A red 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is on dirt in front of mountains at sunset.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Top 10 Things to Get Excited About

While new car announcements are always exciting, it is also fun when a popular model has been redesigned for a new generation. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is coming to the market with a new look, new features, and new reasons to love this excellent three-row SUV. Redesigned with a rugged yet sleek aesthetic, this new Pathfinder is ready to take you and your family anywhere and has been equipped with some impressive features to help make traveling a breeze. So what is it that is making the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder such a standout? Well, there is a lot, but here are our top ten reasons you should be excited for the newest version of the Pathfinder.

1. It All Starts with Rugged Good Looks

Starting with the exterior of the vehicle, the looks of this new Pathfinder are a cut above what the previous generation offered. The “floating” roofline adds a really cool touch that makes the usually boxy SUV look trim and polished, which will be a stark contrast to the competition. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is going to stand out in every way, starting with the eye-catching exterior styling. Don’t worry though, just because this new Pathfinder has had a visual upgrade does not mean that it can’t still handle tough conditions both on and off the road.

2. Tackle Any Terrain with Intelligent 4×4 and Drive Modes

The Nissan Pathfinder is all about finding the best path to your destination, even if that path extends beyond the pavement. With an Intelligent 4×4 system, the 2022 Pathfinder can take you anywhere. The general capability of a 4×4 drivetrain means you already have the ability to face snow, dirt, mud, and more easily, but with the addition of selectable drive modes, you can take that mobility a step further. With seven modes to choose from, it’s easy to tailor your Pathfinder’s performance to match the conditions you find yourself in, whether that be slippery roads, sandy deserts, eco-friendly driving, or even towing. Just dial in your ideal driving mode, and let the 2022 Pathfinder handle the rest.

A blue 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is driving on a muddy path.

3. A New 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

Speaking of capability, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder doesn’t just have a new Intelligent 4×4 system; it also has a new 9-speed automatic transmission. The previous Pathfinder made use of the Nissan Xtronic CVT, but this new model gives you a responsive and smooth 9-speed gearbox that will deliver a quick response on a variety of roads. When paired with the Intelligent 4×4, the 9-speed automatic transmission will give you enhanced control in any driving situation.

4. Best-in-Class Towing Is a Must

While the Intelligent 4×4 and 9-speed automatic transmission capabilities are great, you also get more than enough muscle for towing with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. With a best-in-class tow rating of up to 6,000 pounds, not only can the Pathfinder take you wherever you want to go, but you can bring along whatever you’ll need when you get there. The engine in the new Pathfinder is a powerful V6 that produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, providing more than enough power to handle a high towing capacity. Plus, the available tow mode makes bringing along ATVs, a boat, or a small trailer a breeze.

5. Stylish Outside and In

Just like the exterior has gotten an upgrade for this new generation, the interior has become nicer as well. The 2022 Pathfinder offers seating for either seven or eight people depending on how you configure the second row. That’s right, for the first time ever in a Pathfinder, you can opt for two captain’s chairs in the second row or stay with the traditional bench if you need the extra seat. Either way, the Pathfinder’s second row is EZ Slide, so getting to the third-row seats is smooth and quick. If you choose the captain’s chairs, you will also get a handy removable center console that will give your passengers more cup holders and storage space. And speaking of storage space, the Pathfinder also has under-floor storage to maximize the potential cargo capacity when all the seats are in use.

6. A Step Towards the Future: ProPILOT Assist

In the age of autonomous driving systems that feel like something right out of a sci-fi movie, vehicles need to keep up with the tech trends. While the 2022 Pathfinder can’t drive for you yet, the available Nissan ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link sure comes close. Nissan ProPILOT Assist is the perfect commute companion, as the system can automatically adjust to the flow of traffic, keep you centered in your lane, and slow you down if there is a sharp corner or a speed limit change – all at the press of a button. While it isn’t autonomous driving yet, this system takes your typical cruise control and goes one step further with intuitive functions that react to your road conditions before you need to.

7. Another Step Towards the Future: Intelligent Safety Systems

Safety is a priority in any Nissan vehicle, and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is no exception, with the standard Safety Shield 360 giving you peace of mind at no extra cost. However, there are two available driver-assist features that will further add to safety (and are another step towards that autonomous driving future). The Intelligent Lane Intervention system is there to keep you centered in your lane by monitoring road lines and nudging your vehicle back towards the center when you drift too close to the next lane. Likewise, the Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention system is there to monitor your vehicle’s blind spots and will prevent you from switching lanes if there is a vehicle in your way.

8. Don’t Get Your Tech Tangled Up

We all know that our phones are an extension of us, and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is here to be yet another extension of our digital needs. The Pathfinder comes with standard Android Auto integration so you can connect your smartphone and get directions, control media, and send text messages using your voice. However, the Nissan Pathfinder also offers to do away with the tangle of wires by incorporating wireless Apple Carplay integration and a wireless charging station. Just get in your car with a compatible smartphone, and quickly connect and charge your device.

9. Crisp, Clear, Digital

The steering wheel and Head Up display are shown in a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.

Continuing with the theme of easy use in the digital age, the 2022 Pathfinder is decked out with high-definition digital displays. Right in front of the driver, there is a crisp 12.3-inch digital dashboard display that keeps all of your stats clearly visible in front of you. However, you can also get a Head-Up Display that projects the most important stats, like directions, your speed, and the current speed limit right on the windshield so that you never need to take your eyes off the road. The Pathfinder also offers a 9-inch color touch-screen that acts as the hub for all of your infotainment needs and will display a clear map and directions when using the available GPS navigation. Clear, crisp, and easy to use, the tech in the 2022 Pathfinder allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and keep track of all your important information.

10. A Fun Experience All-Around

While there is plenty more to love about the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, these are just some of our favorite features we think you should be excited about. However, what is the main reason you should be eager to see this new model rolling into the market in the summer of 2021? Because the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is packaged to give you and your passengers a fun driving experience, no matter what you are doing or where you need to go. So get excited because the ruggedly redesigned 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is back and better than ever before.