2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Kia Telluride in Clearwater FL

2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder available at Lokey Nissan in Clearwater made an immediate impact among midsize crossovers when it was introduced. The Pathfinder has always been a popular option, but the new model is fresh, modern, stylish and dressed up with the latest technological innovations and amenities. It has also received notable mechanical upgrades, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission and a maximum towing capacity that has been increased to 6,000 pounds. A top competitor to the Pathfinder is the 2022 Kia Telluride. The Telluride made a big impact in its own right when it was released several years ago, and this model year, Kia has improved the base model with climate control, a larger central touchscreen and more advanced driver-assistance technologies.

Exterior - Nissan dealer serving Clearwater FL

Most midsize crossovers tend to be quite close in size, and that is certainly the case with our 2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Kia Telluride comparison. The new Pathfinder has a 114.2-inch wheelbase and measures 197.0 inches in overall length, which is about 16.4 feet. The new Telluride also has a 114.2-inch wheelbase but measures a touch less at 196.9 inches. The Pathfinder is a bit taller—70.9 vs 68.9 inches—and the Telluride is a tad wider: 78.3 vs 77.9 inches. Kia has opted for an 8.0-inch minimum ground clearance. Nissan has opted for 7.1 inches for the improved handling. Both models come standard with alloy wheels, and you have wheel design and finish options ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

Interior - 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

Both vehicles offer seven-passenger and eight-passenger seating and similar total passenger volume. But the companies do deviate in terms of how they have used that space. Nissan, for instance, has ensured that the Pathfinder can accommodate taller drivers thanks to 41.1 inches of headroom and 44.3 inches of legroom. The 2022 Kia Telluride only affords 39.5 inches of headroom and 41.4 inches of legroom. On the other hand, Kia has designed one of the roomier second rows in the class with 42.4 inches of legroom. But the Pathfinder still accommodates adults with 35.5 inches. Kia also offers a bit more third-row legroom: 31.4 vs 28.0. Kia offers 21.0 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space, and Nissan provides 16.6 cubes. While that may seem like a win for Kia, the Pathfinder has underfloor storage compartments in the seating and cargo areas that help to provide more usable space.

Nissan Pathfinder Mechanical specs

Comparing the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Kia Telluride in regard to their powertrains is interesting because they look similar on paper, but the Pathfinder has a number of advantages in practice. Both models have a V6 engine under the hood. Kia pairs the V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Nissan pairs the V6 with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and this is a notable change for the Pathfinder as Nissan moves on from the CVT used in the previous generation. The ratings for the engines seem to favor Kia by a small amount, but this advantage does not translate to the real world. The Pathfinder offers better fuel performance. If you opt for the intelligent all-wheel drive system, fuel economy is improved. If you opt for the Telluride with all-wheel drive, fuel economy is worse. The Pathfinder can tow as much as 6,000 pounds. The Telluride can tow as much as 5,000 pounds. In a Car and Driver test, the Pathfinder achieved zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, and it took the Telluride 7.1 seconds.