2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2022 Nissan Rogue Comparison

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and 2022 Nissan Rogue represent Nissan’s midsize and compact SUV options, respectively. Here’s how they stack up.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

2022 Nissan Pathfinder Starting Price: $33,410 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Seating for seven or eight; off-road ability; 6,000-pound maximum towing ability.

Below Average: One engine choice; no wireless Android Auto.

Consensus: A capable 3-row SUV, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has good tech, plenty of options, and respectable off-road ability. It only offers one engine and transmission choice, however.

2022 Nissan Rogue

2022 Nissan Rogue Starting Price Mid-$26,000 (estimated) | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: High-tech interior; standard active-safety features; lots of luggage space.

Below Average: Only one powertrain option; engine noise; not particularly suited for off-road driving.

Consensus: The 2022 Nissan Rogue will likely offer the same sharp styling and enhanced active-safety features introduced with the all-new Rogue in 2021. Its upgraded cabin and tech features are also likely to carry forward.

Pathfinder vs. Rogue: Two Rows or Three Rows?

Nissan Pathfinder

Having skipped the 2021 model year, Nissan’s 3-row Pathfinder SUV returns redesigned for 2022. While it’s still more of a family-friendly SUV than a rugged off-roader, a Pathfinder with all-wheel drive has respectable off-road chops. It can climb a mountain or provide sure-footed driving in snow or mud, although if you’re looking to conquer the Rubicon Trail, there are better choices.

The Pathfinder can be configured either with a second-row bench seat or second-row captain’s chairs, which reduce seating capacity to seven but also eases access to the third row. The seats can also fold completely flat, giving the Pathfinder a very usable 79.8 cubic feet of space.

Driving manners on the road are good, with the 3.5-liter V6 providing ample power. We’re also grateful that Nissan replaced the previous model’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a 9-speed automatic, which much better suits this engine. Equipped with the tow package, the Pathfinder can pull an impressive 6,000 pounds, which bests many of its competitors.

Four trim levels range from relatively basic to the plush Platinum model, and all can be optioned with Nissan’s Intelligent 4-wheel-drive system for $1,900. Even the base S trim has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

All trims get Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes front and rear automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Upper trims get the ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and semi-aniline leather seats.

Nissan Rogue 

The Rogue is Nissan’s best-selling model, competing with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape, among others. Completely redesigned for 2021 with a stiffer structure and more safety systems, more power, and upgraded technology, the Rogue is expected to continue into 2022 largely unchanged.

The Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft, sufficient power for this class of vehicle. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) tweaked for better acceleration and fuel economy distributes power to either the front wheels (FWD) as standard or all four wheels (AWD) as an option. AWD models get a central hydraulic clutch that more quickly engages to send power to the rear wheels when needed.

The Nissan Rogue is as comfortable and quiet as ever, as well as the best-driving Rogue to date, an impressive combination of traits. Despite the plush ride, Nissan has made the Rogue more athletic, thanks in part to a multilink rear suspension. You won’t be marking the days until your next run up the canyons, but it’s capable of it.

For a feature-loaded Rogue, check out the new top-tier trim introduced for 2021, Rogue Platinum. This model includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge package, a 10.8-inch head-up display (HUD), and seats upholstered with diamond-quilted semi-aniline leather. The Platinum tier also gets wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium Bose audio system. The Platinum trim’s ProPilot Assist with Navi-link uses map data to adjust the Rogue’s speed, such as for an upcoming rise, or a bend in the highway.

Similarities

Both the compact 2022 Nissan Rogue and the midsize 2022 Nissan Pathfinder represent the latest takes on their respective SUV size classes, with the latest in the brand’s technology and safety features.

Nissan Pathfinder Advantages

More size means room for up to 8 passengers or more room for cargo; V6 power; 9-speed automatic transmission.

Nissan Rogue Advantages

Less size means easier maneuvering and parking in tighter urban confines; better fuel economy.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 3-row 2022 Nissan Pathfinder benefits from a much-needed makeover. In addition to retaining its V6 powerplant, we welcome the change from a CVT to a 9-speed automatic.

The 2-row 2022 Nissan Rogue is a pleasant SUV with current tech and features, sharp styling, and a quiet interior.

Ready to buy a Nissan Pathfinder or Rogue? Shop for one on sale now near you.