2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder exhibited a fresh, modern design in its fifth generation, taking inspiration from Nissan’s latest SUV aesthetics. The V-motion grille at the front, reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada, coupled with the new Nissan logo on the three-slot grille, paid homage to the original Pathfinder’s design. The LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights complemented the look, drawing attention to the bulky, slated C-pillar, another nod to the early Pathfinder. With 14 paint jobs and color combinations available, including options for a black roof that seamlessly descended onto the C-pillar, the exterior was diverse.

The Pathfinder's side panels and hood gave it a chunkier appearance compared to its predecessor, aligning it more with the robust designs of the Kia Telluride and less like the Toyota Highlander. The sleek, thin taillights encircled the large liftgate, which prominently displayed the vehicle’s nameplate. Nissan widened the vehicle by 0.6 inches with a track 1.2 inches wider, which provided a grounded look. Despite being 0.2 inches taller and 0.8 inches shorter in length than the previous generation, it offered more legroom.

Design changes positioned the Pathfinder as a more capable and rugged vehicle. It was available in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Each model came with body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. The Pathfinder also featured privacy glass for the rear, rear-quarter, and liftgate windows. Although not available at launch, the Midnight Edition package could be piecemealed with available parts. The aesthetics and upscale interior, especially in the higher trims, rivaled vehicles like the Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition featured a black-on-black aesthetic, shedding nearly all chrome for a sleek, shadowy appearance. The Black Onyx paint transformed the GX into a black hole on wheels, but its finicky upkeep could make it look dusty and aged quickly. Even without the Black Line package, the GX 460 maintained an old-fashioned look despite modern updates like the spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights. This new Lexus retained a striking similarity to its first-generation version from 2002.

Inside, the GX’s quality was undeniable, featuring smooth and refined materials—a hallmark of Lexus craftsmanship. It was quiet, with minimal noise intrusion, and the legendary V8 engine provided a faint yet satisfying roar. The interior closely matched the original design's ethos but with enough updates to prevent it from feeling ancient. Lexus offered the GX in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, starting at $56,700 up to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine from previous generations, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. It paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF, replacing the old CVT, and included an electronic shift-by-wire drive selector and paddle shifters for smooth transitions. Available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, the Pathfinder’s drive modes ranged from five positions in FWD to seven in AWD. Standard hill-start assist and optional hill descent control on AWD models made for a versatile SUV.

Fuel economy for the FWD Pathfinder clocked in at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the AWD version maintained the 23 mpg combined rating but improved to 27 mpg highway. Fully-equipped AWD Platinum models saw a slight drop to 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. With a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and stability features like trailer sway control, the Pathfinder was robust and family-ready. Despite struggling at high speeds, the transmission recalibrated quickly, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a hefty 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and a substantial 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. This power allowed for a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. Its six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing 40 percent of power to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear under normal driving conditions. The GX, with its higher drag coefficient of 0.35, coupled with its V8 and substantial curb weight, had a lower fuel economy at 16 mpg combined, which was consistent with real-world tests.

The GX’s Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped stabilize the vehicle both on and off-road, compensating for its height with improved wheel articulation and reduced body motion. Yet, the GX’s slow steering and touchy brake system detracted from an otherwise refined and capable off-road vehicle. The optional Off-Road Package further enhanced the GX's rugged credentials with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.

Inside, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's interior was quieter and more insulated than ever. Reduced road noise was achieved through upgraded carpeting, thicker glass, and improved insulation. The flexible design allowed for easy loading and unloading, crucial for families. Notable features included the Intelligent Key for rear door access, wider doors, and second-row captain’s chairs option. The Pathfinder's innovative EZ Flex Latch and Glide technology ensured easy third-row access, even with a forward-facing car seat installed, making it user-friendly for all passengers.

The Pathfinder's cargo capacity was generous, offering 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 45 cubic feet with the seats down, and up to 80.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The flush cargo sides allowed for easy loading of large items, and ample under-floor storage provided added convenience.

Seats in the Pathfinder were roomy and comfortable, with options for heated and ventilated seats in higher trims. Tri-zone automatic climate control ensured passenger comfort, and multiple cup holders and bottle holders were strategically placed throughout the cabin.

In contrast, the Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with 10-way power-adjustable seats and excellent visibility. The GX's interior, though high-quality, carried dated switchgear, leading to some ergonomic issues like confusing knob placement. Black Line Special Edition models featured black ash wood trim, a black headliner, and NuLuxe upholstery. Despite the narrow rear door openings, once inside, passengers found ample legroom and a tall seating position.

The GX’s third row was less hospitable, accessed through a side-opening tailgate that could be cumbersome in tight spaces. Cargo capacity fell short—11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row down, and 64.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder boasted practical and user-friendly technology. Standard features included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, six-speaker audio, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Higher trims added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, making the Pathfinder technologically rich even in mid-range options.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, newly equipped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, made a significant improvement in its infotainment offerings. Standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation provided modern connectivity, while a CD player catered to nostalgic drivers. Despite outdated elements like the RTI touchpad, the GX system offered usability enhancements like dual-screen views for navigation and audio, and smooth, accurate voice recognition. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available for a superior listening experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, 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. It also featured driver alertness monitoring, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning as standard. Upper trims offered a surround-view monitor, and the Pathfinder had up to 11 airbags.

For the 2022 Lexus GX, safety features included the Lexus Safety System+, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety measures like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services were standard, though some advanced safety technologies found in competitors were notably absent.