2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from the new era of Nissan’s SUV lineup. It featured a new take on the V-motion grille, similar to the Rogue and Armada, with the updated Nissan logo on a three-slot grille paying homage to the first-generation Pathfinder. LED headlights and slim daytime running lights flanked the grille, leading to a bulky C-pillar reminiscent of the original design. The Pathfinder was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a black roof option. The side panels and hood gave the SUV a beefier look, aligning more with the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The vehicle was slightly wider and higher, with a shorter length, offering more legroom than its predecessor. The design changes aimed to position the Pathfinder as more capable and rugged.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sleek and poised stance, with a body tilted toward the front, giving it a dynamic look. The long roofline contained a large greenhouse without appearing bulky. Pronounced wheel arches and a snub nose added to its athleticism, while the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights paid homage to its Swedish heritage. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo committed to going leather-free by 2030, but the XC90 still offered Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery. The interior was luxurious and comfortable, with exquisite details and a focus on quality.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT. The Pathfinder was available in FWD and AWD configurations, with FWD models offering a five-position drive mode selector and AWD models featuring seven drive and terrain modes. The vehicle had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for FWD models, and slightly lower for AWD models. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound towing capacity and a stable ride, with a tight turning radius making it easy to maneuver. The suspension setup absorbed road imperfections well, and the steering was reasonably connected.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were FWD with optional AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The T8 had an 18-mile EV range and a combined 55 MPGe rating. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery. The T8 Inscription extended range model offered spirited acceleration and a fun driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's interior was designed for comfort and flexibility. It featured improved insulation, acoustic laminated glass, and thicker second-row glass to reduce noise. The rear door Intelligent Key, wide-opening doors, and optional second-row captain's chairs made loading and unloading easy. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed for easy third-row access. The Pathfinder offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The front and second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, with heated seats standard on all models above base. The Pathfinder also had a manual-closing liftgate on lower trims and a motion-activated power liftgate on the Platinum model.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The SUV could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin with a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable environment.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a wealth of technology. 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, and multiple USB ports. Upper trims offered a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door connected navigation, and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was occasionally slow to respond. The XC90 also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The XC90 included multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which 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, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning were also standard. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with the Platinum trim adding an eleventh. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive list of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.