2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder marked a significant redesign, taking cues from Nissan's updated SUV lineup. Up front was a new take on the signature V-motion grille, shared with the Rogue and Armada, adorned with the new Nissan logo. The three-slot grille paid homage to the original Pathfinder, flanked by LED headlights and slim daytime running lights that gave it a modern, yet still rugged look. The bulky, slanted C-pillar was another nod to the Pathfinder's heritage. Nissan offered a variety of 14 paint jobs and color combinations for the model, with a black roof option that extended down to the C-pillar, enhancing its adventurous appeal. The Pathfinder's side panels and hood were designed to give it a beefier appearance, more aligned with models like the Kia Telluride rather than the Toyota Highlander. The rear featured sleek, thin taillights wrapping around the large liftgate, boasting bold, gate-wide badging displaying the vehicle nameplate. It was 0.6 inches wider with a 1.2-inch wider track, creating a planted look on the roadway. Although it was 0.2 inches higher and 0.8 inches shorter end-to-end, it provided significantly more legroom than previous generations, fulfilling Nissan's goal to position it as a rugged, capable SUV. Trims included S, SV, SL, and Platinum, adorned with body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. Privacy glass and speed-sensitive wipers were standard across trims, with Platinum featuring intermittent wipers. Buyers could add a panoramic moonroof and roof rack, standard from the SV trim level upwards. Inside, the Pathfinder offered standard eight-passenger seating, except for the seven-passenger Platinum with second-row captain’s chairs. Cloth upholstery was standard in the S and SV, while SL and Platinum featured semi-aniline leather-appointed seats with quilted patterns in the latter. Despite lacking a Midnight Edition package, all aesthetic components for a similar look were available separately, ready for dealer installation. In its highest trims, the Pathfinder's interior was upscale, rivaling competitors like the Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, and Telluride. In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was designed to accommodate a third row of seats, boasting an 11.4-inch extension compared to the standard two-row Grand Cherokee. The wheelbase was stretched five inches, offering more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. This extra mass blended seamlessly into the body, presenting an elegant, recognizable Jeep profile. Jeep's signature seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end were retained, accompanied by modernized, brighter lighting. Improved paint finish and panel fit enhanced the vehicle’s premium look. All trims, from the base Laredo to the loaded Summit Reserve, looked impressive. Summit and Summit Reserve trims featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, with new paint colors introduced in 2022: Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky. The interior was a high-end blend of dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and faux-suede roof, justifying its premium pricing. This Grand Cherokee was as luxurious as any Mercedes, albeit without sharing parts from the previous Mercedes-based model. Attention to detail and contrast kept the interior visually stimulating and comfortable, even in all-black finishes. The lighter tan leather variant required users to ensure cleanliness due to its susceptibility to showing dirt.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, unchanged from the previous generation. The lack of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric options disappointed some but did not detract from the V6’s ample power. Paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF, replacing the old CVT, the transmission facilitated smooth gear transitions via an electronic shift-by-wire drive selector and paddle shifters. Nissan offered both FWD and AWD configurations. FWD models featured a five-position drive mode selector, while AWD variants offered seven drive and terrain modes. Hill-start assist was standard, with hill descent control exclusive to AWD. Fuel economy for the FWD Pathfinder was EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. AWD models saw a slight highway efficiency increase, retaining the 23 mpg combined. The Platinum grade AWD dropped to 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. A new capless fuel filler was introduced for user convenience. The Pathfinder’s suspension setup provided a stable ride, adept at absorbing road imperfections, while its steering was responsive and connected. It boasted a tight turning radius, superior to competitors like the Highlander, Pilot, Explorer, Telluride, and Palisade, making it easy to maneuver and park. Its maximum towing capacity stood at 6,000 pounds, with a Class II tow hitch and trailer harness standard in the Platinum grade, featuring seven-inch pre-wiring across all models. The transmission occasionally struggled to find the right spot at speed, but a brief release of the gas pedal allowed recalibration. Stabilizing trailer sway control ensured steady towing, comparable to or better than the Subaru Ascent. Meanwhile, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with RWD or 4WD. While a 48-volt hybrid system was used in Ram pickups with these engines, it was unavailable in the Grand Cherokee L. However, the 4xe plug-in hybrid variant, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, was notable for its emissions-free 4WD, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Our test Jeep had the V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight. This resulted in an unpleasing engine noise under acceleration. The transmission’s early upshifts didn’t complement the engine, and while Sport mode kept revs high, manual mode with paddle shifters provided better control. Still, the programming wasn’t ideal for the less powerful engine. The V8, available only in higher trims with 4WD, boasted 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft, offering a better performance and sound. Fuel economy for the V6 was EPA-estimated at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The V8's was notably worse at 14/22/17. Estimates for the 4xe plug-in hybrid were not yet available. