Nissan Pathfinder 2022: Australian launch approaching for new Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade rival

The next-generation version of Nissan’s new Pathfinder large SUV will hit showrooms soon with an eight-seat layout.

It will arrive in the second-half of next year around the same time as the new-generation Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs, and shortly after the new-gen Z coupe. 

Australian-spec vehicles will allow for up to eight passengers, matching the seating arrangement of the Hyundai Palisade SUV, Staria people mover and Kia Carnival mini-van, while also offering one more seat than the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9.

Accessing the third row is also made easier thanks to second-row seats that pitch farther forward, according to Nissan, while seats six and seven are split-folding 60:40 for those that want to maximise boot space.

However, for those that want a more premium experience, the 2022 Pathfinder can also be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs with a removable centre console, giving passengers a little more room to stretch out.

Powering the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is a carryover 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine, but with an extra 10kW/11Nm squeezed out of it for a 212kW/351Nm output.

However, instead of the much-maligned continuously variable transmission (CVT) that was offered in the outgoing model, the 2022 Pathfinder will instead score a nine-speed torque convertor automatic, which can send drive to the front or all wheels.

The all-wheel-drive models will also receive a ‘Drive and Terrain Mode Selector’ with seven settings (Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow) for when the road gets rough, although the new Pathfinder will once-again be based on a monocoque platform.

The last time a Pathfinder used a ladder-frame chassis was back in 2004 with the third-generation model.

In fact, the 2022 Pathfinder rides on the same Nissan D platform as the outgoing model, with changes to the exterior sheet metal to keep it fresh in 2022.

First revealed back in February 2021, the new-look Pathfinder adopts a sleeker aesthetic than its predecessor and is easily distinguished by its enlarged V-motion front grille, slim headlights and model name-stamped rear tailgate.

The model grades remain the same as the old Pathfinder that had been around since 2013, so grades include ST, ST+, ST-L and top-spec Ti. 

Standard equipment in the new Kluger rival will include LED head and tail-lights, while Nissan is also touting an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible multimedia system.

Standard equipment in the base ST includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen, 10.8-inch head-up display, 7.0-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, sat-nav, LED dusk-sensing headlights with high-beam assist, 18-inch alloys, eight-way power driver’s seat.

The ST+ gains a powered tailgate, LED fog lights, roof rails and a surround-view monitor, while the ST-L adds leather-accented interior, heated rear seats, wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. 

The flagship Ti features 20-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, a panoramic glass sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a rearview mirror with digital imagery.

All Pathfinder variants get nine airbags, including curtain airbags that stretch to the third row, while grades from the ST+ up have features like lane keep assist and traffic jam assist.

Local pricing is yet to be announced, but Nissan Australia has confirmed 11 exterior colour choices – four of which will be a two-tone look with a contrasting black roof.

For reference, the current Pathfinder starts at $44,240 before on-road costs for the base ST 2WD, and extends to $70,140 for the hybrid Ti AWD.