2022 Nissan Pathfinder review: International first drive

Sometimes bigger is better and in the case of the new fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, it’s bigger on the inside and better in several ways. Like the most recent Pathfinder, this one has new-school unibody construction, eschewing the trucky, body-on-frame design of the original.

Some of us don’t enjoy automatic continuously variable transmissions (CVT) and perhaps Nissan has taken that to heart with its big SUV. Judging by how far and deep they’ve been deployed throughout the company’s product range, they sure do love their CVTs, but for this new Pathfinder, they’ve dropped it in favour of a new nine-speed automatic.

The engine carries over and remains an all-aluminium, naturally aspirated, 3.5-litre, 24-valve petrol V6 that produces 209kW at a lofty 6400rpm and 351Nm at 4800rpm.

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The Pathfinder is available as a front-driver or with a new all-wheel-drive system that integrates seven different drive and terrain modes, including a tow mode, as – on the United States market at least – it’s capable of towing a maximum of 2720kg. In front-drive spec, drive modes are limited to five settings and towing capacity is limited to 1588kg. Trailer sway control is standard across all models.

Suspension is more modern crossover old-school sport utility and this design favours more comfort and better handling, which is what today’s customers demand. The front suspension is based around a simple strut design and the rear is an independent, multi-link set-up. Ground clearance is a modest 180mm.

On the inside, the Pathfinder is larger than before and its styling is not just attractive but driven by increased utility. The design is rugged, modern and tech-forward, and while the three-row layout carries over, the way the space is used is more creative and flexible.

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In the top trims, the colours and finishes lend the cabin an air of luxury and while the infotainment screen sprouts from the centre of the dashboard, the interior design is almost minimalist. Like the new X-Trail, the Pathfinder now uses an electronic shifter that increases usable interior storage and turns the space underneath into a spot for small items with openings on both driver and passenger sides.

Second-row choices are either a full three-person bench or a pair of captain’s chairs. With a nod to saving parents time and trouble, Nissan engineered the second row to easily slide and angle forward to allow easier access to the third row, even with a child seat attached.

When equipped with the captain’s chairs, the second row is exceptionally spacious and comfortable, even for adults, but keep in mind that the third row is best suited to children. Power outlets abound throughout the cabin and there is no shortage of connections even for the most active or gadget-friendly family.

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The new exterior design sharpens all of the lines and brings the Pathfinder forward aesthetically so that it now looks taut and of the time. Where the crossover's nose is busy with too many lines and appears styled to appeal to a demographic that appreciates The Transformers, the rear is cleanly rendered and finished with a premium look.

As we often find in modern vehicles of all types, the 11.8-inch infotainment screen dominates the view forward and it's equally accessible to the driver or passenger. The interface is quickly comprehensible but in some ways is also inexplicably complex. For example, there is the standard volume control but if you drill down further into the system, you'll find a separate master volume setting. There may be a reasonable rationale for this but if you're not familiar with the deeper layers of the system, things like this will lead to some frustration during the ownership experience.

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The digital instrument cluster on higher trim levels is a welcome addition and designed to clearly communicate basic driving data to the driver. At 12.3 inches, the screen is surprisingly large and the driver can scroll through basic driving information options. The large head-up display is large, bright and legible in almost all lighting conditions but is reserved for the top variants. Wireless phone charging is standard across all trim levels.

Given that busy families will be driving Pathfinders, customers will appreciate the suite of safety technology and it’s very comprehensive. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and the expected blind-spot monitoring, but also rear cross-traffic alert and driver alertness monitor. Among a long list of safety equipment, 10 airbags are standard with 1 available on the range-topping Pathfinder.

On the inside, the Pathfinder is larger than before and its styling is not just attractive but driven by increased utility.

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The Pathfinder's driving position is excellent, starting with a supportive, adjustable and comfortable seat, resulting in superb visibility. The adjustable steering column ensures that drivers of all shapes and sizes will be set up for success behind the wheel. Ergonomically, Nissan's layout is simple and logical with everything in its right place.

