2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Eight-seater SUV revealed

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has been officially unveiled, with up to eight passengers accommodated for in the family SUV.

Nissan has chosen its proven 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine for the new Pathfinder – a carry-over from the previous shape, but with a performance increase of 10kW/11Nm for a total of 212kW of power and 351Nm of torque.

The old model's CVT automatic has been dropped in favour of an all-new, nine-speed conventional automatic transmission, available with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Above: The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Overseas model shown. Click on any photos to access the gallery.

Like other vehicles recently revealed by the Japanese car maker, Nissan has opted to unveil the Pathfinder with a sole petrol engine.

While an alternative hybrid powertrain is expected in time, it's possible the 2022 Pathfinder could be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, shared with the Infiniti QX50 sold in the US, developing 200kW – though there's no word whether this will be available with hybrid assistance, or if we'll see another 2.5-litre supercharged engine offered with electrified assistance, as with the last model.

Yet to be confirmed for Australia is the braked towing weight, but indications out of the US suggest the 2022 Pathfinder will match the 2700kg towing capacity claimed by the outgoing version.

In fact, much of the old car remains under the new model's skin, with the new SUV sharing the previous model's 2900mm wheelbase. Overall length has shrunk by 38mm to 5003mm, while the car's width and height have grown by around 19mm and 12mm to 1979mm and 1778mm respectively.

On the outside, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has been treated to an all-new design, with an upright and confident shape – said to be reminiscent of earlier generations – and a more sophisticated set of lines, helping to differentiate the model from its smaller X-Trail sibling.

The front-end enjoys the company's new design language, with C-shaped LED headlights with signature daytime-running lights, Nissan's 'V-motion' grille, and sleek tail-lights.

A new satin chrome Pathfinder badge now sits predominantly across the motion-activated power tailgate.

Inside, buyers benefit from eight seats as standard, with the third-row accommodating three occupants on a 60/40 split-fold bench seat. A seven-seat configuration is also available as an option, with captain's chairs fitted to the second row with a removable centre console.

To help passengers board and alight from the third row, Nissan offers one-touch folding and sliding functionality for the second row seats. Heated seats are also available for rear occupants.

The driver and front passenger enjoy climate-controlled seats, while the interior is clad in semi-aniline leather. A panoramic sunroof is also available.

Infotainment comes courtesy of a 9.0-inch touchscreen running the brand's 'NissanConnect' infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto capability and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 10.8-inch head-up display, while other interior featured include wireless smartphone charging, satellite navigation, a 360-degree camera, and a Bose premium audio system with 13 speakers.

Nissan says the new Pathfinder is quieter than the previous model, with thicker second-row glass, and great sound insulation – absorbing 60 per cent more engine noise.

Nissan's onboard 'ProPilot Assist' system with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist offers semi-autonomous speed control on highways, while the brand's 'Safety Shield 360' safety suite offers front and rear autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and high-beam assist.

The system also offers intelligent forward-collision warning, 'intelligent' driver attention monitoring, blind-spot intervention, intelligent lane intervention, and traffic-sign recognition. The vehicle also comes with ten airbags as standard.

Nissan Australia has yet to confirm if or when the new Pathfinder will be available in local showrooms.

However, with the vehicle slated to go on sale in the US mid-year, it's likely we'll see the Pathfinder arrive in late 2021 or early 2022.

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