2022 Nissan Pathfinder Returns With Seating For Eight, Beefy Looks And A Proper 9sp Auto

When it was designing the latest iteration of the Pathfinder, Nissan turned to the original SUV for inspiration. That helps explain the 2022 model’s new chunky design and, specifically, the three slots at the top of the grille.

Although the rugged new styling might be the most notable change for the Pathfinder, a new transmission, different proportions, and a better suite of technology all feature prominently. To start, Nissan slotted a familiar 3.5-liter V6 under the hood.

Making 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, it’s the same engine Nissan uses today, but the automaker should be able to get more out of it thanks to a new 9-speed automatic. It replaces the CVT and, although EPA figures have not yet been released, it should help it achieve better fuel economy than the outgoing model.

With a selection of off-road features, seven driving modes (standard, sport, eco, snow, sand, mud/rut, and tow) the new Pathfinder should be able to live up to its name. Nissan revealed to journalists in a roundtable, though, that off-roading wasn’t the primary focus of the SUV.

The company said that its idea of adventure includes both trails and the Home Depot parking lot with a couple of kids in the back. As a result, the Pathfinder can hold a 4×8 sheet of plywood between the wheel wells, it can seat up to eight (unless you opt for the second-row captain’s chairs) thanks to its three-abrest third-row bench, and it can tow up to 6,000 lbs for all your weekending needs.

To make sure that all eight-passengers are well served, there are USB ports throughout the cabin and in all three rows. And for once you’ve arrived, the Pathfinder‘s cargo area and hold a 120-quart cooler or four golf bags without so much as lowering a single row.

Cloth, leather, or quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats are all offered and you can finish your Pathfinder in a number of shades to make sure the interior is as pretty as the outside. Whether or not you even notice the seats when you have an available 9-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster of up to 12.3-inches will have to be seen, though.

Nissan says it has also made big improvements in NVH thanks to acoustic laminated glass, thicker second-row windows, and increased door and floor insulation. That leads to a 60% increase in absorption of engine noise.

You can then fill the cabin back up with as much noise as you want thanks to the 13-speaker optional Bose sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as NissanConnect are also standard.

The Pathfinder will also be available with ProPILOT Assist on S and SV trims. The system combines steering assistance with adaptive cruise control that actually looks, not just at the car ahead of you, but also the car ahead of it to help control acceleration and deceleration.

Like the Frontier that was also revealed on the same day, the Pathfinder is based on a heavily revised version of the existing platform. At 1.5-inches shorter, 0.5 inches wider, and 0.5 inches shorter, it is a genuine revision, though. Overall, the 2022MY measures 197.0 inches (5,004 mm) long, 77.9 inches (1,979 mm) wide, and 70.0 (1,778 mm) inches tall with a wheelbase of 114.2 (2,901 mm) inches.

With a bunch more interior volume, though, the Pathfinder could spell trouble for even larger competition. And with two-tone paint jobs available, it should look great as well.

More details, including pricing, are expected closer to when deliveries start, which should be this summer.

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more