New Nissan Pathfinder likely to get hybrid in the next step [Update]

Update: ‘On the 2023/2024 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid’ section updated.

The fifth-gen Nissan Pathfinder that debuted in 2021 is on sale in the U.S. Built at the company’s Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant in Tennessee, USA, the fifth-gen model is expected to get electrified with a hybrid variant by 2023.

Video Source: YouTube/Nissan USA

Design

The Nissan Pathfinder has been redesigned to look sharper, boxier, and more rugged for MY2022. C-shaped headlights, larger radiator grille, squarer silhouette, edgy, wider, and slimmer taillights, and the “boxed out” liftgate give an assertive and bold look that was missed in the fourth generation.

Inside, the Nissan Pathfinder seems to have gone on a diet to free up space and look more upmarket. The sleeker dashboard, more compact steering wheel, fully digital instrument cluster, decluttered center console with far fewer buttons, and the free-standing touchscreen infotainment system give a very contemporary look, clearly a big leap from the fourth generation. The fifth-gen Pathfinder seats up to eight people. Unlike the old model, Nissan will optionally sell it with captain seats in the second-row with a no-tools-required removable center console.

Features

On the outside, the 2022 Pathfinder features LED headlights, including slim upper DRLs, two-tone body paint and alloy wheels, LED taillights, and Pathfinder branding in block lettering on the tailgate.

Interior highlights include a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, 10.8-inch HUD, 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, second-row bench seat with EZ FLEX one-touch release fold/side, climate-controlled front seats with 10-way power adjustment for driver’s seat, two-zone climate control, and heated rear seats.

Safety

Ten airbags, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Rear Door Alert, Forward Collision Warning, and Nissan Safety Shield 360 are standard in the 2022 Pathfinder. Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes the following safety systems:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• High Beam Assist
• Rear Automatic Braking

More safety and driver assistance systems like Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link are available.

Powertrain

A conventional 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, is standard in the 2022 Pathfinder. Nissan has teamed it with an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission. An all-new 4WD system with 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector is optional.

On the 2023/2024 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

By next year, Nissan could introduce the new Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid. What is certain is that the hybrid model would feature the company’s e-Power system, similar to the one planned for the Nissan X-Trail, and is available in the Nissan Qashqai e-Power.

A report from carsales.com.au claims that Nissan is considering using its series hybrid system in the fifth-gen Pathfinder. We have no hints on the specs, but the company may use an upgraded version of the X-Trail e-Power’s setup which employs a 1.5L engine. Nissan may design a new e-Power system for its heavy-duty vehicles, including the Navara pickup, where towing and hauling are given due consideration.

The U.S. could be an important market for the Nissan Pathfinder e-Power. Nissan sold 41,324 Pathfinders in the country in 2021, 14.9% fewer than in 2020 (48,579 units). As Nissan battled supply chain issues to get the redesigned model into dealer showrooms, sales could have dropped. In Q1 2022, the company delivered 8,975 units of the Pathfinder in the U.S., where the year-over-year sales performance was mostly flat (Q1 2021: 8,905 units).

2022 Nissan Pathfinder FAQs

Featured Image Source: Nissan