2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, while the luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille and large 22-inch wheels with a bright finish. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille, standard LED headlights, and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the base LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293. The interior featured a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, electronic transmission controls, and a maximum seating capacity of eight. Quality met expectations, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper cabin, while the lower half was covered in hard plastic.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a new era of SUV design with styling cues from the Rogue and Armada. It featured a new V-motion grille, LED headlights, and slim LED daytime running lights. The Pathfinder offered 11 paint jobs and colour combinations, with a black roof option. Its side panels and hood gave it a beefier look, aligning with the Kia Telluride's design. The Pathfinder was 15 mm wider, 7 mm higher, and 23 mm shorter than its predecessor, with improved legroom. It came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, with body-colour door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. The interior offered eight-passenger seating, with semi-aniline leather-appointed seats in higher trims. The Pathfinder's interior was more upscale than its competitors, with thoughtful innovations like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology and a removable second-row centre console. Cargo space was generous, with 470 litres behind the third row, 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and 2,421 litres with both rows down.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a 5.3-litre V8, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline six-cylinder engine was available for all trims except the Z71, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a 4WD system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and all-terrain tires. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle an 831-kilogram payload. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality, handling, and interior comfort. The Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, adaptive damping, and air suspension upgrades. The 5.3-litre V8 and 10-speed transmission provided refined performance, with Dynamic Fuel Management technology improving fuel efficiency. Handling was commendable, with suspension upgrades controlling body roll and motion.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT. The Pathfinder offered standard AWD in Canada, with hill descent control and seven drive and terrain modes. The suspension setup provided a stable ride, absorbing road imperfections. Steering was connected, with a tight turning radius making it easy to park and steer. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound towing capacity, with a Class II tow hitch and trailer harness standard on the Platinum grade. The transmission occasionally struggled to find the right spot at speed, but stabilizing trailer sway control technology made towing stable.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console was highly recommended, offering a large storage tray and locking drawer. The second row offered a 3-person bench seat or individual captain’s chairs, with a wide pass-through to the third row. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, comfortably accommodating adults. The Tahoe provided 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, 2,056 litres with the third row folded, and 3,480 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's interior comfort was enhanced by reduced road noise and improved insulation. The design focused on flexibility, with wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second-row bench. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy third-row access. The removable second-row centre console was a thoughtful innovation. The Pathfinder offered 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and 2,421 litres with both rows down. The front and second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, with heated front seats standard and ventilated seats available on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a voice-recognition system, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with fast Bluetooth pairing and effective wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering Wi-Fi wireless device projection and content sharing. A 15-inch head-up display was available.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a wealth of technology, including a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 7-inch digital driver-information display. Upper trims offered a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and a head-up display.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, a rear-seat reminder system, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear pedestrian detection. Premier and High Country trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the SUV in tight spaces. The Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. A driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning were also standard. Upper trims featured a surround-view monitor. The Pathfinder had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.