Discover the All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder: A Formidable Contender in the Midsize SUV Segment

The new Nissan Pathfinder features a significantly upgraded interior compared to the previous model. Some of the key improvements include:

• Modern and stylish design with better materials and layout
• Electronic parking brake instead of the old-fashioned foot-operated brake
• Wireless charging pad, a feature now common in family crossovers
• Improved infotainment system with a larger and more responsive screen, replacing the dated unit in the previous Pathfinder

The new Pathfinder features a unique gear shift mechanism. Instead of a traditional gear lever, it has a small electronic switch that you press and pull down to engage the gears. This is a more modern approach compared to the old-school gear lever in the previous Pathfinder.

The new Pathfinder offers several convenient storage and convenience features, including:

• A shallow storage tray above the glove compartment that can hold a surprising amount of items
• A large storage compartment in the center console
• Easy access to the rear climate controls from the front, allowing you to adjust the temperature and airflow for rear passengers

While the new infotainment system is an improvement over the previous model, it still has some shortcomings compared to the competition:

• The screen size is smaller than in rivals like the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer
• It lacks a dedicated home screen that displays various information, such as navigation, music, and phone settings, all in one place
• The system is not as responsive as the best infotainment systems in the segment

The digital instrument cluster in the new Pathfinder is a standout feature. It offers a highly customizable display, allowing you to view a wide range of information, including trip data, safety systems, and media playback. The cluster is larger and more feature-rich than what is typically found in midsize SUVs. However, it does not change its appearance when you switch between the different driving modes.

The exterior design of the new Pathfinder features several notable elements:

• The new Nissan logo with a sleeker, more modern look
• Surprisingly small and subtle LED fog lights, reflecting the reduced need for powerful auxiliary lighting
• The LED daytime running lights that wrap around the headlights, creating an interesting visual element
• The rear design, with its bold, muscular look and prominent Pathfinder lettering, aims to convey a more rugged and capable image, though it doesnt fully align with the rest of the vehicles more refined appearance

Compared to segment leaders like the Kia Telluride, the new Pathfinders styling is more conservative and less rugged-looking. While it is an improvement over the previous model, the Pathfinder lacks the bold, muscular presence that many buyers in this segment now desire. This could be a drawback, as the Telluride and similar models have become highly sought-after for their distinctive and imposing design.

The driving experience of the new Pathfinder is adequate but not particularly exciting. As a midsize family SUV, it delivers a comfortable and competent, but unremarkable, driving dynamics. The steering, handling, and overall performance are on par with the segment, providing a smooth and composed ride, but not offering any thrilling or sporty characteristics.

The main advantages of the new Pathfinder include:

• Significantly improved interior quality, design, and features compared to the previous model
• Spacious and comfortable rear seating, with easy access to the third row
• Practical cargo space and storage solutions throughout the cabin
• A capable and refined powertrain, providing adequate performance for a midsize SUV

The key drawbacks of the new Pathfinder include:

• The infotainment system, while improved, is still not as advanced or user-friendly as the best systems in the segment
• The exterior design, while better than the previous model, is not as bold or distinctive as some of its competitors, which may hurt its desirability among buyers
• The Nissan brand and the Pathfinder name may not carry the same level of recognition and appeal as Toyota Highlander or Kia Telluride in the midsize SUV market