2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's fifth-generation model represented a bold departure in design, drawing inspiration from Nissan's modern SUV lineup. At the front, the Pathfinder showcased a fresh interpretation of Nissan's V-motion grille, harmonizing with the Rogue and Armada. The new Nissan logo adorned its three-slot grille, a nod to the first-generation Pathfinder. Flanked by LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights, the grille seamlessly transitioned to a robust, slatted C-pillar, reminiscent of the original Pathfinder's design. Available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, the Pathfinder also offered a black roof option, adding a touch of flair to its appearance.

The side panels and hood gave the Pathfinder a beefier look, aligning it more with the design cues of the Kia Telluride rather than the Toyota Highlander. The sleek, thin taillights wrapped around the large liftgate, emphasized by bold, gate-wide badging, creating a muscular yet elegant rear profile. These design elements collectively conveyed a more capable and rugged impression compared to its predecessor.

Nissan expanded the Pathfinder, making it 0.6 inches wider and 0.2 inches higher, with a track that was 1.2 inches wider, enhancing its road presence. Despite being 0.8 inches shorter end-to-end, the new model offered significantly more legroom. The design changes aimed to reinforce a sense of capability and ruggedness, a goal that it effectively achieved.

The Pathfinder came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. All trims sported body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille, while rear, rear-quarter, and liftgate windows featured privacy glass. Standard speed-sensitive wipers were offered on all trims except the Platinum, which boasted standard intermittent wipers. Additional features like a panoramic moonroof and roof rack came standard on SV and higher trims.

Inside, the Pathfinder offered standard eight-passenger seating, except for the Platinum trim, where second-row captain’s chairs were standard, reducing passenger capacity to seven. Upholstery ranged from standard cloth on S and SV grades to semi-aniline leather-appointed seats in the SL and Platinum trims, with the latter featuring quilted patterns.

Conversely, the 2022 Subaru Outback, particularly the Wilderness variant, challenged the classic station wagon archetype with a more rugged, Jeep-like aesthetic. Elevated with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, the Wilderness stood taller than other Outback models by 0.8 inches. Aggressive all-terrain tires nested under oversized fender trim, while restyled front and rear bumpers enhanced approach and departure angles.

A distinctive grille design, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal distinguished the Outback Wilderness. The new roof rack and rail system supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping. The exclusive Geyser Blue paint further set it apart.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex water-repellant upholstery, mimicking leather but with added durability. Heated front seats addressed cold weather, but the lack of ventilated seats could pose discomfort in hot conditions. The cabin's dark theme continued with a black headliner, Gunmetal Gray interior trim, Anodized Copper stitching and accents, brushed aluminum pedals, and standard all-weather floor mats. Waterproof rear seatbacks and a cargo tray reinforced its rugged nature.

The Wilderness package added a distinct personality to the Outback, injecting a sense of purpose and adventure into its styling.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its trusty 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. While some enthusiasts hoped for alternative-fuel options, Nissan stuck to the traditional V6 paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF. This setup replaced the previous continuously variable transmission (CVT) and featured an electronic shift-by-wire drive selector and paddle shifters, offering smooth gear transitions.

Available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, the Pathfinder's FWD models came with a five-position drive mode selector, while AWD versions boasted seven drive and terrain modes. Standard hill-start assist and hill descent control (on AWD models) enhanced its off-road capabilities.

Fuel economy for the FWD Pathfinder was EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The AWD models slightly improved highway mileage but retained the 23 mpg combined rating. Fully-equipped Pathfinder Platinum models with AWD received 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. A new capless fuel filler added convenience.

Nissan's refinements to the Pathfinder's existing platform included improvements in suspension for a stable ride, effective absorption of road imperfections, and a reasonably connected steering experience. Its impressive 6,000-pound towing capacity, supplemented by a Class II tow hitch and trailer harness, facilitated substantial towing needs.

In comparison, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness packed a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a traditional horizontally opposed, or flat, design. This engine mirrored the Outback XT models, generating 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. Weighing 3,896 pounds, the Wilderness boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

The Wilderness's EPA-estimated combined fuel efficiency was 24 mpg, though it averaged 21.3 mpg during a test drive on a mountainous 1,800-foot elevation gain route. Despite the strong engine, the CVT limited the Wilderness's acceleration and driving engagement. Its eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters aimed to provide more manual control, but the characteristic droning and simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience.

