2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with all-wheel drive as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's minivan-like design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a new era of SUV design with a bold and robust aesthetic. The front featured a new V-motion grille, LED headlights, and a three-slot grille paying homage to the original Pathfinder. The SUV's side panels and hood gave it a beefier look, aligning with modern trends. The Pathfinder was wider and higher than its predecessor, offering more legroom and a planted look. Available in four trims, it featured body-colour door handles, chrome accents, and privacy glass, with options for a panoramic moonroof and roof rack.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot offered various driving modes and fuel-saving technologies, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. It introduced a new 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT. The Pathfinder offered standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with hill descent control and seven drive modes. While fuel consumption estimates were not available, the Pathfinder's suspension provided a stable ride, and its tight turning radius made it easy to manoeuvre. It boasted a 6,000-pound towing capacity, with stabilizing trailer sway control technology enhancing towing stability.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, but storage was abundant throughout the cabin. The Pilot provided 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,583 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,092 litres.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort with improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass. It offered flexible seating arrangements, including optional second-row captain’s chairs and the ability to install up to five car seats. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide technology facilitated easy third-row access. The Pathfinder provided 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,421 litres. The front and second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, with heated and ventilated options available.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a navigation system, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. However, the infotainment system was considered adequate, with limited HondaLink subscription services.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a wealth of standard technology, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 7-inch digital driver-information display. Upper trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a Bose Premium Audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital instrument panel and head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder offered Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. It featured a rearview camera, with a surround-view monitor available on upper trims. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with an additional airbag on the Platinum trim. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of writing.