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in chassis performance. Ride composure and steering were precise and responsive, with an optional air suspension providing a range of comfort through driving mode adjustments. Body roll, pitch, and dive were minimal, making it superior even compared to the high-performance Trackhawk variant of the previous Grand Cherokee. The Jeep's air springs offered five ride height settings: Access mode for easy entry and exit, Aero mode for aerodynamic efficiency, and two off-road modes raising the height to a maximum of 10.9 inches. The driving modes were user-friendly, adjusting various vehicle parameters based on terrain. While the Grand Cherokee L performed well on rough roads, it was optimized for on-road comfort, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

Interior comfort in the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder began with impressive sound insulation, reducing road and engine noise. The design prioritized flexibility, accommodating various family needs beyond the typical school run and grocery trips. Features included a rear door Intelligent Key, wide-opening doors, optional second-row captains chairs, and the ability to install up to five car seats. With best-in-class front-seat legroom and additional hip room for third-row passengers, Nissan ensured passenger comfort. A standout feature was the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology, an innovative, user-friendly mechanism for easy third-row access, even with car seats installed. The removable second-row center console was another practical addition, easily storable in the rear cargo space. Cargo capacity was versatile, offering 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a substantial 80.5 cubic feet with both second and third rows down. Flush rear cargo space sides facilitated loading wider items like plywood. An under-floor cargo space added 54 liters, useful for stabilizing groceries or plants. Seating comfort extended to heated seats from models above the base, with ventilated seats standard on the Platinum. The driver’s seat ranged from six-way manual to eight-way power-adjustable with lumbar support, depending on the trim. A standard tri-zone automatic climate control and generous 16 cup and bottle holders enhanced passenger convenience. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L emphasized simplicity with its Uconnect 5 infotainment system, maintaining the hallmark of user-friendly graphics and physical switches for essential controls. These included twist, pull, and slide switches with a tactile, damped feel. The central rotary shifter and ample storage spaces adhered to Jeep’s practical design ethos. Trims varied in touchscreen sizes, from an 8.4-inch in lower trims to a 10.1-inch in higher trims. However, there were legibility issues with small graphics and occasional lag in the system’s interface. Spaciousness in all rows, including the third row that accommodated average adults comfortably, was a highlight. Standard second-row captain's chairs allowed for six-person seating, with a 60/40 split bench available optionally. Panoramic roofs, large windows, and ample USB ports contributed to a comfortable travel experience, though small air vents compromised airflow. In terms of cargo, the Grand Cherokee L offered generous space, though specific measurements weren't provided.

Nissan’s 2022 Pathfinder integrated advanced yet user-friendly technology. The standard features list was extensive: a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and more. Additional features included voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging, a 7-inch driver-information display, multiple USB ports, and power outlets. Higher trims offered upgrades like a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, additional USB ports, door-to-door navigation, HomeLink, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and NissanConnect Services. Notably, the Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display. Nissan's tech aimed to provide convenience without overwhelming users, making most features accessible across trims, rather than reserving them for the highest models. Jeep's 2022 Grand Cherokee L catered to those willing to invest in upper trims, offering premium features comparable to luxury vehicles. These included multiple massage modes for the 16-way power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a crystal-clear 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system for enhanced highway steering. The navigation system integrated seamlessly with smartphone apps, allowing convenient switchovers. New for 2022 were optional 10.3-inch touchscreens for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch rear touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV. Standard safety and driver aids were comprehensive, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor, traffic sign recognition, and more.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, 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 safety features encompassed a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning. A rearview camera was standard, with upper trims offering a surround-view monitor. The Pathfinder had ten standard airbags, with an additional one exclusive to the Platinum model. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA crash-tested the Pathfinder at the time of writing. Similarly, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not undergone testing by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert for unattended passengers, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. Although specifics were limited, Jeep ensured fundamental safety features across all trims.