2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to merge ruggedness with contemporary styling, especially after its 2019 refresh and the introduction of the Black Edition in 2020. Though it offered seven different trims ranging from the base LX to the luxurious Black Edition, the exterior design was still considered by many to be an acquired taste. Each of these versions offered a range of features and pricing spanned from $32,250 to $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard on all trims, with an option for all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000 on most trims. The new Special Edition trim added some sophisticated touches including black 20-inch alloy wheels and a hands-free power tailgate.

Drivers who opted for the Black Edition found it richly appointed, with exclusive black leather upholstery featuring red-tinted and perforated seat inserts, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. Quality materials were evident throughout the cabin, complemented by practical design choices like a flat dashboard and thin windshield pillars. This interior mimicked some attributes of a minivan, especially with inboard armrests and a rolling center console, though its exterior retained a rather utilitarian look. Despite the attempts at modernization, many felt that the rugged aesthetic aimed for by Honda was only partially achieved.

In contrast, the fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a more cohesive and robust look, borrowing design elements from other Nissan SUVs like the Rogue and Armada. With a new take on the V-motion grille, LED headlights, and a three-slot grille paying homage to its first-generation predecessor, it was clear Nissan intended to evoke both nostalgia and modernity. Bulkier side panels and a dominated C-pillar lent the Pathfinder a contemporary and muscular stance. Offered in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a stylish black roof, it was designed to leave a stronger impression.

The Pathfinder was made wider and taller, contributing to its planted look and better legroom compared to its predecessor. It came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Every trim featured sleek elements like privacy glass and chrome badging, while higher trims included additions like a panoramic moonroof and roof racks.

Inside, the Pathfinder was designed with a more upscale and comfortable environment in mind, more so than its main competitors, which included the Honda Pilot. The available Midnight Edition package, although not ready at launch, could be assembled from dealer-installed components for those wanting a darker, sportier look.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Honda Pilot generated 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Known for its smooth acceleration and immediate response, the Pilot’s engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels or an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The AWD system could channel up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, while also offering various driving modes like Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand to improve traction.

Fuel efficiency was a notable plus for the Pilot, which included features like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start. The EPA estimates for the AWD variant were 22 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging close to that figure. Although the ride was comfortable and the steering responsive, its modest 7.3 inches of ground clearance limited off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, carrying over the same 3.5-liter V6 engine from the previous generation, generated a slightly higher 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Although Nissan didn’t offer an alternative fuel option by 2022, the V6 combined with the new nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth gear shifts and a refined driving experience. Available in both FWD and AWD, the latter came with an enhanced seven-position drive mode selector, including options for different terrain types.

With EPA estimates of 23 mpg combined for both FWD and AWD models, drivers choosing the fully-loaded Pathfinder Platinum found slightly lower fuel efficiency. The SUV also boasted a high towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, standard cockpit amenities like hill-start assist, and hill descent control, which was exclusive to AWD models. Stability on various terrains was enhanced by improvements to the suspension, providing a smooth ride and competent steering.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was a versatile option for families, offering seating for up to eight. The Black Edition model featured comfortable leather-wrapped seats, with front seats that were both heated and ventilated. The driver's seat had a 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger settled for a four-way adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs, standard in high trims, were nearly as accommodating as the front seats and offered sliding functionality for better third-row access.

Cargo capacity was another strong suit. It offered 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet when the second row was also down. Clever storage options littered the cabin, including a large front center console with a rolltop tray.

For 2022, the Nissan Pathfinder paid special attention to interior silence and comfort. Enhanced insulation, thicker windows, and strategic acoustic glass ensured a quieter cabin. Interior flexibility was a highlight, with wide-opening doors and the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology, which enabled both easy access to the third row and the capacity to house three car seats across the bench.

Cargo capacity was equally impressive. Providing 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 80.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down, the Pathfinder offered plenty of storage space. Thoughtful storage solutions included a center console removable with one hand, and additional underfloor storage.

In the 2021 Honda Pilot, most trims were outfitted with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Higher trims included features such as a WiFi hotspot, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system complete with an HDMI port and Cabin Talk for communicating with rear passengers.

While functional, the infotainment system was criticized for its comparatively small screen and lack of a tuning knob. Voice recognition required specific commands, and certain advanced features were locked behind higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came packed with modern tech, with no need to opt for the top-tier trim to enjoy its features. Standard tech included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant, and four USB ports among other features. Higher trims boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. An advanced 9-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay were also available on premium trims.

This extensive list of standard and optional features showed Nissan’s commitment to providing valuable and functional tech without needing to splurge on the highest trim available.

Honda equipped every 2021 Pilot with its Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims also had blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. However, the older version of Honda Sensing wasn’t as refined as competitors, and its lane-departure warning system was notably less polished.

In terms of crash safety, the Pilot received favorable ratings overall. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS gave it “good” ratings across most categories, except for an “acceptable” score in front-passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

For the 2022 Pathfinder, Nissan Safety Shield 360 was standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety measures included a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning. Ten airbags were standard, with the top-tier Pathfinder Platinum adding an 11th airbag.

As of the comparison, neither the IIHS nor NHTSA had crash-tested the 2022 Pathfinder.