2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced the new era of Nissan’s SUV design with notable enthusiasm. At the front, a reimagined V-motion grille took center stage, flanked by LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights. The vehicle’s bulkier and more rugged look was accentuated by its broader stance and widened track. The C-pillar design, paying homage to the original Pathfinder, added a touch of nostalgia. The Pathfinder came in 14 color combinations, including an option for a black roof. Overall, the vehicle projected a more capable and rugged image, distancing itself from previous generations.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and poised to make an impression, showcased a distinct Lexus look with its unmistakable spindle grille. The clean, refined styling cues borrowed from the Lexus IS sports sedan. The NX grew in size compared to its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The new block lettering on the tailgate added a modern touch. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with unique design elements like a mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, and glossy black wheels. Lexus emphasized a minimalist interior for the 2022 NX, stripping down from the button-heavy dashboard of the past model to a more streamlined and modern look.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder continued with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to Nissan's new nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a smooth ride in both FWD and AWD configurations. With a variety of drive modes, it catered to different driving conditions. Fuel efficiency for FWD models was 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while AWD models only slightly varied. The Pathfinder was notable for its 6,000-pound towing capacity, a significant advantage for those needing a robust family SUV.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered varied powertrains, focusing heavily on electrification. The NX 350h hybrid had a combined output of 239 horsepower and delivered an impressive 39 mpg in combined driving. Meanwhile, the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid boasted 302 horsepower and a 36-mile electric-only range. The NX 350, equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, provided 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the NX was agile and sportier in F Sport trim, with its adaptive variable suspension, it also maintained a comfortable and smooth driving experience in the Luxury trim. However, the NX was not built for off-road adventures with its limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder boasted an interior designed for comfort and versatility. Enhanced sound dampening made for a quieter ride, and the flexible seating arrangements were ideal for families. Innovations like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide system for second-row seats and a removable second-row center console showcased thoughtful design. The Pathfinder offered considerable cargo space, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 80.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded flat. The addition of underfloor cargo storage was a practical touch for transporting smaller items.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX enhanced its comfort with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The interior felt cozy and intimate despite its increased dimensions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and conveniences like heated seats and USB charging ports. The NX also offered ambient lighting with 14 different themes, adding a unique touch to the driving experience. Cargo space, while improved, was lesser than the Pathfinder’s at 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, indicating a focus more on passenger comfort than cargo versatility.

Nissan equipped the 2022 Pathfinder with a robust suite of technology, balancing complexity with user-friendliness. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and connectivity options like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trim levels enhanced the experience with a 9-inch touchscreen, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless capabilities for Apple CarPlay. The Pathfinder catered to tech-savvy families without overwhelming them with overly complex systems.

Lexus took a significant leap forward with the 2022 NX’s technology. The Lexus Interface system featured advanced voice recognition, large touchscreen displays, and cloud-based services. The new system did away with the old Remote Touch Interface, replacing it with a more intuitive setup. Standard tech offerings included a 9.8-inch touchscreen, with a 14-inch version available, integrated with Voice Assistant and services like WiFi and music streaming. The NX also featured a comprehensive suite of connected services, including Drive Connect and digital key functionality. However, it was not without its shortcomings, such as the absence of a tuning knob and the high degree of reflection on the larger screen in bright conditions.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety technologies standard across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. Higher trims added a surround-view monitor and an additional airbag. While the Pathfinder had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, its array of safety features provided considerable peace of mind.

Lexus integrated cutting-edge safety technology into the 2022 NX through Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This suite included several new features, such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System was particularly noteworthy, halting the vehicle safely if the driver became unresponsive. Premium trims added even more advanced safety features, like rear pedestrian detection and a semi-autonomous parking assist. Overall, Lexus aimed to cover nearly every safety scenario with the NX’s technology.