2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V came across as a vehicle defined by its functionality rather than its visual appeal. It had a styling that was almost identical to other compact crossovers in the market, blending into a sea of similar designs. The side window opening, referred to as the “daylight opening,” had a standard shape, making the CR-V look nearly the same as its competitors.

Despite this uniformity, there were a few details that set the CR-V apart—its grille opening and some chromed plastic features. However, these were not substantial enough to make the CR-V a choice based on exterior appearance alone. The palette of eight colors was chiefly composed of various shades of gray, with black, white, and a couple of blue and red tones. Interesting colors like Aegean Blue Metallic were hard to find at dealers, with the more common shades being overwhelmingly stocked.

Inside, the CR-V opted for practicality. The interior's color options included black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather depending on the trim, with additional aesthetic details, such as wood panels and chrome accents, available on higher trims. The seating had an angular, modern design that appealed to some but felt less distinct compared to rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In stark contrast, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a more rugged and robust design in its fifth generation. The new design direction included a revamped V-motion grille and homage-paying three-slot grille flanked by LED headlights. The bulky C-pillar design echoed the original Pathfinder, giving a nostalgic yet modern vibe.

With 14 paint jobs and color combinations including a two-tone option, the Pathfinder offered more exterior variety. The beefier side panels and hood aligned with the tougher look aimed at making the SUV appear more capable. Additionally, Nissan's efforts to widen the Pathfinder by 0.6 inches and increase its overall presence on the road made the vehicle look more substantial and planted.

Inside, the Pathfinder showcased a more upscale aesthetic. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior comfort was paramount, featuring quiet cabins, better insulation, and an array of seating configurations to maximize space and usability. Unlike the CR-V, the Pathfinder’s approach was noticeably more sophisticated and tailored to family needs.

The 2021 Honda CR-V wasn’t designed for thrilling acceleration or high-speed cornering but aimed to provide smooth, predictable performance. Equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the CR-V managed to accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was adequate for everyday driving but not impressive by performance standards.

The vehicle's continuously variable transmission (CVT) kept engine revs steady during acceleration, favoring a relaxed driving experience over engagement. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available at an additional cost. The suspension setup was standard for the class, featuring a MacPherson strut system at the front and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a decent but unremarkable ride quality.

On the other hand, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a potent 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. While there weren’t any hybrid or electric options yet, the engine paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience with smoother gear transitions. The Pathfinder offered both FWD and AWD configurations, with multiple drive and terrain modes enhancing versatility.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Pathfinder’s AWD models averaged around 23 mpg combined, with slight variations depending on the trim level. The Pathfinder’s ability to tow up to 6,000 pounds was a noteworthy advantage, and its trailer sway control technology made it a stable towing vehicle. Despite some trouble with finding the right gear at speed, the Pathfinder's overall performance outshined the CR-V, particularly in handling heavier loads and offering a more engaging driving experience.

In terms of interior space and functionality, the 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their belongings. With 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, it slightly outpaced the Toyota RAV4 in this department. The CR-V offered 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it practical for carrying a substantial amount of gear.

Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with higher trims featuring power tailgates, while the base trims required manual operation. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, unlike Subaru’s more accessible offerings.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder excelled in interior comfort and space optimization. Noise reduction measures ensured a quieter cabin, and thoughtful features like wide-opening rear doors and EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seats enhanced functionality. The ability to accommodate up to five car seats, best-in-class front-seat legroom, and increased third-row hip room underscored its family-friendly focus.

Cargo space in the Pathfinder was competitive, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45.0 cubic feet with the second row in place, and a total of 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Pathfinder also offered a clever removable second-row center console and substantial under-floor storage, maximizing its usability for diverse needs.

The 2021 Honda CR-V provided varying levels of infotainment technology depending on the trim. The base LX had a basic 5-inch screen with Bluetooth, while other trims boasted a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trims offered better audio systems, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt setup including a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful from the EX trim upwards, with additional features like a wireless charger available on the Touring.

In comparison, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came with more advanced technology as standard. Even base models included an 8-inch touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims introduced a 9-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, and a premium 13-speaker Bose audio system. The fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display on the Platinum trim added a futuristic touch, making the Pathfinder’s tech offerings more appealing and user-friendly.

Safety was a strong point for the 2021 Honda CR-V, which earned a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. The Honda Sensing suite included advanced safety features as standard across all trims, such as a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Only the blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was limited to higher trims, making the CR-V's safety package comprehensive for all buyers.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equally well-equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard safety features included a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning. Upper trims gained a surround-view monitor and an 11th airbag in the Platinum trim. While neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder yet, its extensive safety features were designed to provide substantial protection.