2022 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder will catch the eye of customers who want roomy, rugged, and modern SUVs. As a three-row model, it has a good amount of space in its cabin. It can accommodate seven to eight passengers, and everyone can stay entertained thanks to the advanced infotainment system.

The Pathfinder's V6 engine produces 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The responsive nine-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and all trims have the option for all-wheel drive. Choosing all-wheel drive grants access to seven different drive modes, including Sand and Mud/Rut modes.

For 2022, Nissan gave the Pathfinder a pretty significant makeover. There actually wasn't even a 2021 Pathfinder. When compared with the 2020 version, the new one is considerably more modern. Its angular nature up front is sleek and aggressive, and overall, the new model looks taller and more muscular than its predecessor.

Compare the Pathfinder S vs SV. What is the difference?

It was mentioned previously that all four trims have the same powertrain. They also have the same type of suspension, which relies on independent struts up front and an independent must-link rear suspension. Stabilizer bars and Dual Flow Path shock absorbers help to smooth things out.

With that said, there is a difference in towing capacity between the S and the others. The S can tow 3,500 pounds, which is a decent amount; however, the SV and higher trims can all tow 6,000 pounds. This is something to keep in mind if anyone plans on using the Pathfinder to tow large cargo on a regular basis.

The revamped Nissan Pathfinder comes equipped with a slew of high end exterior features. Say hello to LED automatic headlights that add a touch of modernity and practicality to your drive. The tail lights and Daytime Running Lights also utilize LEDs for maximum visibility and style. Not to be outdone, even the side mirrors have been upgraded with LED turn signals that further enhance safety on the road.

People will appreciate having privacy glass on the back as well as the UV-reducing solar glass. Both trims get a rear spoiler as well. The SV does have some additional things to appreciate. For example, it has black roof rails and heated side mirrors, and it's available with a panoramic moonroof and a power liftgate.

Inside the cabin of both trims, there's an eight-inch touchscreen. It comes with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The standard audio system consist of six speakers, and the trims both have a pair of USB-A ports and another pair of USB-C ports.

The SV can act as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and this could be desirable if anyone in the vehicle plans on streaming content or playing online games during a road trip. NissanConnect Services is standard on the SV trim. It allows users to use the NissanConnect Service app to remotely connect with their Pathfinders. From the app, they can do things like lock or unlock the doors, call for roadside assistance, or start their engines.

Talking about seating, the two trims have cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front-passenger seats. However, the SV has a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat with two-way power lumbar, as well as heated front seats. The leather-wrapped steering wheel instantly elevates the level of sophistication.

You have the option of configuring the SV trim of the Nissan Pathfinder as a seven-seater instead of the standard eight-seater. Simply upgrade the SV with second-row captain's chairs! You'll also have the option of a removable center console between the captain's chairs. Some folks prefer captain's chairs as they lend an open feel to the cabin, but others really need that extra middle seat.

From a comfort and convenience standpoint, there's a lot to like about the new Pathfinder. Every trim has tri-zone climate control and in-cabin microfilters. Rear passenger vents can keep passengers in the back more comfortable. The driver will appreciate having the one-touch up/down feature on his/her window as well as the auto-locking feature on all doors. Both trims take care of their passengers with multiple cup and bottle holders, overhead storage for a pair of sunglasses, LED map lights, and several small storage compartments.

The Nissan Intelligent Key system and push button start are really great to have. As touched upon earlier, the SV has remote engine start. Once the engine is started, the heater or air conditioner can get going, too. This can be especially useful on cold or hot days.

Nissan has focused on integrating driver-assist technologies into its models. The Pathfinder S has many advanced systems, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.

The SV trim of the Nissan Pathfinder takes safety a step further. While the S trim can alert drivers of nearby vehicles in their blind spots, the SV even provides steering correction if a driver attempts to change lanes at an inopportune moment. This is accomplished with the help of ProPilot Assist - a smart cruise control system that includes steering assist. Activating this program allows the Pathfinder to autonomously adjust its speed and steering on a highway, and it can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary.

Compare the SV vs SL Trim Levels. What is the difference?

With a sleek and stylish look, the SL boasts a range of practical features that come handy when the occasion calls for it. Similar to the SV, it rides on 18-inch wheels; however, it can be upgraded to massive 20-inch wheels. Here, the LED fog lights come standard while a power liftgate provides added convenience. The SL also sets itself apart with silver roof rails instead of black ones.

