When it comes to finding the perfect family SUV, the choices can be overwhelming. Two strong contenders in the market are the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. While both offer spacious three-row seating and a range of features, they cater to different needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve into the look and feel, performance, and form and function of these vehicles to help you make an informed decision about which one suits your family best.
2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Three-Row Crossovers Compared
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota Highlander as an 8 out of 10 in terms of look and feel. The Highlander boasts a modern, somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and the clever design of the third-row window create an illusion of a smaller, sleeker SUV.
Inside, the Highlander impresses with a spacious cabin and smart storage solutions. Trims range from the base L to the upscale Platinum, offering a wide variety of features to meet different needs and budgets. Notably, the XSE trim stands out with a bold red leather interior, unique styling elements, and a sport-tuned suspension.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder also receives high praise, with CarGurus experts rating it as a 9 out of 10 for look and feel. Nissan has revamped the Pathfinder's design, giving it a rugged yet modern appearance for the 2022 model year. It features Nissan's signature V-motion grille, LED headlights, and a distinctive C-pillar design reminiscent of the original Pathfinder.
Nissan offers an extensive range of paint options and combinations, allowing buyers to customize their Pathfinder's appearance. The 2022 Pathfinder is wider and more stable on the road compared to its predecessor, emphasizing its newfound ruggedness.
Performance
In terms of performance, CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota Highlander 7 out of 10. The Highlander is equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an option.
The Highlander's V6 engine provides ample power for highway cruising and overtaking. Handling is commendable, especially in the sport-tuned XSE trim, which offers reduced body roll and composed steering. Additionally, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,685 pounds, making it a capable family hauler.
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's performance higher, at 8 out of 10. The Pathfinder is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Notably, Nissan has replaced the previous continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, resulting in smoother gear changes.
Like the Highlander, the Pathfinder offers both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and AWD configurations, with the latter providing enhanced stability and versatility. The Pathfinder also boasts a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, making it a strong contender for families with towing needs.
Form and Function
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota Highlander as a 9 out of 10 for form and function. The Highlander impresses with its versatility and thoughtful design. With the second and third-row seats folded down, it provides a generous 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Even with the second-row seats in use, there's still 48.4 cubic feet of cargo room. For those moments when all seats are deployed, the Highlander offers a respectable 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.
The interior is loaded with practical features, including deep cargo pockets in the front doors, ample storage compartments, and clever cupholder placements. The availability of second-row captain's chairs adds convenience, creating a center aisle for access to the third row.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder also scores a 9 out of 10 for form and function. Nissan has gone the extra mile to make the Pathfinder's interior comfortable and flexible for families. The cabin is remarkably quiet, thanks to improved insulation and acoustic glass, reducing road noise.
Nissan prioritized flexibility, offering optional second-row captain's chairs and the ability to fit up to five car seats simultaneously. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allows for easy access to the third row. The Pathfinder's interior is equally practical, featuring a removable center console, generous storage spaces, and ample cup and bottle holders.
In terms of cargo space, the Pathfinder provides 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. Additionally, its flush rear cargo space sides make loading bulky items hassle-free.
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota Highlander an 8 out of 10 for technology. The Highlander comes standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While it doesn't offer wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, it boasts a straightforward layout with hard buttons flanking the screen. This combination of touchscreen and hard controls offers a user-friendly experience, reminiscent of the automotive industry's recent past.
Beneath the climate controls, the XSE model features a wireless charging pad and a mix of USB and USB-C ports. You can also opt for a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen for added convenience. Additional available features include a digital instrument panel screen and an impressive 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder received a technology rating of 7 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. Nissan equips the Pathfinder with a wealth of standard features across its trim levels, ensuring that even the base models are well-equipped. Standard tech includes a six-speaker audio system, an 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 various power outlets and USB ports.
On higher trim levels, such as the Pathfinder SL and Platinum, you'll find even more tech goodies, including a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door connected navigation, extra USB ports, HomeLink, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and NissanConnect Services.
Safety
CarGurus experts awarded the 2022 Toyota Highlander an 8 out of 10 for safety. The Highlander comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance features, providing essential safety systems such as forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all but the base L trim. Higher-level trims offer optional safety features like front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view parking monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights. While these features enhance safety, some drivers may find the lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems overly active.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder excels in safety, earning a rating of 9 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. Nissan includes the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite as standard on every Pathfinder, providing automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additionally, a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning are also standard.
The Pathfinder offers a rearview camera as standard, while upper trim levels benefit from a surround-view monitor. The Pathfinder Platinum even surpasses competitors with 11 airbags, adding an extra layer of safety in the case of a crash.
CarGurus experts gave the 2022 Toyota Highlander 9 out of 10 for cost effectiveness. The Highlander offers fuel-efficient options, with the FWD L and FWD XLE models achieving an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The AWD versions are slightly less efficient, returning 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. During real-world testing, the 2022 Highlander XSE achieved a commendable 23.4 mpg.
Pricing for the Highlander starts at $35,855 for the base L trim and goes up from there. The range-topping Platinum trim starts at $48,010 and is backed by a generous five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder 8 out of 10 for cost effectiveness. The Pathfinder offers competitive pricing, with the base S trim starting at $33,410 for FWD and $35,310 for AWD. As you move up the trim levels, prices increase, with the top-tier Pathfinder Platinum starting at $46,190 for FWD and $48,090 for AWD. Keep in mind that there's a $1,150 destination charge added to these prices.
Nissan offers two premium packages that add desirable features, and the Pathfinder's pricing remains competitive within its segment.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Toyota Highlander is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder scores slightly higher at 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, here are our recommendations:
Choose the 2022 Toyota Highlander if:
You prioritize a versatile and well-rounded SUV that excels in the basics.
You seek a range of options, from fuel efficiency to sportiness and upscale features.
You value a proven track record of reliability and a generous powertrain warranty.
In the end, both the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder are solid choices, but the Pathfinder edges ahead slightly due to its impressive safety features and competitive pricing. However, your final decision should be based on your specific priorities and preferences.
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