2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often criticized for its lack of distinctive styling, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was marked by a few unique elements, such as the grille and some chromed plastic features, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral shades, making it challenging to find a CR-V in a vibrant hue. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and upscale materials in higher trims, but it still faced stiff competition from rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a bold new design, drawing inspiration from Nissan's SUV lineup. It featured a revamped V-motion grille, LED headlights, and a robust C-pillar design reminiscent of the original Pathfinder. The Pathfinder offered a wider range of paint options, including a striking black roof. Its beefier appearance, with sleek taillights and bold badging, gave it a more rugged and capable look. The Pathfinder's design changes aimed to position it as a more adventurous and robust choice, appealing to buyers seeking a distinctive and modern SUV.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower. While it wasn't known for thrilling acceleration, it provided smooth and steady performance, reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims, similar to most rivals in its class.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the Pathfinder offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. It came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada, featuring hill descent control and seven drive modes. The Pathfinder's towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,720 kilograms) was a standout feature, making it a strong choice for those needing to tow trailers or boats. Its suspension improvements provided a stable ride, and the tight turning radius made it easy to maneuver in various settings.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with higher trims offering power and hands-free operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder focused on interior comfort and flexibility. It featured improved sound insulation, making for a quieter cabin. The Pathfinder's design allowed for easy loading and unloading, with wide-opening doors and innovative EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seats for effortless third-row access. It offered best-in-class front-seat legroom and ample space for passengers. The Pathfinder's cargo capacity was impressive, with 470 litres behind the third row and up to 2,421 litres with the second and third rows folded. Its thoughtful design included a removable second-row centre console and abundant storage options.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had varying audio setups, while the Touring trim featured a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also introduced a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a wealth of technology, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch digital driver-information display. Upper trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Pathfinder's audio system options included a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system on higher trims. It also featured multiple USB ports and a head-up display on the Platinum trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system included a suite of advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, all standard across trims. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on higher trims. The Pathfinder included ten airbags, with an additional airbag on the Platinum trim. However, crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.