Nissan has jumped on the SUV bandwagon, realizing the ongoing trend of recent years. The auto industry has moved away from sedans and other larger automobiles, with the crossover SUV becoming the best-selling vehicle on the market today. To keep up with demand, automakers are introducing new models as fast as they can.

The redesigned 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is one of the three SUVs that Nissan has included in its new product lineup. It has a chance to outperforms the smaller Rogue and Murano models also offered under the Nissan banner. 

While all three are good choices, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder offers exceptional quality, good performance ratings, and a family-focused design. So is there really any reason not to choose the Pathfinder over the other Nissan products.?

Is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder a good SUV?

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has an all-new rugged look from the inside out. New for this model year is a nine-speed automatic transmission, along with a newly designed interior cabin. The exterior has a more stylish look, and tech options abound with a new digital gauge display.

Driver-assist features and advanced standard safety features have been updated in the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Also, for the first time, second-row captain’s chairs are an available option.

Motor Trend commented that “the 2022 Pathfinder’s interior looks much more upscale than the outgoing model.”

A 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine churns out 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque power. Even though it is the same powertrain as the old model, the new transmission transfers the energy to all four wheels with the new, more advanced AWD system. Driving in inclement weather has never been easier.

How the 2022 Pathfinder compares to other Nissan SUVs

The second-largest SUV in the Nissan lineup, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has a larger wheelbase, is 14 inches longer, 5.5 inches wider, and 3.5 inches taller than the compact Nissan Rogue. Sitting between the two SUV models is the midsize Nissan Murano, which has considerably less cargo space than the Pathfinder, 13.5 cubic feet to be exact.

The three-row 2022 Nissan Pathfinder accommodates up to eight passengers and offers an incredible cargo-carrying capacity of 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The smaller SUVs only offer two rows of seating, so for larger families and consumers looking to haul considerable loads, the Pathfinder offers more room and flexibility.

Fuel economy could be a limiting deciding factor on the all-new Pathfinder because of its larger size. The Rogue has an estimated EPA rating of 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The Murano comes in at a sluggish 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Unfortunately, Nissan has not yet revealed the exact numbers for the 2022 Pathfinder, but it will certainly be lower than the other smaller Nissan SUVs.

Why choose the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?

The powerful 2022 Nissan Pathfinder makes up for its possible gas-guzzling consumption with its unsurpassed performance. The compact Rogue, with a 2.5-liter V6 engine, only puts out 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.

The middle of the road Murano has a little more power, churning out 260 hp and 240 lb-ft with its 3.5-liter V6 engine. Although formidable, it still doesn’t compare to the Pathfinder.

For those looking to tow a boat or trailer, the Pathfinder is the only logical option in the Nissan lineup. The Rogue can only handle 1,350 pounds, and the Murano tops out at 1,500 pounds. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has a towing capacity of 3,500 with an optional towing package that raises the limit to 6,000 pounds.

Motor Trend recommends, “For towing, people-hauling, and moderate off-road capability offered by its suite of off-road drive modes and settings, stick with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.”