2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, in its fifth generation, presented a modernized take blending traditional elements and new design cues. Up front, it featured a reimagined V-motion grille aligned with Nissan’s design language seen on models like the Rogue and Armada. This grille, accented by the new Nissan logo, paid homage to earlier Pathfinders with its three-slot design. Flanked by LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights, the grille led the eye to the robust, slated C-pillar. Offered in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, the Pathfinder's design became notable, especially with the black roof option emphasizing the C-pillar.

Side panels and the hood introduced a beefier look reminiscent of models like the Kia Telluride, yet distinct from the Toyota Highlander. The rear showcased sleek taillights wrapping around a sizable liftgate, accentuated by bold badging. This aesthetic shift aimed to position the Pathfinder as more rugged and capable, a stark change from its predecessor. The design made the Pathfinder 0.6 inches wider, with a broader track of 1.2 inches, an increase in height by 0.2 inches, and a 0.8-inch reduction in length, all while improving interior legroom.

Nissan's intention was evident: a more robust visage that truly worked. The Pathfinder came in four trims—S, SV, SL, and Platinum—each featuring body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. Privacy glass was standard on rear windows, and wipers varied from speed-sensitive ones on lower trims to intermittent on the Platinum. Higher trims offered additions like a panoramic moonroof and roof rack. Interior options varied by trim, with eight-passenger seating standard on all except the Platinum, which featured second-row captain’s chairs—an option on SL and SV. Upholstery ranged from standard cloth on S and SV to semi-aniline leather-appointed seats on upper trims.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler upheld its iconic rugged aesthetic, requiring buyers to first choose between classic two-door and more practical four-door models. The engine options varied, including turbocharged four-cylinders, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and plug-in hybrids. The base models featured a six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic as an upgrade.

The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions offering varied top options—soft, black hardtops, body-color hardtops, and the Sky One-Touch Power-Top. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, added distinct elements like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with Sunrider Fliptop, Gorilla Glass windshield, and unique decals. Its standout feature was the Xtreme Recon package, with suspension lifts, beadlock-capable wheels, and massive 35-inch tires.

Wrangler’s look retained its unmistakable silhouette, with every addition aimed at enhancing off-road capability. Though interior luxury wasn’t its focus, its raised suspension was immediately noticeable and attractive for off-road enthusiasts.

Maintaining continuity, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder kept its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Despite expectations, a hybrid option wasn't introduced. The highlight was its pairing with Nissan’s new nine-speed automatic transmission, a significant upgrade from the previous CVT, offering smoother gear transitions through electronic shift-by-wire drive selectors and paddle shifters. While the Pathfinder featured both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions, the latter included an enhanced seven-position drive and terrain mode selector.

The Pathfinder’s stability on-road benefited from suspension improvements to its existing platform, adeptly absorbing road imperfections while delivering reasonable steering feedback in urban and off-road conditions. With a 6,000-pound towing capacity, the Pathfinder edged out several competitors, supported by the availability of Class II tow hitches, trailer harnesses, and pre-wired setups. Although occasional transmission recalibrations were necessary under speed variations, trailer sway control ensured a steady towing experience akin to the Subaru Ascent.

The Wrangler High Tide, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, provided an extra electric push during acceleration. This engine produced 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission—a $4,000 mandatory option. The Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system enhanced foul-weather handling.

The EPA rated the Wrangler Unlimited with eTorque at 21 mpg combined, though real-world performance plummeted to 16.8 mpg with the rugged Xtreme Recon modifications. Wrangler’s drive characteristics are a love-or-hate experience; noisy interiors, vague steering, rough ride, touchy brakes, and frequent gas stops are well-known Wrangler traits. Yet, these aspects form part of its unique appeal, immersing drivers in an active, sensory-engaging driving experience. For enthusiasts, the Wrangler transforms stress into outdoor adventure and brings both excitement and challenges with open-air drives and a rugged demeanor.

The Pathfinder’s interior was designed for noise reduction, featuring improved insulation, laminated front-row glass, and thickened second-row glass to minimize road and engine sounds. Nissan focused on versatility, recognizing families' diverse needs. This led to wide-opening doors, second-row captain’s chairs in some trims, and configurations accommodating up to five car seats or three across the second row.

The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seats introduced an electronic unlock system for easy third-row access, operable by buttons on both the seat and backrest—a profound improvement over manual mechanisms found in competitors. A removable second-row center console provided additional functionality, with front storage space increased to 13.4 liters, doubling typical offerings.

Cargo space was a strong point: 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 80.5 cubic feet when the second and third rows were down. Loading was simplified thanks to flush cargo space sides and additional underfloor storage. Passenger comfort extended to spacious front and second rows with heating and ventilation options on upper trims. While accommodating three adults across the third row was feasible, the second row promised superior comfort.

The Jeep Wrangler, especially in the High Tide version, posed challenges in ingress and egress due to its raised suspension. The driving position was intimate with the wheel, dashboard, and windshield, adding to the Jeep’s unique driving experience. Visibility varied: excellent for low and side views, compromised for high intersections and rear view due to the massive spare tire. Reversing aids included front and rear cameras and parking sensors.

Rear seat accessibility was hampered by narrow door openings, but once inside, passengers found acceptable comfort, aided by air vents, cupholders, and grab handles. Storage solutions were limited to netting and small compartments. The cargo area offered 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with seats folded, but the process involved maneuvering a heavy tailgate and rear window.

The 2022 Pathfinder integrated technology balanced for ease without overwhelming users. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and satellite radio, ensuring convenience and connectivity across trims.

Upgrading to higher trims introduced enhancements like a 13-speaker Bose system, larger 9-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, and digital instruments. Pathfinder Platinum stood out with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and head-up display.

The Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, featured basic infotainment tech: a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Optional upgrades to Uconnect 8.4 brought satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, navigation, and an Alpine audio system—add-ons that weren't deemed essential considering the standard connectivity features. Remote start, passive keyless entry, and single-zone climate control with new air filtration were notable inclusions in the High Tide.

For safety, the Pathfinder's Safety Shield 360 package covered essential features: automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. An alertness monitor and forward collision warning added layers of protection. However, official crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The Wrangler’s Safety and Advanced Safety Groups brought features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. Despite these, crash-test results were concerning, with three stars for rollover resistance from NHTSA and marginal ratings in IIHS tests due to its tendency to tip and inadequate headlight performance.