Nissan Goes Rugged but Approachable with Its 2022 Pathfinder and Frontier
Elizabeth Blackstock
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Reintroducing a made-over iconic duo.
Nissan has made a promise to introduce 10 new models to the U.S. market over the next 20 months, and it kicked off that goal with two of its most iconic brands: the Pathfinder SUV and the Frontier mid-size pickup truck. Both have undergone a big makeover for the 2022 model year, so if you’re looking for an upgrade, start here.
Let’s run you through what you need to know.
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The Pathfinder looks great and can do it all, too. Photo: Nissan.
The Big Changes
If you’re in a hurry, we get it. Let’s walk you through the biggest changes in the 2022 models when compared to the previous model years.
Pathfinder:
- A more rugged, modern exterior look
- A more functional, spacious, and modern interior
- Optional semi-autonomous driving mode
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive with off-road modes
Frontier:
- Better, more capable suspension
- An interior makeover to add more space and comfort
- Better-quality infotainment centers, instrument clusters, and interior trim
- Tons of driver-assistance technologies
Space for days! Photo: Nissan
Nissan Pathfinder: Ready For Any Family Adventure
If you want a family—and budget—friendly SUV that can do more than just haul the kids and groceries, you’ll love the revamped Nissan Pathfinder. It has a more rugged design than its predecessors, which signals that you can take this beast off-roading or haul the boat to the lake without a problem. And with seven different drive modes, you’ll want to hunt down the roughest terrain near you.
“Today’s large SUV owners want a vehicle that conveys strength and rugged capability, while using advanced safety and technology features to keep their family safe and comfortable during every-day adventures,” said Jared Haslam, vice president, Product and Services Planning, Nissan North America. “The all-new 2022 Pathfinder is ready to take on those adventures.”
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Photo: Nissan
Nissan Pathfinder: Looks, Specs, and Tech
The Pathfinder has benefitted from a top-to-bottom makeover. It looks so much stronger and more capable than its predecessor, conveying the image of both power and safety. The floating roofline look is handsome, as are the U-shaped headlights that tie the front fender blisters together. It’s a car that looks like it was made to take on every challenge without coming across as being too aggressive to haul your little ones around.
And the interior really speaks to that last part. There’s tons of space and seat flexibility, so you can rest easy knowing everyone in the family will be comfortable. You can get captain’s chairs and an easily removable center console as options, or you can haul 8 passengers with two rear bench seats. Drivers will love how well-integrated the front seat and information panels are—one less thing to worry about.
Specs
- 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine
- 284 horsepower, 259 ft-lbs torque
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- 4WD with seven different drive modes: standard, sport, eco, snow, sand, mud/rut, tow
- 6,000 lb maximum tow capacity
- Four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum
Tech
- 12.3-inch digital dashboard
- 10.8-inch head-up display
- 9.0-inch color touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- WiFi hotspot
- Wireless phone charging pad
- 360-degree cameras
- Emergency braking
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane departure alert
- Blind spot intervention
Prices aren’t available yet for the Pathfinder, but you can expect it to start somewhere around $33,000 when it hits dealerships this summer.
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A distinctive Nissan Frontier look but with a modern twist. Photo: Nissan
Nissan Frontier: A Weekday Worker and Weekend Warrior
The Nissan Frontier is a mid-sized pickup truck, which means it’s the perfect size for just about everything, from hauling tools and heavy loads for work to taking the family on an off-roading weekend adventure.
The Frontier has been due for a makeover for a long time. Its previous models looked super outdated and even a little chintzy (like, this was an early 2000s beast), so Nissan really stepped up to make the 2022 model look handsome, sleek, and modern. You’re going to love the way it looks as much as you’ll love its power and super smooth ride.
Photo: Nissan
Nissan Frontier: Looks, Specs, and Tech
The new Frontier looks great. This thing looks like a truck that means business with its chiseled hood, massive grille, and wide stance. It has tons of great color options—Tactical Green Metallic and Boulder Grey Pearl, for example—that complement its distinctive Nissan look.
The interior, too, is designed with comfort in mind. You’ll have over 15 liters of storage space in the cab, and that’s not even including some of the smaller spaces, like the space on top of the instrument panel. Inside, carpet and laminated glass help keep the exterior noise out and hold in the beat of whatever you’re listening to on the high-quality Fender speakers. And, maybe best of all, the seats are designed to keep you comfortable, even on some of your longest drives.
Specs
- 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine
- 310 horsepower, 281 lb-ft torque
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- 4WD models with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and limited-slip differential
- 6,720 lb maximum towing capacity
- 5-foot bed as standard with 6-foot optional bed
- Four trim levels: S, SV, Pro-X, Pro-4X
Tech
- 9-inch color touchscreen
- 7.0-inch driver display
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Tons of storage and added insulation
- WiFi connectivity
- Wireless phone charging
- Two 110V outlets
- Off-road mode
- Surround-view monitoring
- Emergency braking
- Blind spot alerts
- Lane departure alerts
- Cruise control
- Driver alertness recognition
- Rear automatic braking
Prices aren’t available yet, but you can expect it to start around $28,000 on the most basic trim. It’ll hit dealerships later this summer.
Check out those gorgeous red accents! Photo: Nissan