2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from the new era of the Japanese automaker’s SUV design. It featured a new take on the company’s signature V-motion grille, matching that on the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo on the model’s three-slot grille. LED headlights flanked the grille, while slim LED daytime running lights led the eye to the bulky, slated C-pillar, a nod to the original Pathfinder’s design. Nissan offered the 2022 Pathfinder in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, with a black roof available. The side panels and hood gave the SUV a beefier look, more on-trend with the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The sleek, thin taillights wrapped around the large liftgate, accented by bold, gate-wide badging featuring the vehicle’s nameplate. The Pathfinder was made 0.6 inches wider with a track that was 1.2 inches wider, giving it a planted look on the roadway. The vehicle was 0.2 inches higher and 0.8 inches shorter end-to-end, despite having more legroom than the previous generation.

In the ‘fixing what wasn’t broken’ department, Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator. New headlights and taillights debuted, the wheel designs were different, and the company updated the Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The automaker also restyled the SUV’s front end, which now had an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing. The result was less elegance and presence than before. Inside, the Navigator continued to dazzle with quality materials and mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade. The Navigator continued in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels. The Black Label in its new Central Park theme featured a green interior with second-row heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs separated by a large console.

Nissan didn’t change the engine in the Pathfinder from one generation to the next. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with Nissan’s new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old continuously variable transmission (CVT). The transmission was smooth, rising and lowering through the gears. Nissan offered the SUV in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. FWD models had a five-position drive mode selector, while AWD Pathfinders came with seven drive and terrain modes. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder with FWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. AWD models had similar figures, with the fully-equipped Pathfinder Platinum with AWD getting 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity and a stable ride, absorbing most road imperfections. The tight turning radius made it easy to park and steer on city streets and off-road trails.

The 2022 Navigator had a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The twin-turbo V6 supplied 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity ranged between 8,100 pounds and 8,700 pounds, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain selections. The Navigator’s adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview identified bumps, cracks, and potholes ahead, preparing the suspension for appropriate damping forces. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator’s twin-turbo effortlessly climbed past the snow line, unfazed by the SUV’s nearly three tons of curb weight. The Navigator’s adaptive suspension quelled unwanted ride motions, and the 22-inch wheels and tires supplied plenty of grip. The Navigator 4WD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg in combined driving, averaging 18.6 mpg during the test drive.

The Pathfinder’s interior comfort started with the quietness of its compartment. Carpeting, doors, and floors had reduced sound transmission from the road. The rear door Intelligent Key, wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to put three car seats across the second-row bench seat were thoughtful innovations. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy third-row access. The second-row center console was removable and easily stored in the SUV’s rear under-floor cargo space. The front center console offered 13.4 liters of storage space. Behind the third row of seats was 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Pathfinder’s front and second-row seats offered abundant space and comfort, with heated seats standard on all models above base. Tri-zone automatic climate control was standard, and there were 16 cup and bottle holders. A power liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum models, with a motion-activated power liftgate standard on Pathfinder Platinum.

The 2022 Navigator’s heated, ventilated, and massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable. The second-row seat featured newly massaging, heated, and ventilated rear captain’s chairs. Third-row passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations on a supportive seat. The Navigator carried 19.3 cubic feet of cargo behind its third-row seat, expanding to 34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L. With the third row folded down, there was 57.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 73.3 cubic feet in Navigator L. The maximum volume with the second-row seats collapsed was 103.3 cubic feet, expanding to 120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L.

Nissan loaded the Pathfinder with fresh technology that wasn’t overly advanced but served its purpose well. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, two 12-volt DC power outlets, and four USB ports. Upper trim levels got a 9-inch infotainment touch screen, a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door connected navigation, additional USB ports, HomeLink, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and NissanConnect Services. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display, with a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system standard.

The 2022 Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The screen offered two data panels to view the navigation map and music details simultaneously. Below the air vents and transmission buttons, Lincoln provided knobs for volume and stereo tuning and physical controls for climate functions. Sync 4 supported both Android Auto and Apple Carplay, with about 80 individual vehicle settings saved to a user profile. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ programming. The test vehicle also had a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 was standard on every Pathfinder, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. A driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning were also standard. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on upper trim levels. Ten airbags were standard, with the Pathfinder Platinum getting 11. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder.

Several new driver assistance systems debuted on the 2022 Lincoln Navigator, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake when drivers attempted unsafe movements. Road Edge Detection could sense where the pavement ended and steer the SUV away from a dirt road shoulder or grassy field. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to take complete control for parking. ActiveGlide was Lincoln’s new semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, approved for use on 130,000 miles of North American roads. ActiveGlide performed well on straight, dry, sunny stretches of freeway but required the driver to monitor for threats.