Nissan Pathfinder vs Ford Edge

The 2021 Ford Edge retained a design that had remained largely unchanged since its 2019 refresh. Ford had successfully updated the Edge’s exterior to align it with its more modern design philosophy while keeping the older body shell. This refresh resulted in a cleaner look that set it apart from competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Edge Titanium trim added chrome accents to signify higher status, while the ST trim featured a blacked-out grille, standard 20-inch wheels, and a body kit. Ford also offered an Edge ST-Line that mirrored the ST’s exterior without the high-performance upgrades. However, the interior of the Edge started to show signs of aging, especially around the dashboard, where it seemed less modern despite accommodation tweaks for new features such as a larger touchscreen. The Titanium models featured leather upholstery, and the ST models had sporty seats with contrast stitching and additional bolstering.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder adopted a design that felt more contemporary and rugged, aimed at evoking the brand's new SUV design era. The front sported Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, flanked by LED headlights and slim daytime running lights. Nissan drew lines from its past, like the design homage to the original Pathfinder with the three-slot grille and substantial C-pillar. The Pathfinder came in 14 color combinations, including options with a black roof for added contrast. Its beefier look was more in tune with SUVs like the Kia Telluride and targeted a stronger, more robust image than its predecessor. Dimensionally, the new Pathfinder was made wider and positioned to look more planted, which reinforced its more rugged appeal. The interior saw highlights like available semi-aniline leather in higher trims, plenty of seating configurations, and a design that suggested more upscale aesthetics compared to competitors.

Performance in the 2021 Ford Edge was driven by two main engine choices. Most models were equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine capable of producing 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Edge ST stepped up with a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, generating an impressive 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, available only with AWD and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Despite benchmarking SUVs such as the Porsche Macan, the Edge ST wasn’t quite on par but delivered a generally enjoyable driving experience within its segment. Towing capacities ranged from 3,958 pounds for the FWD four-cylinder to 4,525 pounds for the V6-powered Edge ST.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained the same 3.5-liter V6 engine from its predecessor producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF. This ensured smooth transitions through gears. The Pathfinder was available in both FWD and AWD, with the latter including a seven-position drive mode selector. Fuel efficiency for the Pathfinder was reasonably good, reaching up to 25 mpg on the highway with AWD models and coming equipped with a capless fuel filler. With improved suspension and a better turning radius than competitors, the Pathfinder offered a stable ride and ease of handling, and it excelled in towing with a maximum capacity of 6,000 pounds.

Inside the 2021 Ford Edge, users found a competitive space-optimizing design. The Edge offered the most rear-seat headroom among two-row midsize crossovers and second-row legroom only behind the Hyundai Santa Fe. Cargo capacity stood at 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 73.4 cubic feet when folded, positions second only to the Honda Passport and VW Atlas Cross Sport. The Edge’s interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control and a rotary shift knob intended to save console space, although the design left something to be desired in terms of usability.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder showcased an interior focused on comfort and versatility. Sound insulation had undergone significant improvements for a quieter cabin. The Pathfinder’s interior was family-centric, featuring wide-opening rear doors, the ability to accommodate five car seats, and optional second-row captain’s chairs. Nissan paid particular attention to passenger and cargo accessibility, introducing the EZ Flex Latch and Glide system for the second row. Cargo space behind the third row measured 16.6 cubic feet, expanding to 45.0 cubic feet with the second row up and 80.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Pathfinder managed to offer flush rear cargo space and additional hidden storage, adding flexibility for various storage needs.

Ford equipped the 2021 Edge with the latest Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other tech inclusions were a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM with a free trial, and USB ports, including recently added rear USB-C ports. The higher trim Edge ST also included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Sync 4 provided user-friendly graphics and menu structures, ensuring navigability for users.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder boasted an array of tech features that were functional without being overly complex. Standard amenities included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant, voice recognition, a digital driver-information display, and various USB ports. Higher trims provided upgrades such as a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging pad, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Additionally, the Pathfinder Platinum garnered features like a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display, enhancing the technological experience further.

The 2021 Ford Edge received high accolades for safety, being named an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" with top ratings in crash tests and front crash prevention technology, albeit with some lower ratings in vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention and headlight performance. The NHTSA granted the Edge a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist, with higher trims adding adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist.

Nissan ensured every 2022 Pathfinder came with its Safety Shield 360 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and more. Additional safety features included a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, forward-collision warning, and a standard rearview camera. Higher trims added a surround-view monitor and extra airbags. Official crash test ratings were not available from IIHS or NHTSA yet.