2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum: A Family SUV Review

What's up, car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum, a rig that's been making some serious waves in the family SUV segment. If you're a parent on the hunt for a vehicle that can handle everything from the daily school run to those epic weekend adventures, you've come to the right place, guys. We're going to break down what makes this Pathfinder tick, what shines, and where it might just leave you wanting a little more. So, buckle up, and let's get this show on the road!

The All-New Pathfinder: A Fresh Start for 2022

One of the biggest things to talk about with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is that it’s not just a minor refresh; it’s a complete redesign. Nissan really went back to the drawing board, and honestly, it shows. This isn't your grandpa's Pathfinder anymore (no offense to grandpa!). They've ditched the old CVT and brought back a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission. Trust me, this alone is a game-changer for many folks. It makes the driving experience feel so much more refined and responsive. The exterior also got a serious facelift. It’s got this rugged, yet sophisticated look that I think is a huge win. Think bold lines, a more upright grille, and a generally more muscular stance. It really stands out in a crowded parking lot, which is always a plus, right? Inside, they've amped up the luxury and tech, especially in this Platinum trim. We’re talking premium materials, a much-improved infotainment system, and a boatload of safety features. It’s clear Nissan was aiming for a more premium feel, and for the most part, they've absolutely nailed it. The shift away from the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a significant move, and it’s one that enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike have been asking for. The 9-speed automatic feels more intuitive, shifts smoothly, and provides a more engaging driving experience, especially when you need to accelerate quickly. This change alone elevates the Pathfinder from a competent family hauler to a genuinely enjoyable vehicle to drive. The exterior design is equally impressive. The squared-off front end, the sharper character lines, and the overall more robust appearance give it a commanding presence on the road. It’s a look that says, “I’m ready for anything,” which is exactly what you want in an SUV. The updated LED lighting also adds a modern touch, making it look sophisticated day or night. This redesign isn't just about aesthetics; it's about making a statement and signaling a new era for the Pathfinder, one that blends capability with a premium feel.

Under the Hood: Power and Performance

Let's talk nuts and bolts, guys. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out a respectable 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Paired with that new 9-speed automatic transmission we just mentioned, this V6 feels eager and capable. Whether you're merging onto the highway, climbing a steep hill, or just cruising around town, it has enough grunt to get the job done without feeling strained. We tested the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, and it performed admirably. Nissan's intelligent AWD system is designed to handle a variety of road conditions, from slippery streets to light off-roading. It seamlessly distributes power to the wheels that need it most, giving you confidence and stability. For those who plan on towing, the Pathfinder boasts a 6,000-pound towing capacity, which is pretty solid for its class. That means you can bring along a decent-sized trailer, a couple of jet skis, or a small camper for those family getaways. Fuel economy is also something to consider. While it's not going to win any awards for being the most frugal SUV on the market, the EPA estimates are decent for a vehicle of this size and capability. You're looking at around 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the 2WD model, and slightly less for the AWD. For a three-row SUV that can haul the whole family and gear, these figures are more than acceptable, especially given the added performance and the return of the traditional automatic. The engine itself is a well-known quantity, a workhorse that’s proven its reliability over the years. The real magic this year is how it's paired with the new transmission. The transmission’s wider gear ratios and quicker shift times make the V6 feel more alive. It’s more responsive to throttle input, making both spirited driving and effortless cruising a pleasure. The engine note is also pleasantly muted during normal driving, but it has a satisfying growl when you push it. The AWD system is particularly noteworthy. It’s not just about slick roads; it offers selectable drive modes (Normal, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Ruts) that allow you to tailor the vehicle’s performance to the conditions. This versatility is a huge selling point for families who might encounter diverse weather or want to explore beyond the pavement.

