2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride: An Upgraded Transmission Isn't Enough for Nissan
Genevieve Fraser
· 5 min read
Among plenty of great SUVs on the market, the Nissan Pathfinder and the
Kia
Telluride are solid choices for their spacious, comfortable interiors and modern tech. Despite some respectable upgrades for 2022, including a transmission and impressive towing capacity, the Pathfinder falls short next to the Telluride, which won Kelley Blue Book’s
"Best Buy" and "Best 3-Row Midsize SUV" awards for 2021.So what has earned the Telluride these accolades, are there any drawbacks, and is the Pathfinder still a worthy buy? Jerry has all the details.
The all-new Pathfinder upgrades: what’s new for 2022?
According to
Petro Nissan
, the revamped 2022 Pathfinder is available in four trims, starting with the base S and maxing out at the top-of-the-line Platinum. All boast some great new standard features, as well as exciting optionals.The SUV comes standard with an upgraded nine-speed automatic transmission to complement its powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It also features quicker acceleration, going from 0-60 mph in just 6.7 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the most recent 2020 model (Nissan didn’t release a Pathfinder for 2021).
U.S. News
notes that while the cabin styling of the 2020 Pathfinder felt dated and somewhat uncomfortable, the new one is upscale and the SUV feels pleasant to drive.The three-row seating capacity levels up from seven to eight, with the third row featuring a foldable reclining bench seat for extra cargo space. Two captain’s chairs can replace the second-row bench seat for better access to the third row, though this limits seating to seven.
Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control comfortably heats and cools the full length of the cabin, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity keep the good times rolling (though Android Auto is not available wireless).
Among a suite of standard safety features included in the Nissan Safety Shield 360
driver-assist technology
package are blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.On the Pathfinder’s more luxurious trims, you can even get Nissan’s ProPilot Assist which enables semi-autonomous driving!
Fuel economy is essentially on par between the 2020 and 2022 models, and Petro Nissan reports that the Pathfinder has proven its odometer mileage to reliably surpass 200,000 miles with regular maintenance.
The Pathfinder can handle rugged terrain, steep inclines, and mud or snow effectively, though it’s not an off-roader by any means. Intelligent AWD is available for under $2,000. It can tow 6,000 pounds—very respectable, indeed, and outstanding against class competitors. Overall, the latest Pathfinder has received a comprehensive redesign for the 2022 model year.
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The Nissan Pathfinder vs. the Kia Telluride: what are the similarities and differences?
Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2022 Kia Telluride has the exact same platform as the Kia Palisade, but the Telluride has the bonus of a cheaper price tag for a still-excellent large SUV.
Like the Pathfinder, the Telluride offers seating for a maximum of eight or seven for the fancier trims (with second-row captain’s chair configuration), lots of cargo space, optional AWD, and a modern package of safety features. Both are available with only one engine choice, though the Telluride’s is a 3.8-liter V6 with eight-speed automatic transmission.
According to
Autoblog
, the 2022 Telluride has a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, bigger than both the previous Telluride model, notes Kelley Blue Book, and the 2022 Pathfinder’s standard 8-inch or 9-inch displays (the latter is standard only on the SL and Platinum Pathfinders) detailed by Car and Driver
.The Telluride has a neat Quiet mode that silences rear speakers for sleeping passengers as well as Driver Talk, which enables the driver’s voice to be heard through speakers in the back rows in case you need to ask for a little peace and quiet. The rear seats also have a stadium-style layout which enables everyone to see the road, which is a nice touch.
As far as pricing goes for the Nissan Pathfinder vs. the Kia Telluride, the two are fairly comparable. The Telluride is slightly more appealing at a starting price of $32,790. The Pathfinder is a couple thousand less, at $34,560.
Is the all-new Pathfinder a better option than the Telluride?
MORE: A Fully Loaded 2021 Kia Telluride Is Comparable to Some Luxury SUVs
If you are looking for a capable three-row SUV with respectable off-road ability, either vehicle would be a solid choice, but head-to-head—Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride—the Pathfinder just doesn’t have quite as much going for it, despite its upgraded transmission.
Performance-wise, the Telluride engine, horsepower, torque, and transmission are all slightly superior, as are its basic and powertrain warranties, the latter of which is one of the best available.
While both SUVs are spacious, the Telluride’s cargo space is roughly seven cubic feet larger, so if maximized space is key for your lifestyle, the Telluride is your better bet. That said, the Pathfinder does have a better towing capacity, and its higher trims are less expensive compared to the Telluride’s.
It’s important to note that neither vehicle is available as a hybrid, which is disappointing as more and more automakers are shifting to include alternatively powered options in their line-ups.
Overall, the Telluride seems the more practical choice on paper, but as with any sizable purchase, it’s important to consider your unique lifestyle in the decision-making process.
The same can be said when you’re shopping for car insurance for your new vehicle. Luckily,
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