Standard AWD across all Subaru models ensured inherent stability, but the Wilderness trim stood out with its specialized wheels, tires, suspension, and traction systems. Raised to provide 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it featured gloss-black 17-inch wheels with 225/65R17 Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires for maximum off-road grip. Its redesigned front and rear bumpers improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, enhancing its off-road prowess. Additional features like a front skid plate, available underbody skid plating, revised final-drive ratios, dual-function X-Mode traction system, and hill descent control positioned the Wilderness as the most capable Outback variant.

While the Outback Wilderness excelled in off-road scenarios, offering effective climbing, descending, and navigating rugged trails, its on-pavement performance felt restricted by the off-road tires. Nevertheless, it allowed drivers to traverse challenging terrain confidently and efficiently.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and sound insulation. Nissan employed improved carpeting, door seals, and thicker second-row glass to reduce road noise. Enhanced insulation, front-row acoustic laminated glass, and door-mounted outside mirrors further diminished engine noise and external sounds.

Nissan designed the Pathfinder's interior with flexibility in mind, addressing various family needs beyond daily commutes and school runs. Features like wide-opening rear doors, a rear-door Intelligent Key, optional second-row captain's chairs, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second-row bench seat showcased its practicality.

Innovative features included the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology, enabling easy third-row access with a simple button press. A removable second-row center console, storable in the rear under-floor cargo space, added convenience. The front center console offered 13.4 liters of storage, doubling traditional capacity.

Cargo capacity in the Pathfinder was impressive. With the third row up, it provided 16.6 cubic feet of storage, expandable to 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and 80.5 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded. Flush rear cargo space sides facilitated easy loading of wide items, while the under-floor cargo space added 54 liters of storage.

Front and second-row seats offered ample space and comfort, even on long trips. Heated seats were standard on all trims above base, with ventilated seats available on the Platinum trim. The Pathfinder featured a manual-closing liftgate on S and SV models, a power liftgate on SL and Platinum models, and a motion-activated power liftgate on the Platinum trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather, ensuring durability and preventing moisture absorption. The seats, though protective, could become uncomfortable in hot weather, lacking ventilation. Heating functions provided comfort in cold conditions, complemented by effective dual-zone automatic climate control.

The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat featured 8-way power adjustment, ensuring a comfortable driving position. Rear seat room was generous, accommodating two adults or three children with sufficient knee, foot, and headroom. Heated rear seats and rear air conditioning vents added to passenger comfort.

Storage space in the Outback Wilderness was practical, offering 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. Waterproof seatbacks and a cargo tray ensured durability, while LED lighting in the cargo area enhanced visibility. The robust roof rack supported a 220-pound dynamic load, ideal for adventurers, and could handle a 700-pound static load for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder boasted user-friendly technology without overwhelming drivers. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, an 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 (two in the front and two in the second row).

Higher trims added a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, 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 a head-up display, with a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system available on the SL trim and standard on the Platinum.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, however, sported an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment and climate control system. While physical knobs and buttons controlled stereo volume, tuning, temperature, and defogging, most functions required touchscreen interaction. The voice recognition technology, though not prompt, improved with proper command usage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternative voice-assistant functionality.

Though Subaru targeted educated, higher-income males in their mid-30s with the Outback Wilderness, the model lacked a premium sound system. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system found in the Limited XT and Touring XT trims should have been an option for the Wilderness.

A standout feature was Subaru's PIN code entry technology, allowing drivers to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities and access the vehicle using a PIN code upon return.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of safety technologies 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 further enhanced safety. Standard rearview cameras on lower trims were upgraded to a surround-view monitor on higher trims. The Pathfinder featured ten airbags, with the Platinum trim adding an eleventh.

Crash-test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were not available at the time of review.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). EyeSight, powered by cameras mounted behind the windshield, provided adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness trim ensured these features were effectively calibrated despite modifications.

Additional features included steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system with lane-change assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning. The DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology was unavailable in the Wilderness trim.

In real-world testing, EyeSight demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining safe distances and lane centering, proving non-intrusive with only occasional excessive beeping. Crash-test results for the Wilderness were pending, but standard Outbacks earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 2021.