One of the things that people will first notice about its cabin is that it has leather-appointed seats in the first two rows. The front-passenger gets to have a power-adjustable seat like the driver does. The steering wheel has a heating element integrated into it to keep people's hands warm and comfortable in the winter, and there's an option to get heated second-row seats. Like the SV, the SL has an option to get captain's chairs in that middle row. While the S and SV have interiors with a Piano Black color scheme, the SL has a Gun Metallic brushed interior trim.

The Pathfinder also has some subtle upgrades that may not immediately catch your eye. However, they are certainly worth noting. To begin with, the SL is equipped with rear sunshades - a thoughtful feature that provides shade and comfort to passengers. Another super convenient upgrade is the HomeLink transceiver in the rearview mirror, which functions as a garage door opener. Plus, the rearview mirror gets an auto-dimming function that kicks in whenever bright lights are detected.

One of the standout upgrades of the Nissan Pathfinder SL is its more comprehensive infotainment system.  Instead of an eight-inch touchscreen, it has a nine-inch touchscreen. That touchscreen is equipped with navigation, which is a huge advantage. SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link are there to provide real-time traffic updates and useful travel information. Apple CarPlay becomes wireless at this level, and there is an option for wireless charging as well. There is one additional USB port in the SL, bringing the total number of charging ports to five.

The SL is able to take advantage of technology to have a more advanced safety package. It's able to read traffic signs and then remind drivers of those rules, such as the speed limit or a yield up ahead, for instance. It has sonar systems in both the front and rear to assist with parking. In contrast, the lower trims only have rear sonar. Further, the SL has an Intelligent Around View Monitor to give drivers a 360-degree perspective of how they're doing when maneuvering.

Because the SL has navigation, its ProPILOT Assist program can use information about the roads as it makes adjustments. It knows when the road is straight and when it has some curves, so it'll slow the SUV down appropriately when approaching a curve. Then, it can gently accelerate to hit the desired speed when on a straightaway.

Compare the Pathfinder SL vs Platinum. What is the difference?

If you're considering the Platinum trim of the Nissan Pathfinder, be prepared for a higher price tag. It's the only trim that comes standard with giant 20-inch wheels. Under the hood, the Platinum boasts an enhanced transmission cooling system, which was only for option on the SL. This feature helps protect the transmission when the SUV is working particularly hard. And if you're planning on doing some heavy-duty towing, the Platinum has you covered - it comes with a standard a tow hitch receiver.

Several exterior features are found only on the Platinum trim. They include a reverse tilt-down function on the side mirrors, which helps the driver position the vehicle, and a panoramic moonroof. The moonroof is one of those things that luxury vehicles seem to always have, and this puts the Pathfinder in competition with those models. Finally, there's a motion-activated liftgate that can open by itself when someone moves his/her foot under the sensor.

The driver is treated to a power-adjustable steering column and the interior gets accent lighting. The Platinum trim also includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, which can automatically turn on and off based on the weather conditions. Furthermore, the steering wheel, side mirrors, and driver's seat all have memory functions so they can be programmed to remember certain positions. 

In the Platinum, the captain's chairs are standard, as are semi-aniline leather-appointed seats. Those seats have quilted inserts that add to the style. Keeping people comfortable are heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. A few other touches are stainless steel front kick plates and a Bronze Metallic brushed interior trim.

The Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is packed with advanced technology, surpassing all other trims. For an immersive listening experience, it includes a premium Bose audio system with 13 high-quality speakers. A head-up display keeps drivers aware of important information, and a digital dashboard displays all digital gauges. The Platinum boasts a total of six USB ports as well as standard wireless charging, ensuring that everyone's devices stay fully powered during long journeys.

Final Thoughts

It could be difficult to decide which Pathfinder to get. They all look really modern and have a good amount of technology. Since they have the same engine, there's nothing too significant that distinguishes them from each other in the mechanical department. Remember, though, that the entry-level S trim has a lower towing capacity than the others do.

If someone is on a budget, the S could be the right trim. There wouldn't be any sacrifice in terms of performance. Smartphone compatibility is included at this level, as are driver-assist safety systems. Things like heated front seats and Wi-Fi capability aren't exactly necessary, so some customers might not feel like they're missing out on too much by getting this trim.

For those who have the budget to splurge on a more luxurious model, the SL trim would be a great option. It boasts several alluring features like wireless charging, leather seats, and a heated steering wheel, in addition to the larger touchscreen with navigation and a full array of driver-assist technologies. The Platinum might not have enough benefits to justify its extra cost.