The big news for Nissan in the 2022 model year is the redesigned Pathfinder three-row SUV. Overdue home porters cast a shadow over the brand in transition, just like most parts of the auto industry. On the one hand, Nissan commemorates its past motorsports with the return of the Z sports coupe. On the other hand, Nissan points to the future through the 2023 Nissan Ariya electric crossover SUV.
Other changes in production models, such as the brand's best-selling book, Nissan Rogue, and the long-awaited redesign of the 2022 Nissan Frontier mid-size pickup truck, reflect a strange sequence that summarizes this strange car year. Specifically, Nissan installed a new engine on the outgoing Frontier, which was then used in the redesigned new model for a year. Or, Nissan will transplant the Rogue engine to the redesigned 2021 model, and then replace the old engine with a smaller but more powerful and more efficient variable compression ratio turbocharged three-cylinder engine a year later. Why not install new engines in new cars for all the brand new marketing potential?
We don’t know, but the following is what we know about the new significant changes in Nissan’s 2022 lineup.
-A five-seater electric crossover SUV similar to the Tesla Model Y starts at approximately US$40,000 and will be launched in the fall of 2022.
-The base model Venture+ uses an 87 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor to power the front wheels; the output power is 238 horsepower, and the range is estimated to be 300 miles.
-The top platinum level is priced at more than $60,000 and is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with an output of 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet; the range is estimated at 265 miles.
-Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and a 12.3-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.
-A redesigned sports coupe evolved from the 370Z, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, which can produce 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet; 6-speed manual or available 9-speed automatic powering the rear wheels.
-Performance models with 6-speed manual transmission are equipped with start control, mechanical limited slip differential, larger 14.0-inch front rotor and 13.8-inch rear rotor, and 19-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires.
-According to Nissan, the double wishbone front suspension has a strut tower bracket and a larger shock absorber on the multi-link rear suspension to reduce severe shocks and make driving more controllable.
-Internal features include available red or blue interior, standard 12.3 digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three performance meters at the top of the instrument panel.
-The redesigned three-row crossover SUV seats can accommodate up to 8 passengers or 7 passengers, and there is an available captain's chair in the second row.
-The 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds is now equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is also available.
-Standard features include an 8.0-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry, satellite radio, automatic front and rear emergency braking, blind spot monitor and automatic high beams.
-Button-type second-row seats and detachable console can easily enter the third row.
-Prices range from approximately US$35,000 for the basic Pathfinder S to approximately US$50,000 for Platinum AWD.
-The redesigned medium-sized pickup truck is equipped with an extended or double cab, and has two bed sizes; it is 4.5 inches longer than its predecessor, but the extra length comes mainly from the nose, not the cabin.
-Continuation of last year's 3.8-liter V-6, which produces 310 hp and 281 lb-ft, and is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission to provide power to the rear wheels. It can tow 6,720 pounds and can also be equipped with a part-time four-wheel drive system.
-The new cab mount and larger stabilizer bar reduce roll, noise and vibration, thus realizing the smoothest Frontier ever.
-Pro-4X models for off-road vehicles are equipped with Dana rear axles, electronic locking rear differentials, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, and three anti-skid plates covering the front, transfer case and fuel tank.
-Standard features include power lock and windows, four USB ports, an 8.0-inch touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a standard 7.0-inch vehicle information display, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
-Redesigned for 2021, the compact crossover will be equipped with a new variable compression 1.5-liter turbo-3 for 2022. It replaces the 2.5-liter inline-4 used in the 2021 Rogue, with output power from 181 hp and 181 lb-ft in. In the smaller turbo-3, the externally larger engine reaches 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft.
-Fuel economy improved from 30 mpg to 33 mpg.
-Starting at US$27,795, including destination, the new small engine has increased by US$1,050.
-The smaller Rogue Sport continues.
-The mid-size sedan remains unchanged, with two engine options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
-Although there is no change, the price of a full-size SUV with three rows of seats is US$500 higher than last year, and it will be US$50,395 in 2022.
-Electric hatchbacks continue to drop in price, making them the cheapest electric car, with a federal electric car tax credit of approximately $21,000. It has a range of 149 miles, but the more expensive Leaf Plus version continues to provide up to 226 miles of range.
-Except for an increase in the price of SV and SR accessories by US$150 or a price increase of US$230 for top platinum accessories, large cars can continue to be used.
-The compact car is priced at US$695 and is equipped with a midnight version of SR trim, with black grille, black spoiler and diffuser, and black 18-inch alloy wheels.
-The starting price remains unchanged at US$20,485.
-Carryover of full-size pickup trucks.