2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned in its fifth generation, took strong design cues from the modern era of Nissan SUVs. It featured a reimagined V-motion grille, aligned with other SUVs like the Rogue and Armada, and paid homage to the first-generation Pathfinder with a striking three-slot grille showcasing the new Nissan logo. LED headlights and slim daytime running lights created a sophisticated, modern front end. The bold C-pillar design harkened back to the original Pathfinder, and with 14 paint jobs available, buyers had plenty of options to personalize their vehicle.

The Pathfinder's beefier, more robust look was akin to the Kia Telluride, positioning it as a more rugged offering compared to models like the Toyota Highlander. The SUV was made 0.6 inches wider, with a track that was 1.2 inches wider, giving it a more planted look. Although it was 0.2 inches higher and 0.8 inches shorter end-to-end, it offered more legroom than its predecessor. This increased footprint translated into a more formidable presence on the roadways.

Offered in four trims—S, SV, SL, and Platinum—the Pathfinder came with body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. Higher trims could add features like a panoramic moonroof and roof rack. The spacious interior offered eight-passenger seating on most trims, although second-row captain’s chairs in the Platinum trim reduced the capacity to seven. The higher trims even featured quilted, semi-aniline leather-appointed seats.

In comparison, the 2022 Nissan Rogue carried the new design features from its 2021 overhaul, shifting from a cutesy to a more mature and sophisticated look. It also boasted the V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and daytime running lights, with the SL and Platinum trims featuring LED fog lamps. Ingenious design elements like active grille shutters, underbody covers, and an air curtain improved airflow, making the vehicle sleeker. The floating roof and subtly bulging lift gate added to its graceful and polished appearance.

Inside, the Rogue showcased a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, depending on the trim level. An electronic gear selector lever replaced the traditional linkage, opening up space below the console for practical storage. Highlights included a 9-inch infotainment display and a sophisticated instrument panel with optional digital screens.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder carried forward its 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, combined with a new nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF. This combination provided a smooth transition through gears. Available in FWD and AWD, the Pathfinder offered five drive modes in FWD and seven in AWD, bolstered by standard hill start assist and hill descent control for AWD models. EPA estimates put the fuel economy at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD and marginally different figures for AWD. The Pathfinder also shone with its 6,000-pound towing capacity, making it a standout in its class for pulling power.

Conversely, the 2022 Nissan Rogue sported a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque—an improvement over its previous model. The Variable Compression technology allowed dynamic adjustments, optimizing power or fuel efficiency as needed. The Rogue also benefited from an updated CVT, which offered smoother driving experiences. Fuel economy was a strong suit, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway. The redesigned transmission and chassis provided a controlled and smooth ride, making the Rogue agile for city driving and highway cruising alike.

The Pathfinder's interior was designed to be quiet and comfortable, thanks to significant sound insulation improvements. Family-friendly features were built-in, such as wide-opening doors and the ability to install up to five car seats. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seats offered innovative solutions for easy third-row access. Notably, the second-row center console was removable, adding to the vehicle’s versatility. Cargo space was also a strong point, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with seat rows folded. The vehicle could comfortably accommodate a range of large items, thanks to flush rear cargo space sides and additional underfloor storage.

The Rogue, while retaining some familiar elements, boasted plenty of storage spaces for family convenience, both in the front and rear cabins. The 60/40 split reclining rear bench allowed for flexible storage solutions. The cargo area was particularly generous for a compact crossover, offering 31.6-36.5 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. This space offered ample room for various cargo needs.

In terms of technology, the Pathfinder was equipped with an impressive list of standard and available features. Key elements included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Other standard offerings were a digital driver-information display, various USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system, with higher trims adding a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, a head-up display, a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, and wireless charging.

The Rogue, benefiting from its 2021 tech upgrade, carried forward this robust suite of technology in 2022. Upper trims were particularly advanced, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment screen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Navigation capabilities were enhanced by Google Maps and Waze compatibility, with ProPilot Assist available with Navi-Link for next-level driver assistance. Also included were Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims, lending to a modern and intuitive driving experience.

Safety was a highlight for both vehicles. The Pathfinder featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard, which encompassed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The vehicle also had a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, forward-collision warning, and a standard rearview camera, enhancing its safety profile.

The Rogue, sharing the shared suite of the Safety Shield 360, included similar safety features. Additionally, ProPilot Assist provided an enhanced level of driver assistance, combining adaptive cruise control and steering assist. Enhanced by navigation inputs, ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link pushed the Rogue closer to partial autonomous driving capabilities. The Rogue had received a four-star NHTSA overall safety rating, with high expectations for continued safety accolades.