Why Isn’t the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder More Popular?
The midsize three-row SUV segment is filled with excellent choices from many different automakers. As a result, some of the good ones are left unnoticed. Is the Pathfinder a forgotten good one or an easy SUV to skip? For many, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder isn’t on the list of options. It hasn’t sold quite as well as other models recently. Are there any significant reasons why fewer people buy the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder than other midsize SUVs? For such an affordable offering, the Pathfinder not selling well seems strange. Why isn’t the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder more popular?
2022 Nissan Pathfinder sales for Q3 2022
According to GoodCarBadCar, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder did not sell well compared to rivals during Q3 of 2022. More specifically, only 13,305 Pathfinders sold during this time, which is far less than the best-selling competition. For example, Ford sold 53,416 Explorers, Hyundai sold 28,234 Santa Fes, and even the outgoing Dodge Durango managed 19,103 units. Each one is far more than the Pathfinder, which finished near the bottom for midsize SUV sales during this time.
In addition, the Nissan three-row SUV’s sales are down compared to its own during the third quarter of 2021. Month-over-month, the Pathfinder is down 15.38% from 5,175 units to 4,379. No matter which way you twist it, Nissan’s three-row midsize SUV is seeing a significant decline in sales. What is the reason for the drastic changes?
No hybrid powertrain options
A reason for a decline in many vehicle sales is the high gas prices. Worldwide, we’re suffering from record-high gas prices, and it’s been this way for a long time. While prices have begun to decline, we’re still seeing many gas stations charging incredibly large amounts per gallon. As a result, most buyers are searching for a new car with fuel efficiency. Whether it’s a hybrid, electric, or just a more fuel-efficient model, the Pathfinder doesn’t fit the bill.
According to Edmunds, Nissan improved the Pathfinder’s fuel economy for the 2022 model year. In addition, it has one of the highest ratings for EPA-estimated gas mileage in the three-row midsize SUV segment. However, it still uses just one engine, a 3.5-liter V6, which averages 21 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. Compact or subcompact SUVs and hybrid and electric alternatives are far more cost-effective for fuel consumption. Furthermore, we think this could contribute to declining Pathfinder sales and why it isn’t more popular.
Rivals offer more for less
For the 2022 model year, the Nissan Pathfinder provides relatively good value. However, all that matters is being better than the competition. When faced with the Pathfinder against other midsize three-row models, like the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, Nissan’s SUV loses.
Edmunds says even the Kia/Hyundai warranty is better. “Nissan includes a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, right on average for the class but well off the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties Kia and Hyundai offer.”
Starting at $35,925, the Pathfinder S base model gets 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, three-zone automatic climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, blind-spot monitor, forward collision mitigation, automatic rear braking, and lane departure warning.
Although seemingly plentiful, it isn’t easy to measure up to the 2022 Kia Telluride, which costs less at $34,725 and has the following features:
- 18-inch wheels
- Keyless entry
- Push-button start
- Eight-passenger seating
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Rear-passenger automatic climate control
- Simulated leather upholstery
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Six speakers
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision mitigation
- Blind-spot monitor
- Lane-keeping assist
Not entirely different, but looking at upper trims makes it worse. Every other trim is far more affordable than the Pathfinder’s and comes more well-equipped. That’s why it’s easy to say no to Nissan and choose a Kia or Hyundai.
Why isn’t the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder selling better?
In conclusion, there are a few significant reasons why the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder isn’t more popular. First, it’s because there is no hybrid, electric, or more fuel-efficient engine offering. Without good gas mileage in 2022, buyers aren’t interested in most vehicles. In addition, the Pathfinder costs more and has less to offer than its more popular rivals. For example, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have better warranties, a lower starting price, and more standard equipment.
