2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a bold redesign that drew inspiration from Nissan's new era of SUV design. It featured a fresh take on the V-motion grille, flanked by LED headlights and slim daytime running lights, which paid homage to the original Pathfinder. The SUV's side panels and hood gave it a beefier look, aligning more with the Kia Telluride's design than the Toyota Highlander. The Pathfinder was slightly wider and higher than its predecessor, offering more legroom and a robust aesthetic. Available in four trims, the Pathfinder offered standard eight-passenger seating, with options for captain's chairs in higher trims. The interior was upscale, especially in the top trims, and offered a range of features, including a panoramic moonroof and roof rack.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that referenced the larger Range Rover's profile in a sporty package. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and trapezoidal roof were unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's design included subtle adjustments, such as a sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined look. Special details like taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts added to its appeal. The interior was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The Velar's design was both stylish and functional, though it sacrificed some interior space for its striking exterior.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT, and offered smooth gear transitions. Available in FWD and AWD, the Pathfinder featured a five-position drive mode selector for FWD and seven modes for AWD. It boasted a 6,000-pound towing capacity and a stable ride, with a tight turning radius that made it easy to maneuver. The Pathfinder's fuel economy was competitive, with FWD models achieving 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and could raise the body for additional clearance. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft in the R-Dynamic HSE. This powertrain delivered high performance while reducing emissions.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's interior was designed for comfort and flexibility, with reduced road noise and improved insulation. It offered best-in-class front-seat legroom and five inches more hip room for third-row passengers. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy access to the third row, even with a car seat installed. The Pathfinder provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The interior featured abundant storage, including a removable second-row center console and a spacious front center console.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which was criticized for being illogical and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the interface, and the steering wheel lost touch-sensitive controls for better usability. Despite its design flaws, the Velar's interior maintained a high level of style and quality.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a range of technology features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Upper trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system. The Pathfinder's tech was user-friendly and accessible across most trims, with a fully digital instrument panel available on the Platinum grade.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It featured a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar's tech included a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo. Despite past issues with Land Rover's software, the Velar's system performed well during testing.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. It also featured a rearview camera, with a surround-view monitor available on upper trims. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with an additional airbag on the Platinum trim. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.