2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, adding character while maintaining recognizable Volvo elements. The XC90 featured a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, softened lines, and more chrome. The LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights were a distinctive touch. The Inscription trim was the flashiest with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other "90" and "60" series models, emphasizing its car-based crossover nature. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end touch to the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from Nissan's new era of SUV design, featuring a new V-motion grille, LED headlights, and slim LED daytime running lights. The Pathfinder's side panels and hood gave it a beefier look, more in line with the Kia Telluride. The vehicle was 0.6 inches wider with a track that was 1.2 inches wider, giving it a planted look. The Pathfinder came in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, all with body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. The interior offered standard eight-passenger seating, with second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, while semi-aniline leather-appointed seats were available on SL and Platinum grades. The Pathfinder's design changes aimed to position it as more capable and rugged, and it succeeded.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a respectable 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity (4,000 pounds for the base FWD T5). However, the small engine struggled to provide flexibility, and the plug-in hybrid's electric mode was limited to low speeds.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Pathfinder was available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with the AWD models offering seven drive and terrain modes. The FWD Pathfinder achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The AWD models had similar fuel economy, with the fully-equipped Pathfinder Platinum getting slightly lower figures. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity and featured a stable ride with a tight turning radius, making it easy to park and steer. The transmission occasionally struggled to find the right spot at speed but recalibrated quickly.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The interior featured a power moonroof, four-zone climate control, and 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage. However, storage space was limited, and the cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 did offer a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder focused on interior comfort and flexibility. The cabin was quiet, with improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass. The Pathfinder offered features like wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second-row bench seat. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy third-row access, and the removable second-row center console added convenience. 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 the second and third rows folded. The rear cargo space was designed to accommodate large items, and the under-floor cargo space provided additional storage. The Pathfinder's seats were comfortable, with heated and ventilated options available on higher trims. Tri-zone automatic climate control and 16 cup and bottle holders were standard.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed easy navigation through menus. However, the amount of text and typeface used made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the XC90 only had second-row USB-C ports.

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, two 12-volt DC power outlets, and four USB ports. Upper trims offered 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 Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display, along with a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave all 2021 XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

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 offered a surround-view monitor, and the Pathfinder Platinum featured 11 airbags. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder at the time of writing.