Interior Comfort and Tech Galore

Stepping inside the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is where the luxury really hits you. This trim level is absolutely loaded. You get leather-appointed seats that are both comfortable and stylish. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the driver's seat has a memory function, which is a lifesaver if you share driving duties. The second row offers captain's chairs, providing a more premium feel and easier access to the third row. For families with younger kids, this is a huge plus. The third row, while still a bit snug for adults on long trips, is more accommodating than in previous generations, and it’s easily accessible thanks to the second-row captain's chairs and the one-touch slide-and-stow feature. The 10.8-inch head-up display (HUD) is fantastic, keeping essential information like speed and navigation right in your line of sight without being distracting. The 12.3-inch center touchscreen is crisp, responsive, and blessedly easy to use. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, which is a huge convenience. No more fumbling with cables! Nissan also includes a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and let me tell you, it sounds incredible. Whether you’re jamming out to your favorite tunes or listening to a podcast, the sound quality is top-notch. Beyond the big-ticket items, it’s the little touches that make the Platinum trim shine: the panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel airy and open, the wireless charging pad for your phone, and the ample storage cubbies throughout the cabin. It's designed for real life, with plenty of USB ports for everyone to charge their devices and thoughtful storage solutions for all your gear. The materials used throughout the cabin feel premium, with soft-touch surfaces and tasteful trim accents. It genuinely feels like a step up from many competitors in this price range, making those longer journeys much more enjoyable for everyone on board. The cabin is also impressively quiet, thanks to good sound insulation, which further enhances the premium feel and makes conversations easier, even at highway speeds. The thoughtful layout of controls and the clear digital displays contribute to a stress-free driving experience, ensuring that both the driver and passengers feel comfortable and connected.

Safety First: Nissan Safety Shield 360

Nissan understands that when you're hauling your precious cargo, safety is paramount. That's why the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360. This suite of advanced driver-assistance features is incredibly comprehensive. It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. That’s a whole lot of peace of mind right there, guys. On the Platinum trim, you also get ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link. This is Nissan's semi-autonomous driving system that helps reduce driver fatigue on long highway journeys. It combines adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and the Navi-link feature can even adjust your speed based on upcoming road signs and navigation data. It's not fully autonomous, mind you, but it's a fantastic system that makes highway driving significantly less taxing. Other safety features include adaptive front lighting, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system with a birds-eye view, which is a lifesaver when parking or navigating tight spots. The sheer number of active and passive safety features integrated into the Pathfinder demonstrates Nissan's commitment to protecting its occupants. The blind-spot monitoring is particularly useful in a vehicle of this size, alerting you to vehicles you might not otherwise see. The rear cross-traffic alert is invaluable when backing out of parking spaces. The automatic emergency braking system can potentially prevent accidents by intervening when a collision is imminent. The inclusion of ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link is a significant upgrade, offering a glimpse into the future of driving assistance and providing tangible benefits for long-distance travel. It's great to see these advanced safety technologies becoming standard or readily available on family vehicles like the Pathfinder, ensuring that safety is a top priority for Nissan.

The Verdict: Is the 2022 Pathfinder Platinum for You?

So, to wrap things up, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is a seriously impressive SUV. It’s a massive leap forward from the previous generation, thanks to its redesigned platform, more engaging powertrain, and a significantly upgraded interior. If you're looking for a three-row SUV that offers a great blend of comfort, capability, and technology, the Pathfinder Platinum should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s spacious enough for a growing family, offers a comfortable ride, and comes packed with all the latest safety and infotainment features. The return of the traditional automatic transmission is a huge win, and the luxurious interior of the Platinum trim makes it feel truly premium. The robust V6 engine provides ample power for daily driving and towing, and the available AWD system adds confidence in various conditions. While it might not be the most fuel-efficient option out there, and the third row is still best suited for shorter trips or smaller passengers, these are relatively minor drawbacks in an otherwise stellar package. For its price point, you're getting a whole lot of SUV for your money. It competes fiercely with rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride, and in many areas, it holds its own or even surpasses them. If you value a refined driving experience, a luxurious and tech-filled cabin, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, the 2022 Pathfinder Platinum is a fantastic choice for your next family vehicle. It’s a compelling package that delivers on almost all fronts, making it a worthy contender in the highly competitive mid-size SUV market. The improvements Nissan has made are substantial, and the Platinum trim really showcases the best the Pathfinder has to offer, providing a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone from the driver to the passengers in the very back.