Nissan Pathfinder vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a more premium crossover styling that was lower and wider than its predecessor. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a sculpted appearance that was more refined than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, yet not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut, featuring upgraded exterior elements like a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels. The interior of the Avenir was adorned with leather-appointed seating and a head-up display, while all Envisions came with LED lighting and a driver-centric cabin design.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a new era of SUV design with a robust aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the original Pathfinder. It featured a new V-motion grille, LED headlights, and a bulky C-pillar, offering 14 paint jobs and color combinations. The Pathfinder was slightly wider and higher than its predecessor, providing more legroom and a planted look. Available in four trims—S, SV, SL, and Platinum—the Pathfinder offered standard eight-passenger seating, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs. The interior was upscale, with features like semi-aniline leather-appointed seats and a removable second-row center console, enhancing its family-friendly design.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite a weight reduction of 200 to 300 pounds, the power downgrade from the previous model made the Envision less powerful but more fuel-efficient, achieving 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway in FWD. The Envision offered a comfortable ride, though engine and road noise were noticeable, and its drivability was more akin to a Lincoln than a sportier SUV. The drive mode selector included a Sport mode, but the noise and fuel economy trade-off were not ideal.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, now paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in FWD and AWD, the Pathfinder offered a smooth ride with a stable suspension, absorbing road imperfections well. It achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in FWD, with a 6,000-pound towing capacity. The Pathfinder's steering was connected, and its tight turning radius made it easy to maneuver. The transmission occasionally struggled at speed but recalibrated quickly, and the SUV featured stabilizing trailer sway control technology.

The 2021 Buick Envision, despite its aesthetic improvements, offered less interior space than its predecessor, with reduced headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity. It provided 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. Standard features included heated seats and a heated steering wheel, but the Envision's comfort was average, with small-item storage typical for its segment.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility, with reduced road noise and thoughtful design features like wide-opening doors and EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seats. It offered best-in-class front-seat legroom and five inches more hip room for third-row passengers. The Pathfinder provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior was spacious, with heated and ventilated seats available, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Pathfinder's design accommodated families with multiple car seats and ample storage solutions.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch but not revolutionary. It included standard features like USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features included navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging. The infotainment system was driver-focused, making it difficult for passengers to access controls.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a wealth of technology, including a standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 7-inch digital driver-information display. Upper trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. A 13-speaker Bose audio system was available, and the Pathfinder featured multiple USB ports and NissanConnect Services, providing a comprehensive tech experience.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced park assist were available on the Avenir trim. The Envision lacked advanced driver-assist systems like GM’s Super Cruise.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on upper trims. The Pathfinder included ten airbags, with an additional airbag on the Platinum trim, though it had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.