2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, which debuted in 2005, remained in its second generation as of 2021. The current generation, introduced in 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018 that carried over into 2021. This refresh included the introduction of a dual-screen center console, a defining feature of Land Rover interiors in recent years. The 2020 model year saw the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant and the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered various trims, including SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition, each with a range of luxurious features and powerful engine options.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, in its fifth generation, took design cues from Nissan's new era of SUV design. It featured a new V-motion grille, LED headlights, and a bulkier C-pillar reminiscent of the original Pathfinder. The Pathfinder was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a black roof option. The SUV's design aimed to present a more robust and capable image, with a wider track and increased height. The Pathfinder came in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each offering a range of standard and optional features, including body-color door handles, chrome badging, and privacy glass.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, available in the SE and SE Silver Edition, combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more potent P400 powertrain, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition had an even more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds (except the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds).

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Pathfinder was available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, with FWD models featuring a five-position drive mode selector and AWD models offering seven drive and terrain modes. The Pathfinder had a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined for FWD models. AWD models had similar fuel economy, with slight variations depending on the trim level.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity from five to seven, but with the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 10.8 cubic feet. Both the first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's interior focused on comfort and flexibility. Improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass reduced road noise, while wide-opening doors and optional second-row captain's chairs enhanced accessibility. The Pathfinder offered best-in-class front-seat legroom and increased hip room for third-row passengers. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed for easy third-row access, even with a car seat installed. The Pathfinder provided 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 the second and third rows folded. Additional storage included a removable second-row center console and a spacious front center console.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen controlling climate and vehicle settings and the upper screen handling infotainment. While the system had a learning curve and some early bugs, it offered useful features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen's dials controlled various functions, including fan speed, temperature, and seat settings.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped 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, and Bluetooth. Upper trim levels offered additional features like a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Pathfinder Platinum also included a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and a head-up display.

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 trim levels offered a surround-view monitor and an additional airbag in the Pathfinder Platinum.