2022 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder transformed into the epitome of rugged charm, taking cues from Nissan’s newest SUV design language. Up front, the signature V-motion grille was a striking feature, paired with LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights that added a modern touch. It uniquely paid homage to the first-generation Pathfinder with a three-slot grille adorned by the new Nissan logo, providing a nostalgic yet fresh appearance.

Nissan offered an impressive 14 paint jobs and color combinations, with an available black roof that elegantly extended down the C-pillar. The side panels and hood added a robust look, more akin to a Kia Telluride than a Toyota Highlander. With sleek, thin taillights wrapping around the large liftgate, bold badging, and a widened stance from previous generations, Nissan succeeded in delivering a more capable and rugged aesthetic.

The Pathfinder came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Each featured body-color door handles, chrome badging, and privacy glass. Speed-sensitive wipers were standard, with the Platinum getting intermittent wipers. Prospective buyers could also select a panoramic moonroof and roof rack, standard on SV and higher configurations.

On the interior, the Pathfinder offered standard eight-passenger seating in all but the Platinum trim, which provided second-row captain’s chairs and a seven-passenger capacity. Cloth upholstery was standard on the S and SV while SL and Platinum trims boasted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, quilted on the highest trim. The overall aesthetic in top trims was more upscale than its competitors, positioning the Pathfinder as a luxurious yet rugged choice in the midsize SUV segment.

On the other hand, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant changes in exterior styling with a new grille, headlights, and bumpers. The rear also saw updates with redesigned taillights, tailgate trim, and bumper. The lineup featured freshly designed wheels, adding a contemporary touch.

Ford ensured the Expedition had a variety of trims, from the base XL STX to the luxurious Platinum. Prices varied widely, accommodating different budgets. The new Timberline trim aimed at off-road enthusiasts added 4WD, all-terrain tires, and off-roading tech for a rugged appeal.

The Stealth Edition, specific to the Limited trim, brought black 22-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and red-painted brake calipers, enhancing its street-savvy appearance. Our test model, the Stone Blue Metallic, garnered numerous compliments for its stunning visuals.

Inside, the Expedition’s redesigned dashboard housed either the Sync 4 or Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter boasting a substantial 15.5-inch touchscreen. The interior, especially in higher trims like the Limited Stealth Edition, combined leather seats, soft-touch materials, and advanced tech, offering a luxurious cabin despite some F-150 grade plastic trim.

Performance-wise, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder relied on its established 3.5-liter V6 engine, not introducing any hybrid or electric options. This engine offered a respectable 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, unchanged from previous models. The new nine-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF replaced the old CVT, offering smoother gear transitions and paired with an electronic shift-by-wire drive selector and paddle shifters. Available in both FWD and AWD, AWD models had an enhanced drive experience with seven drive and terrain modes versus five in FWD models.

The Pathfinder boasted an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for FWD, slightly improved with AWD on the highway. The Platinum AWD model, fully equipped, offered 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Despite not being built on entirely new architecture, substantial improvements provided a smooth, stable ride. Its 6,000-pound towing capacity with features like trailer sway control made it competitive, if not superior, in towing stability.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition ran on a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, with some versions offering a high-output variant. The standard configuration produced a robust 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, up to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel. Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available 4WD, the Expedition's performance was commendable, delivering a fuel economy between 17 and 19 mpg combined. Its towing capacity ranged between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds, making it a towing powerhouse.

The twin-turbo V6 provided an addictive power surge with a signature exhaust note, though it guzzled fuel hard, recording an observed 16.2 mpg. Driving dynamics were generally satisfactory, but large 22-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition resulted in a sometimes harsh ride. Available adaptive damping suspension in King Ranch and Platinum trims significantly improved ride quality.

Despite its hefty size, the Expedition excelled in parking ease and urban driving. It shined on highways, offering a smooth, quiet drive ideal for long trips. However, occasional tire slap on certain pavements was noted.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior emphasized silence and comfort. Improved insulation and acoustic glass significantly reduced noise, making the cabin serene even on highways. Nissan focused on flexibility, enabling easy loading of people and cargo. The Pathfinder supported three car seats across the second row or five car seats total. Thoughtful features like EZ Flex Latch and Glide seats allowed easy third-row access, and a removable second-row center console added convenience.

With 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down, the Pathfinder offered ample cargo space. Unique underfloor storage with 54 liters added functionality. Front and second-row passengers enjoyed abundant space, even on long trips. The Pathfinder provided a well-thought-out cabin environment, from manual to power liftgates and numerous bottle holders.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior comfort and space. Power running boards made entry and exit effortless. The interior offered power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with massaging options available in higher trims. A vast console separated the front seats, hiding storage and cupholders discreetly.

Second-row passengers had heated captain’s chairs and their own climate controls. Loading the third row was easy, and it provided outstanding support though headroom was tight for taller passengers. The standard Expedition had 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row down and 104.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo capacity, at 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and an impressive 121.5 cubic feet overall.

Nissan loaded the 2022 Pathfinder with technology that was user-friendly and not overly complex. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports. The Platinum trim offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Upgraded infotainment with a 9-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Ford Expedition saw the introduction of Sync 4 and Sync 4A systems, with the latter featuring a massive 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Higher trims offered additional features like Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems and the advanced Sync 4A with adaptive dashcards and multiple driver profiles. However, the system had quirks, such as accidental defroster activation and issues with voice recognition.

Ford also offered advanced trailer tow technology, making towing simpler and more efficient. The Expedition’s rear-seat entertainment system was upgraded with Amazon Fire TV, providing extensive in-car entertainment options.

Nissan outfitted the Pathfinder with standard Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and more. Upper trims added a surround-view monitor, and all models came with ten airbags, with eleven on the Platinum trim. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were yet to be announced.

Ford’s Expedition grouped its safety features into Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and new features for 2022 like intersection assist. Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 on higher trims added semi-autonomous parking and rear automatic braking. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise for hands-free driving on approved highways, though the lane-centering assist had minor irritations and inconsistencies.