2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder underwent a significant design overhaul, reflecting a new era in Nissan's SUV design. The front of the Pathfinder featured a modern take on Nissan's signature V-Motion grille, complementing it with LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights. The vehicle’s revamped C-pillar, paying tribute to the original Pathfinder, along with its robust side panels and hood, lent the SUV a beefier and more rugged look. The Pathfinder was available in 14 paint job and color combinations, and the option of a black roof enhanced its visually aggressive stance. Nissan managed to give the Pathfinder a planted look by making it slightly wider and slightly higher than its predecessor without losing interior space, thus achieving a hardy aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender maintained its distinctive, boxy profile, reminiscent of the original version. With a tailgate-mounted spare tire, flat hood, and the option for steel wheels, the Defender evoked a sense of nostalgia while incorporating modern design elements such as rounded corners and recessed LED headlights. Despite its retro appearance, the Defender’s larger size significantly improved interior space and ergonomics. Its rugged yet functional interior, featuring a mix of leather and suede upholstery along with exposed metal surfaces, ensured a practical atmosphere that welcomed adventure and utility.

Nissan retained the 3.5-liter V6 engine for the 2022 Pathfinder, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the older CVT unit. The Pathfinder came in FWD and AWD configurations, with AWD models featuring seven driving and terrain modes. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 23 mpg combined for FWD models and 22 mpg combined for AWD Platinum models, the Pathfinder provided a balance of power and efficiency. It also boasted a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a wider range of powertrains including the new V8 engine producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, enabling the Defender 90 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 hp, while the mid-tier option was a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain with 395 hp. All powertrains were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. With a towing capacity of up to 8,201 pounds and advanced off-road features like Terrain Response 2, the Defender demonstrated superior off-road capability and on-road comfort.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder excelled in interior comfort and flexibility. The improvements in sound insulation and innovative features like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology enhanced the family-friendly nature of the SUV. The Pathfinder offered a maximum cargo capacity of 80.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and thoughtful design elements like removable center consoles and flush cargo space sides made it practical for various needs.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender, available in both two-door (90) and four-door (110) models, emphasized functionality with clever storage solutions and adaptable interior configurations. The Defender 110, in its two-row configuration, provided 51.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, comparable to the Pathfinder's capacity. The interior was designed with a focus on ease of use, featuring a large center-console storage bin and a unique layout that included an optional jump seat.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a wealth of technology, including standard features such as an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Upper trims offered a digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system. The technology was designed to be user-friendly, adding to the overall comfort and convenience of the vehicle.

Similarly, the 2022 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a standard 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity. A newly available 11.4-inch touchscreen further enhanced the user experience. Optional technological upgrades like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system provided a high-tech interface suitable for both on-road and off-road driving.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assist technologies that included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. With ten standard airbags and an available surround-view monitor in higher trims, the Pathfinder emphasized safety across all its models. However, it had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with standard safety features such as lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, although some of these features were not standard. Like the Pathfinder, the Defender had not been rated by either IIHS or NHTSA by the time of this writing.