2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The fifth-generation 2022 model carried significant design enhancements to align with Nissan's modern SUV aesthetics. At the front, it featured a revamped V-motion grille, reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada, a tribute to the Pathfinder's first generation. The new Nissan logo adorned the three-slot grille that sat between the LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights. The pronounced C-pillar design harked back to the original Pathfinder, further enhanced by an available black roof that extended down onto the C-pillar. Nissan offered an impressive 14 paint jobs and color combinations, allowing buyers a wide range of customization.

The side panels and hood delivered a beefier appearance compared to the fourth-generation model, drawing some design inspiration from the Kia Telluride rather than the Toyota Highlander. This robust design was underscored by sleek and thin taillights wrapping around the spacious liftgate, which prominently displayed bold Nissan badging. The vehicle's wider stance made it appear more planted on the road, thanks to a 0.6-inch increase in overall width and a track expanded by 1.2 inches. The height grew by 0.2 inches, and the length shortened by 0.8 inches, enhancing both legroom and overall aesthetics.

Its rugged design aimed to reposition the Pathfinder as a more capable and robust SUV. It came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, all boasting body-colored handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. Privacy glass was standard on the rear, rear-quarter, and liftgate windows. Speed-sensitive wipers were standard on all trims except the Platinum, which got intermittent wipers.

The Pathfinder accommodated eight passengers in all trims except the Platinum, which had standard second-row captain's chairs, reducing its capacity to seven. Optional captain's chairs were available on SL and SV trims. Cloth upholstery was standard on S and SV, whereas SL and Platinum trims featured semi-aniline leather-appointed seats. The designers' emphasis on flexibility extended to the consideration of families loading and unloading often, evidenced by features like wide-opening doors and easily accessible car seat accommodations.

Contrastingly, Toyota's original Van, which evolved to the innovative mid-engined Previa in 1990, and finally the Sienna in 1998, highlighted the company's commitment to the minivan. By the 2022 model, Toyota ensured the Sienna projected SUV-like qualities while maintaining its practical minivan identity. The sliding door hinges and surrounding slides were re-engineered to be less conspicuous, aligning smoothly with the body lines and giving it an assertive stance.

Seventeen-inch wheels were standard on base models, with 18-inch and 20-inch wheels available on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna's cabin broke away from traditional minivan aesthetics with a tidy and functional design. Storage solutions were abundant, with sizeable door pockets, numerous cup holders, and an under-console storage area designed to maximize practicality without clutter. The seating configuration offered flexibility, with the option of second-row captain's chairs with ottomans, contributing to comfort and ease of ingress and egress to the third row. The third row featured a 60/40-split bench, easily folding into the floor to increase cargo space when needed.

2022 kept its robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. This was paired with a new ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic transmission, which provided smooth gear transitions in contrast to the old CVT. The Pathfinder offered both FWD and AWD configurations. AWD models featured seven drive and terrain modes, while FWD had five positions. Key features like hill-start assist and hill descent control (AWD-exclusive) enhanced its ruggedness.

Its fuel economy for FWD models stood at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, with a combined 23 mpg. AWD saw a slight increase in highway efficiency while the Platinum trim rated slightly lower at 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Pathfinder's architecture, though not brand-new, was significantly improved, ensuring a comfortable ride that absorbed road imperfections adeptly.

Steering proved reasonably connected, facilitating easy navigation in urban settings and off-road trails, with a notably tight turning radius compared to rivals like the Highlander, Pilot, Explorer, Telluride, and Palisade. With a towing capacity maxing out at 6,000 pounds, it was a strong contender for family adventures.

Contrastingly, the 2022 Toyota Sienna was all about efficiency and hybrid power. Retaining its 2021 hybrid powertrain, it featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, generating 243 horsepower. Optional AWD enhanced its versatility. The AWD system cleverly utilized an additional electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain.

The electronically controlled CVT provided smooth and efficient power delivery, with selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) catering to varied driving conditions. The Sienna's handling was notably impressive for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform which minimized body roll and provided a plush highway ride.

Fuel economy was a standout, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg both city and highway, while AWD models slightly trailed at 35 mpg. The efficient hybrid setup placed the Sienna ahead in the family-hauler segment.

The Pathfinder prioritized cabin quietness, integrating carpeting, door, and floor insulation along with front-row acoustic glass and thicker second-row glass, significantly reducing road noise. Designed with versatility in mind, it featured wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain's chairs, and a practical design that could fit three car seats across the second bench or even accommodate five car seats in total.

A highlight was the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology, enabling easy third-row access with a simple press of a button, even with forward-facing car seats installed. The second-row center console's removable design added to the practical storage solutions Nissan incorporated throughout the cabin.

With standard tri-zone automatic climate control and a multitude of storage options, including 16 cup and bottle holders, it catered to family needs effectively. Storage space was generous with 80.5 cubic feet when both rear rows were down, and 45.0 cubic feet with one row. The rear cargo area was notably functional, with flush sides for easy loading of large items and additional under-floor storage.

In comparison, the Sienna was an ultimate family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside. Cargo capacities were significantly higher, boasting 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the front seats. A 3,500-pound towing capacity added to its versatility.

Comprehensive storage solutions included spacious cubbies, ample cupholders, and readily accessible power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, triggered by foot-motion sensors, which was especially helpful for busy families.

Nissan equipped the Pathfinder with ample technology without overwhelming buyers. The standard features list was extensive, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and more. A notable offering was the fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel available in the Platinum trim, enhancing the digital experience. Also, the availability of a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system and multiple USB ports ensured comprehensive connectivity and entertainment options.

In contrast, the Sienna offered a standard 9-inch touchscreen across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, it missed out on wireless versions of these integrations, which are becoming more common. The Sienna provided a substantial array of trial telematics services, a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet starting from XLE trims, and various audio system upgrades from a six-speaker setup in the LE to a 12-speaker JBL system in higher trims. An optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch widescreen was available for some trims, adding to its family-friendly features. The practical usefulness of these features, like the color multi-information display and head-up display in higher trims, ensured the Sienna remained technologically advanced and supportive of driver convenience and safety.

For the Pathfinder, the standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite included 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 and forward-collision warning further enhanced safety. Upper trim levels added a surround-view monitor and an extra airbag, bringing the total to 11 airbags in the Pathfinder Platinum.

The Sienna had an admirable record, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for its previous model year. The 2022 model retained the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, five LATCH locations (or four for the seven-passenger model), a rear-seat reminder system, and convenience of moving the spare tire for improved accessibility and safety during roadside tire changes.