags are also available.
Under the hood of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 271 hp and 340 Nm of torque
Engine and Performance
Under the hood of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 271 hp and 340 Nm of torque. With advanced technologies such as the Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG), this six-cylinder mill can deliver substantial bursts of power without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
The powerful engine hooks to a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power either to the front wheels (S and SV variants) or to the four wheels (SL grade). The four-wheel-drive system offers seven driving modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Tow.
As for the suspension, the fifth-generation Pathfinder comes with strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. While the ride is relatively smooth, the handling isn't the most entertaining. One can say that the Pathfinder does not focus on off-roading, as these capabilities are the sole domain of its larger sibling, the Patrol!
Our Verdict
Previous generations of the Nissan Pathfinder lagged behind the competition, especially in terms of styling and technology. Nissan managed to change that with the 2022 Pathfinder! The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is a genuine contender in the mid-size SUV segment thanks to its rugged and modern design, spacious interior, and plenty of in-car tech and driver aids. Its ability to tow up to 1,500 kilograms, comfortable ride, and relatively powerful V6 engine are some of the three-row SUV’s virtues.