Test drive: Has the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder found its way?

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was designed to be a little more rugged than the model it replaces, but still isn't a serious off-road vehicle like the original.

It remains a front-wheel-drive crossover with available all-wheel-drive like the outgoing edition, but has been engineered to handle a little bit of off-pavement driving and highlights that point with bulging fenders, a forward-slanted rear roof pillar and three rectangular vents above the grill that all hearken back to the compact SUV that first carried the name. The 2022 Pathfinder is the first to offer seating for up to eight passengers and can even fit three child seats across the second row. Its interior is among the most spacious in the three-row SUV segment and is also available in a seven seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and an easily-removable console between them. Its cargo area can accommodate four golf bags even with the third row in use. Starting prices range from $34,560  to $47,340 and the cabin trimmings take a step upmarket to near-luxury in top Platinum trim. Standout amenities include Nissan’s "Zero Gravity" comfort seats, a full digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, a head-up display and a 360-degree bird’s-eye-view camera.