2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a bold new design that drew inspiration from the Japanese automaker's latest SUV styling trends. Its front featured a reimagined V-motion grille, flanked by LED headlights and slim daytime running lights, creating a modern yet rugged appearance. The Pathfinder's side panels and hood contributed to a beefier look, reminiscent of the Kia Telluride, while the sleek taillights wrapped around the liftgate, accentuated by bold badging. The vehicle was slightly wider and taller than its predecessor, offering more legroom and a planted stance on the road. Available in four trims, the Pathfinder provided a range of features, including body-colour door handles, chrome accents, and optional panoramic moonroof and roof rack. Inside, the Pathfinder offered eight-passenger seating, with the Platinum trim featuring second-row captain's chairs. The interior's upscale aesthetic rivalled competitors like the Highlander and Telluride, with options for cloth or leather-appointed seats.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to impress with its modern and sporty design, following a facelift in 2020. The RX's exterior boasted sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained look. The F Sport models added a touch of athleticism with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and performance-oriented features. Inside, the RX maintained its luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite its high-quality materials, the centre stack felt dated, and the seats lacked comfort, particularly in the F Sport variant. The RX offered a smooth and quiet ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease. However, the driving position and seat comfort left room for improvement, making it less ideal for long journeys.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the Pathfinder offered smooth gear transitions and a stable ride. Standard all-wheel drive in Canada, along with hill descent control and seven drive modes, enhanced its versatility. The Pathfinder's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, and its tight turning radius made it easy to manoeuvre in urban and off-road settings. With a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the Pathfinder excelled in hauling capabilities, aided by stabilizing trailer sway control technology.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for 308 hp. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance fell short, with lacklustre acceleration and engine noise. The F Sport's adaptive suspension and drive modes, including Sport+, failed to deliver significant changes in driving dynamics. However, the RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a serene driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 consuming 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the hybrid RX 450h offered better efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility, with improved insulation reducing road noise. The spacious cabin accommodated up to eight passengers, with best-in-class front-seat legroom and innovative EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seats for easy third-row access. The removable second-row centre console and ample cargo space, including 2,421 litres with seats folded, added to its practicality. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated options in higher trims, and tri-zone climate control ensured passenger comfort.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models, however, provided limited space for passengers and cargo. Cargo capacity varied, with up to 1,657 litres available with seats folded. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the high load-in height and non-flat folding seats limited practicality. Despite these drawbacks, the RX maintained a luxurious feel with quality materials and a range of comfort features.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a wealth of 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 screen, wireless charging, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The Pathfinder's tech was user-friendly, providing essential features without overwhelming drivers.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available. However, the screen's positioning and touchpad control proved frustrating. Despite this, the RX offered a range of tech features, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder included the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on higher trims. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with an additional one in the Platinum trim. However, it had not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a pre-collision system. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS with optional headlights but scored four stars overall from NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.