2022 Ford Explorer vs. 2022 Nissan Pathfinder
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2022 Ford Explorer and 2022 Nissan Pathfinder contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.
When comparing the 2022 Ford Explorer's and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the 2022 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and reliability. The 2022 Ford Explorer and 2022 Nissan Pathfinder have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2022 Ford Explorer's and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the 2022 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.
Pricing: A used 2022 Ford Explorer ranges from $28,433 to $46,999 while a used 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is priced between $26,500 to $40,733.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2022 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder loses 52.7 percent of its value. This means the 2022 Ford Explorer retains 5.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Nissan Pathfinder's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Nissan Pathfinder being ranked 12 out of 31. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 and the Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 12. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 8 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 11 out of 39.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Nissan Pathfinder the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Pathfinder a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2022 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder base engine makes 284 horsepower. Both the Explorer and the Pathfinder are rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 501 and 481 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2022 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,582 - $60,091
Starting MSRP:
$35,510
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$34,578
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,400 - $40,325
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$34,640
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$34,578
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,400 - $40,325
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$35,719
Price Range:
$28,433 - $46,999
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$35,283
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,514 - $50,162
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3,265
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
33,020
# Good or Great Deals:
818
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$33,104
Price Range:
$26,500 - $40,733
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$35,283
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,514 - $50,162
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
899
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
37,542
# Good or Great Deals:
379
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2022 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.6 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2022 Nissan Pathfinder
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.6 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
44.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
17.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 18.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 18.2
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Nissan Pathfinder Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 17Ranking
8 out of / 27Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 31Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
41 out of / 59Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
The three-row Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new model features a more boxy facade, additional standard safety features, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium interior that can now seat up to eight passengers. This much-needed makeover of the aging Pathfinder, after nearly a decade, will better position the midsize SUV in this competitive segment.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
- “Right-sized” for this three-row segment (not huge, but certainly not small)
- Selectable modes to optimize optional AWD system
- Impressive suite of standard safety features
- Intuitive touchscreen infotainment system
- No green (hybrid/electric) version available
- Handling can be lackluster
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2022 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Platinum, S, SL, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
259 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
389 / 481 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
164.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4317 lbs
Width:
77.9 inches
Height:
69.7 inches
Length:
197.7 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Atlas Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Forged Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Deep Ocean Blue Pearl
Gray
Gun Metallic
Green
Not available
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Charcoal