A Week With: 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

Nissan has a history of delivering desirable vehicles aimed at the heart of the U.S. market. 

In addition, these vehicles have earned a reputation for being smartly designed, well-equipped and affordable, and this is the formula for the new Nissan Pathfinder, the automaker’s popular entry into the highly competitive midsize utility vehicle segment.

Overview

Consumers have a lot of choices when they go looking for a vehicle to carry their family every day as well as on outings and vacation. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum, however, holds its own in the segment because it is versatile and spacious. 

It is also quite capable of delivering ample power for everyday use and rides on a well-tuned suspension, which delivers a very stable ride on all kinds of surfaces and in diverse situations on the road. The top-of-line Platinum model I had a chance to driver also carries some of very latest technology available to car makers even as they wrestle with seemingly intractable shortage of semiconductors. 

Exterior

Stylists working on sport-utility vehicles labor under some limitations. Given the vehicle’s basic shape, it seems fixed in perpetuity in the annals of automotive design. That boxy shape is very, very difficult to “pretty up” without losing the necessary functionality SUV buyers demand. 

But designers working on the exterior of the Pathfinder have done a very nice job, but concentrating on the vehicle’s front end by enhancing the formidable front fascia, shaping the light fixtures at the four corners of the vehicle. 

The lights in the rear of the Pathfinder are very cleverly done since they seem to almost disappear into the tailgate thanks to their thin, elongated shape. The bold lettering on the tailgate, roof rails and expressive, 20-inch wheels all help to dress up the Pathfinder’s exterior appearance. 

Interior

The interior of Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is spacious with plenty of head, shoulder and legroom for the driver and passengers in the second row of seats. The vehicle I drove had three rows of seats but the back row is only suitable for small adults or children when the vehicle needs to carry several people all at once. 

The quality of the materials used throughout the Platinum version are good from the leather-wrapped steering wheel to nickel-plated trim around instrument panel and center console. The cockpit carries a lot of technology but there is a mixture of buttons and knobs controlling the entertainment and navigation systems. 

The systems are also well-lighted at night with a minimum of distraction. There also are controls on the steering wheel and the visibility from the driver’s seat. The impressive array of amenities in the cabin makes the vehicle comfortable during a long stretch on the road. 

Powertrain

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is powered by a 3.5-liter, 6-cyliner engine with 24 valves and dual overhead cams. The engine is matched up with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The combination produces 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. Paddle shifters with a manual mode are part of the package. 

The Pathfinder also comes with intelligent 4×4 and different modes, including for driving on snow or ice and rough terrain. The Pathfinder has a combined fuel economy rating of 22 miles per gallon from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  

Safety and Technology

The Pathfinder is equipped with Nissan’s advanced airbag system with air bags for front and rear seat passengers as well as side-impact and roof-mounted, supplemental air bags for additional protection. It is also equipped with surround view camera, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and rear automatic braking, intelligent lane intervention, blind spot intervention and forward collision warning. 

It also has a 10-way power seat, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 9-inch color screen in the center stack, onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports in the front and rear seats and a wireless charging pad. It also has a head-up display, intelligent cruise control and traffic sign recognition. 

Driving Impressions

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has ample power for handling both suburban driving and trips up and down the freeway. It accelerates smoothly and efficiently, and the shifts seem well-timed so they do not detract from the vehicle’s overall performance. 

The ute’s driving dynamics are also quite good and deliver a pleasant ride with little fuss over a variety of roads, including a couple of with significant potholes that unfortunately are a seasonal hazard on Michigan’s late-winter roads. The steering is neat and efficient, and the brakes had plenty of stopping power. Overall, I found the Pathfinder a very pleasant vehicle to drive. 

2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum specifications

Wrap Up

The Pathfinder is an impressive vehicle and I suspect it will be a hit with many families, especially those with school-age children, who need a versatile vehicle with the power to handle inherent in in any mid-sized SUV with enough space to handle a wide variety of situations and chores. 

But be prepared to pay a stiff price. Nissan has always been considered a very affordable brand but the price on the Pathfinder Platinum pushes up into what was once luxury vehicle territory with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price approaching $52,000 once the destination charge is tacked on. 

2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum ­— Frequently Asked Questions