By Steve & Tamami Laser
Nissan continued its product renaissance this week with the long-awaited introductions of the all-new 2022 Pathfinder and Frontier.
Both models, expected in Nissan U.S. showrooms this summer, receive bold redesigns inside and out, offer a wealth of new technologies and expanded capabilities, and deliver the latest in passenger comfort and connectivity features.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Sports Dramatic New Look
Nissan says the new Pathfinder was designed to convey a sense of strength and capability. The new model features a bold interpretation of Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, along with standard C-shaped LED headlights and narrow Daytime Running Lights.
The side view shows off the blister fenders, larger tires, shorter front overhang, and floating-style roofline. With its C-pillar “structural SUV look,” Pathfinder offers two-tone paint choices for the first time.
The new look continues at the rear, with wide LED taillights, a “boxed out” liftgate style that’s influenced by the original models, and large satin-chrome Pathfinder script. New Scarlet Ember with Super Black Metallic exterior color combo is said to deliver a high-energy look reminiscent of the first Pathfinder.
The standard 3.5-liter direct-injection V6, rated at 284-horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque, is teamed with a new 9-speed automatic transmission with manual-mode paddle shifters and electronic shift-by-wire drive selector. Nissan’s new Intelligent 4WD is optional, with a 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode selector, including Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow modes. Trailer Sway Control is standard, while available maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds.
Pathfinder’s spacious interior features seating for eight passengers with a standard second-row EZ Flex® bench seat, or seven, when equipped with newly available second-row captain’s chairs. A variety of interior trim includes brushed bronze metallic accents, woven cloth, leather-trimmed, and premium quilted semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats.
With its standard 60/40-split folding third-row seat, Nissan says Pathfinder can hold four golf bags, or a 120-quart cooler, with the rear seats up, and transport 4×8-foot plywood sheets, with the second-and third-rows folded down.
Among the available high-tech features is a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that offers a selection of screen options. Also new is an available 10.8-inch Head-up Display that projects information, such as turn-by-turn directions, onto the windshield for easy viewing.
The available 9.0-inch color touchscreen is placed high on the center stack. NissanConnect®, featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, is standard on all models. Also offered is NissanConnect® with WiFi Hot Spot, a wireless smartphone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay®, Bose® Premium Audio with 12 speakers, NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM®, Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation, and Intelligent Around View® Monitor.
Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, that combines Intelligent Cruise Control with steering assist for highway driving, is available on Pathfinder SV and SL. New ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, on Platinum models, links the feature with Door-to-Door Navigation for proactively reducing speed for upcoming freeway curves or junctions, for example.
Nissan Safety Shield® 360 standard features include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Rear Automatic Braking, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Rear Door Alert. Also available is Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Traffic Sign Recognition.
2022 Nissan Frontier Delivers Rugged Utility
The new midsize Frontier’s bold redesign sports styling cues inspired by Nissan’s trendsetting Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and ‘90s. Built for weekday work and weekend adventures, Frontier offers a variety of Crew Cab and King Cab models for 2022, with the choice of 2WD and 4WD powertrains.
With its powerful front appearance, the new Frontier wears a large grille and chiseled hood, flanked by interlocking-style LED headlights. The low-gloss black grille with black inner or bodycolor trim is topped with the “Frontier” name embossed on top. Tactical Green Metallic and Boulder Gray Pearl are among the body color choices for the new models.
Unique features for PRO-4X (4WD) and PRO-X (2WD) models include off-road suspension tuning with Bilstein® off-road shocks, three skid plates for PRO-4X (front only for PRO-X), Off-Road Mode (PRO-4X), electronic locking rear differential (PRO-4X), 17-inch painted alloy wheels with Lava Red center caps and 265/70R17 all-terrain tires, fender flares and Lava Red grille accents.
Built on a rugged, heavy-duty, fully boxed ladder frame, Frontier features a standard 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine, rated at 310 horsepower and 281 lb.-ft. of torque. A new 9-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the rear wheels, or all four when equipped with shift-on-the-fly 4WD. With an electronically controlled part-time transfer case, 4WD models offer an available 4-wheel limited-slip system for enhanced grip on low traction surfaces.
Cargo carrying versatility is enhanced with Frontier’s available Utili-track™ Channel System with three “C” cross-section rails, dampened locking tailgate, bed rail protectors, LED bed under-rail lighting, four cargo tie-down hooks, and factory spray-in bedliner. Trailer Sway Control is standard, while maximum towing capacity, when properly equipped, is 6,720 pounds (2WD S and SV).
Frontier’s all-new utility-centric interior is dressed for comfort. There’s a standard 7.0-inch Advanced Driver Assist Display, new trim, finishers and meter accents inspired by adventure gear, plus abundant storage solutions throughout. PRO-4X and PRO-X interiors feature Lava Red accents and Charcoal seating surfaces.
The standard 8.0-inch color touchscreen includes Apply CarPlay® and Android Auto™ while a 9.0-inch touchscreen is offered. Other available high-tech features include Intelligent Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Off-Road Mode, NissanConnect® with WiFi hotspot, wireless smartphone charger, and a Fender® Premium Audio system with nine speakers.
Frontier’s lengthy list of available safety features includes Nissan Safety Shield® 360, with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Rear Automatic Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Driver Alertness and Rear Door Alert.
Note: Prototype vehicles shown. Features, specifications and launch timing for future U.S. market production models is subject to change without notice
News source and photos courtesy of Nissan North America, Inc.
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