2022 Nissan Pathfinder

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.

Nissan Pathfinder
Pictured: 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD in Baja Storm Metallic, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
S/Sv 4dr SUV, Sl/Platinum 4dr SUV
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
7–8
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
Length
197.2 in
Curb weight
4,478–4,594 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 13% below the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,478 lb (S/Sv 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 13% worse than the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2022

  • Lightest version 203 lb heavier

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Pathfinder →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.5L
Transmission9-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7–8 seats · 3 rows

Trims

PlatinumSLSV

Safety & driver-assist features

Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Pathfinder configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
S/Sv 4dr SUV197.2 in78 in70.9 in114.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,478 lb56/44
Sl/Platinum 4dr SUV197.2 in78 in70.9 in114.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,594 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Pathfinder 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23-13%$2,900386
Pathfinder 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)4-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23-6%$2,900384
Pathfinder 4WD Platinum3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)4-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22+16%$3,050399
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.5 MPG2022 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.5%
2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWDNot rated★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2022 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2022 Nissan Pathfinder (this car)23 MPG★★★★★5
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated3
2022 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★3
2022 Ford Explorer27 MPGNot rated25
2022 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★6
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee23 MPGNot rated24
2022 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★7

Recalls (5)

Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Software · Jul 21, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V527000 · 10,477 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rogue, 2022 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan rental vehicles. When the Sirius XM subscription is set to "Not Subscribed," it may cause the infotainment head unit to reboot, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
The Infotainment system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A5 PC901 PC902.
Seats › Critical Fasteners · Feb 24, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V111000 · 21 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 INFINITI QX60 and Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. The second-row seat track may be missing a mounting bolt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk
A missing mounting bolt may allow the seat track to move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the second-row seat track and install a new mounting bolt as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PC867 and PC868.
Seats › Critical Fasteners · Sep 23, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V743000 · 5,895 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Pathfinder vehicles. The second-row seat back frames may have insufficient welds that could separate.
Risk
Seat backs with separated welds may fail to adequately restrain occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replaced the seat assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PC845, PC846, and PC847.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Head Restraint · Sep 23, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V742000 · 10,082 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Pathfinder vehicles. The third-row headrests may have an improper weld or misaligned internal components, which can allow the headrest to move or detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Risk
Headrests that move or detach may not adequately restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace all three third-row seat headrests, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC844.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Sep 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V706000 · 3,030 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Pathfinder vehicles. Insufficient welds may allow the secondary hood latch retainer bracket to detach from the front bumper assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Risk
A detached secondary hood latch may allow the hood to open if the primary hood latch is not engaged, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the secondary hood latch bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC840.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

136Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
12,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes33
Unknown Or Other26
Electrical System20
Engine18
Power Train17
Seats16
Vehicle Speed Control8
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/09: 224/10: 424/11: 324/12: 125/01: 325/03: 325/04: 225/05: 225/06: 225/07: 425/08: 225/09: 225/10: 425/11: 125/12: 126/01: 126/02: 226/03: 426/04: 426/05: 126/06: 326/07: 126/08: 226/10: 124/0924/1225/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2022 Nissan Pathfinder buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 33 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Electrical System — 20 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 12,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Pathfinder years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Pathfinder23197.2 inNot rated015
2025 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★157
2024 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★286
2023 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★1107
2020 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★048
2019 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★276
2018 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★378
2017 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★2188
2016 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★2107
2015 Pathfinder26197.2 in★★★★★6321
2014 Pathfinder26197.2 in★★★★★12531
2013 Pathfinder22197.2 inNot rated11546

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →