2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from the new era of Nissan’s SUV design, featuring a new V-motion grille, LED headlights, and slim LED daytime running lights. The bulky, slated C-pillar paid homage to the original Pathfinder’s design. Nissan offered the Pathfinder in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a black roof option. The SUV had a beefier look, more in line with the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander, with sleek, thin taillights wrapping around the large liftgate. The Pathfinder was 0.6 inches wider, 0.2 inches higher, and 0.8 inches shorter than its predecessor, with a track that was 1.2 inches wider, giving it a planted look. The design changes aimed to position the vehicle as more capable and rugged. The Pathfinder came in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, with standard body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. The interior featured standard eight-passenger seating, with second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. However, AWD was unavailable, putting the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster supported stop-and-go low-speed following for adaptive cruise control and improved brake pedal feel. The Odyssey’s ride and handling were enjoyable, with firm but comfortable suspension and well-managed body motions. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, particularly during a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT. The Pathfinder was available in FWD and AWD configurations, with FWD models featuring a five-position drive mode selector and AWD models offering seven drive and terrain modes. The FWD Pathfinder had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the AWD version maintained 23 mpg combined. The Pathfinder’s suspension provided a stable ride, absorbing road imperfections well. The steering was responsive, and the tight turning radius made it easy to maneuver. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound towing capacity, with standard trailer sway control technology.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and, in the Elite trim, a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for various seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. However, the second-row seats had to be physically removed to access maximum cargo space, which was inconvenient.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior was designed for comfort and flexibility, with reduced road noise and improved insulation. The rear door Intelligent Key, wide-opening doors, and optional second-row captain’s chairs made loading and unloading easy. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed for easy third-row access, even with a car seat installed. The second-row center console was removable and could be stored in the rear under-floor cargo space. The front center console offered 13.4 liters of storage space. The Pathfinder had 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The flush rear cargo space sides made it easy to load large items. The Pathfinder could accommodate three adults in the third row, though comfort was best for average-sized passengers. The front and second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, with heated seats standard on higher trims. The Pathfinder also featured tri-zone automatic climate control and 16 cup and bottle holders.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came with a wealth of standard technology, including a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, and multiple USB ports. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display. A 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system was available on the SL trim and standard on the Platinum. Upper trims also included a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door connected navigation, additional USB ports, HomeLink, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and NissanConnect Services.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS and had top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included 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 features included a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning. Upper trims featured a surround-view monitor, and the Pathfinder Platinum had 11 airbags. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder.