Our first drive of the all-new Pathfinder shows that Nissan has closed the gap to the Toyota Kluger and other family SUV rivals
Beginning life as a tough, rugged off-roader, the Nissan Pathfinder has evolved into a more well-rounded and capable family SUV, and this fifth-generation instalment due in Australia later this year is no exception. In fact, we think Nissan’s new Pathie makes the biggest leap away from its 4×4 roots yet, and that can only be a good thing for those in the market for a family-focused, three-row large SUV. As well as its smart new Patrol-inspired looks, the new Pathfinder keeps its smooth-spinning V6 petrol engine but gets a proper nine-speed auto in place of the outgoing model’s horrid CVT. Throw in excellent towing credentials, a tech-laden cabin, the ability to seat up to eight and a general layer of sophistication lacking in the outgoing model, and Nissan looks to be on the right road with the all-new Pathfinder.
Higher standing
Nissan Australia hasn’t yet nailed down final specifications for the all-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, but when it finally rocks up Down Under later this year, take it as read that there will be plenty of value with loads of equipment fitted standard across the range.
Witness our top-shelf, US-spec Pathfinder Platinum on test here in California, which should be comparable to the Ti grade in Australia.
For about $65,000, the flagship model gets 20-inch rims, tow hitch prep, 10-way heated and cooled leather seats, a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row (making this a seven-seater), a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.
There’s a 9.0-inch infotainment system that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a gesture-action tailgate, a powerful 13-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, a pair of USB chargers in the second and third row, adaptive cruise control, full-length panoramic roof and LED headlights and tail-lights.
The only options for our car were running boards ($730) and a lighting package that adds puddle lamps and illuminated kick plates ($795). The unusual dual-tone paint job, meanwhile, adds $745 – and that’s it.
When it arrives in Australia in the second half of 2022, the Pathfinder will be backed by Nissan’s factory warranty, currently at five years (with unlimited kilometres) and backed by five years of 24-hour roadside assistance.
A capped-price servicing program should also be available, and although there’s no pricing details yet, service intervals are expected to be competitive at 12 months or 20,000km.
V6 petrol at launch
At launch, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder will come equipped with a development of the current 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 petrol engine.
Don’t expect a diesel to come from the US factory, but a petrol-electric hybrid is anticipated to follow.
While the V6 petrol engine has been improved, the big news is that Nissan has dropped the current continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic sourced from ZF.
Pumping out 212kW of power (+10kW) and 351Nm of torque (+11Nm), the 3.5-litre V6 is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter with seven-position drive and terrain mode selector.
Against the clock, the 2WD Pathfinder shrugs off its 2033kg kerb weight and can sprint from 0-100km/h in around 7.0 seconds.
Some US magazines have recorded a 6.7sec sprint from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) or 6.6sec when fitted with the new Intelligent 4WD system.
With the tow pack fitted, Nissan claims the Pathfinder can haul up to 6000lb (2722kg) in the US.
For the Aussie market, Nissan has already confirmed that the new model will retain its current 2700kg braked towing capacity, remaining at the pointy end of this three-row family SUV class.
Forward momentum
The good news continues inside the cabin of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, where a complete transformation has taken place.
From the Platinum model’s plush heated and ventilated armchair-like front seats to the large, clear infotainment screen and full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, it feels like Nissan’s engineers and designers have thrown everything at the Pathfinder to ensure it well and truly takes the fight up to the latest Toyota Kluger.
The attention to detail is also commendable.
The third row seating area, for example, has both dedicated ceiling vents and cup holders, even though the seats themselves are not quite big enough to accommodate full-size adults in comfort.
But we love how the second row pivots forward with a simple touch of a button; we note the inclusion a USB-A, USB-C and domestic power socket in the second row; and we were quick to appreciate the neat integrated rear sun blinds.
It’s clear that Nissan knows its audience and how this vehicle will primarily be used.
Stowage is plentiful, from its big centre console box and handy lower deck underneath the dash stack to the deep pockets in every door. This is a car that masters in practicality and packaging.
Behind the wheel, another leap forward is clearly evident.
Despite being based on an adapted version of the elderly Renault-Nissan Alliance D platform that was first introduced back in 2007 and was employed by the outgoing Pathfinder, the new version is heavily revised and plenty of work has been done on its front strut/rear multi-link suspension.
Challenging roads unearth the strides engineers have taken over the previous model. Despite still tipping the scales around the two-tonne mark, the big Nissan has decent body control and curbs excessive roll through a set of bends.
Letting the side down is numb steering and the fact that its torque peak is delivered at a lofty 4800rpm.
That means it never quite feels as quick as its performance claims suggest and needs to be worked hard to make meaningful progress.
Happily, the nine-speed is up for the task, although it could be a bit quicker to react at times.
A turbocharger (or two) would fill the torque gap or, better still considering its size, a turbo-diesel would enhance efficiency and provide more meaningful punch mid-gears. With no oil-burner on the horizon, though, the introduction of a hybrid could fix all of those issues.
On the highway, both wind and road noise are well contained, but one word of caution: the Pathfinder’s door mirrors create a nasty blind spot, despite their size.
Luckily, blind spot monitoring is included in the suite of standard safety features.
Kluger in its sights
In the US market, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is well-equipped and manages to undercut the Toyota Kluger on price.
Replicated in our market, or even with price parity, Nissan looks to be on a winner with the Pathfinder’s new sense of style, family-friendly cabin, decent practicality and competent drive.
How much does the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 2WD cost?Price: $65,000 estimated (plus on-road costs)Available: Second half 2022Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrolOutput: 212kW/351NmTransmission: Nine-speed automaticFuel: 10.7L/100km (US combined)CO2: 239g/km (US combined)
Safety rating: Not tested
Keyword: Nissan Pathfinder 2022 Review – International