Arriving on the scene with a much more rugged look than before, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder looks poised to leapfrog many of its rivals in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Our first drive proved that Nissan did a great job redesigning the Pathfinder, though the Japanese automaker faces two major obstacles in the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, the undisputed kings of this vehicle class. The all-new Pathfinder entered production last month but we didn't know how much it would cost until now.
Nissan just revealed pricing for the 2022 Pathfinder, and although we hoped it might undercut the Koreans, it's actually a tad more expensive. The base Pathfinder S 2WD starts at $33,410 ($35,310 with AWD), plus a $1,150 Destination and Handling fee. This means the Kia Telluride ($32,190) and Hyundai Palisade ($32,675) both undercut the Pathfinder by a significant margin.
Though it isn't the segment's cheapest option, the Pathfinder only increases by $1,430 compared to the outgoing 2020 model, which was heavily dated compared to its rivals. All Pathfinder grades now include standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, bundling automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. A 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine option, sending 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque to front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive through a new nine-speed automatic.
The Pathfinder SV starts at $36,200 ($38,100 with AWD) and offers an available SV Premium Package for $2,170. Stepping up to the SL trim costs $39,590 ($41,490 with AWD) with an optional SL Premium Package adding $2,900 to the price tag.
The Pathfinder Platinum comes with the most significant price jump, starting at $46,190 ($48,090 with AWD). This trim level comes fully loaded with luxurious features, including a 10.8-inch head-up display, 12.3-inch digital dashboard, ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, heated and ventilated seats, and more. It's not the bargain basement option we hoped for, but the new Pathfinder is snazzy enough to justify its price tag.
"At a starting price comparable to the previous model year, the high-value, all-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder provides the rugged capability, flexibility, and connectivity ideal for unforgettable family adventures," said Mike Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan US Marketing and Sales. "Once the all-new Pathfinder hits dealer lots, customers will be able to have a summer's road trip unlike any other thanks to all the vehicle has to offer."