Nissan Pathfinder takes a welcome step backward

Remember the Nissan Pathfinder? You know, the 2012 model, the one that was a true SUV. Its 310-horsepower V-8 could tow your house down the block if necessary.

But that changed in 2013, when it was recast from a rugged rock crawler to a suburban road vehicle, exchanging its muddy boots and Carhartt jacket for a pair of loafers and a cardigan sweater. Its styling, once chiseled and rugged, softened like a suburban waistline as it lost its identity.

It took nearly a decade, and the ruination of its off-road cred, for things to change. The results are apparent on the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, one that repudiates the previous model developed under the auspices of former Nissan CEO, and current international fugitive, Carlos Ghosn, who did much to ruin Nissan's reputation among auto enthusiasts and Nissan's dealers alike.

But that was then, and this is now.

Hard-core truck enthusiasts might consider this new Pathfinder a sheep in wolf's clothing. It still employs a unibody front-wheel-drive crossover platform with its 3.5-liter V-6, rather than using a body-on-frame platform with a burly V-8.

But the new truck has pitched the abysmal continuously variable transmission for a nine-speed automatic transmission, a welcome change. The all-wheel-drive system carries over from the previous generation, although it now sports updated software to support a terrain-response system, so you can adjust the vehicle's capabilities for the surface. On front-wheel-drive models, it includes standard, sport, eco, snow and tow modes. Choose all-wheel drive, and you'll also get sand and mud/rut modes.

A two-wheel or four-wheel active brake limited slip differential, trailer sway control and hill start assist is standard on all models; hill descent control is standard on all-wheel-drive models.

Switching to sport mode quickened the steering and throttle response, but the shift mapping doesn't change, so shifting for yourself using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is the best option when you need additional power. Body lean comes on gradually in corners, and bumps are noticeable but do not filter through to the driver's seat.

The retuned suspension is compliant enough for off-road work, but its orientation for pavement over the forest primeval can be felt once the concrete ends. Its wide turning radius, typical of front-wheel-drive, V-6-powered Nissans, can be cumbersome off-road.

You'll find this is able to handle light off-roading, enough to get to your campsite or favorite spot, as long as it doesn't require serious boulder bashing. Throughout it all, the cabin remains quiet, and road noise is well suppressed.

Visibility is good, except directly rear, where a sea of headrests blocks your view unless you lower them. Seats are comfortable, and second-row legroom and headroom are impressive. Access to third-row seats is easier than most, thanks to a button that folds the second-row seat forward.

There's a lot of storage, including wireless charging pad with USB A&C ports, and the center console not only has a storage bin but also space beneath the center console's electronic transmission shifter for a purse or messenger bag.