Speaking of which, Nissan's placement for the heated steering wheel button and air-conditioning controls are logical. However, a characteristic of Nissan's automatic climate control function is that the algorithm seems to be based on a calculation that's relative instead of absolute. The set-and-forget nature of auto climate is appealing, but if the driver or passenger find themselves sensitive to subtle temperature changes, they will be frequently changing the Pathfinder's temperature up or down a degree or two.

On its own, the V6 is a jewel of an engine, especially when allowed to run up higher in the rev range, where it makes plenty of power and torque, but also produces a satisfying sound. We have to remember, of course, that the Pathfinder is a three-row crossover and not a sportscar. Skyline quick it isn't, but at least the engine sounds good at higher revs.

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Paired with the nine-speed automatic, however, the package leaves a bit to be desired. When leaving a stop, the drivetrain is slow to respond and the lack of low-end torque compounds the problem. Furthermore, it's amplified when the auto hold and start/stop functions are activated because drivers will find that there's an additional heartbeat's delay in re-firing the engine before any forward movement begins.

Encouraging the Pathfinder to leave the line quickly takes an aggressive approach – fine for the driver alone but hammering the throttle will surprise your passengers. To leave a stop smoothly is to leave it slowly. Switching into Sport mode doesn't measurably improve the drivetrain's response, either.

Once on the move, the drivetrain is indeed smooth and relatively quiet. Shifts are nearly imperceptible and the driver can select gears via the paddleshifters on the back of the steering wheel, helpful when climbing hills. As you'd expect, the transmission is encouraged to shift to the tallest gear possible in the name of fuel consumption, but this V6 makes maximum power and torque high in the rev range. In this light, it's easy to recognise why many other crossovers use turbocharging to produce that all-important low-end torque.

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In front- and all-wheel drive specs, there are the basic drive modes for Auto, Sport, and Eco, and when equipped with all-wheel drive, Snow, Mud/Rut, Sand, and Tow modes are added. Any crossover’s off-road prowess is defined by its tyres, so some of those modes might be optimistic given the standard all-season rubber.

The highlight of the Pathfinder's driving experience is its quiet operation at all speeds, whether you're running around in town or making a long road trip. At the end of a drive, the driver and passengers are rested rather than stressed from higher levels of road and wind noise. The peaceful experience leaves the impression that this is a premium, well-made crossover.

The highlight of the Pathfinder's driving experience is its quiet operation at all speeds … The peaceful experience leaves the impression that this is a premium, well-made crossover.

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Ride and handling are tuned to favour comfort above all, so Pathfinder has modest roll in corners but the dampers still provide good body and wheel control without many instances secondary movements.

Braking is another highlight, with excellent control and high levels of pedal feel for a crossover. Overall braking power, modulation and control are quite good, as well, which is another indication that Nissan knows how to engineer a satisfying braking set-up.

Steering is electrically assisted with a variable assist function easing inputs at lower speeds to ease manoeuvres in car parks. From the driver's perspective, steering is direct, consistent, and when combined with the above-average ride and handling of the Pathfinder, it provides confidence in the crossover's manoeuvrability in all driving conditions.

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Advanced driver-assist systems are an expectation of today's crossover buyers and the Pathfinder includes Nissan's ProPilot Assist. It includes adaptive cruise control and active lane-keep assist along with highway stop-and-go, which takes some of the burden off the driver. On the top model, the system integrates with the Pathfinder’s navigation system and will adjust the crossover’s speed for curves and motorway exits.

In practice, the adaptive cruise errs on the side of safety, leaving a generous amount of following distance that on multi-lane roads encourages other drivers to cut in front of the Pathfinder, which starts the process all over again. The active lane-keep system's ability to maintain the Pathfinder's line on the road is entirely dependent on the quality of the lane markings, which leads to frequent steering corrections on poorly marked roads.

This new Pathfinder is a marked leap forward for Nissan and they’ve designed a highly useable crossover for big families. Modern on the outside, premium and quiet on the inside, it's easy to see how this will appeal to buyers and its high level of utility and quiet ride will win them over.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder specification