What? This doesn’t look at all like the Nissan Pathfinder that we’ve grown to love. Nissan’s original SUV has gradually evolved into a family-friendly road-trip wagon with excellent road manners and modern styling.
What happened to the boxy old Pathfinder? Well, two things. First, the Nissan Xterra came along, inheriting the off-road mantle from the Pathfinder, which quickly became an upscale-suburban darling. Then the SUV craze waned and buyers began looking for more carlike features. Moving with the times, the Pathfinder has become what would’ve been called a “crossover” back in the day. Unibody construction, a carlike independent suspension and three rows of seats make the new Pathfinder into a fantastic full-size errand-runner.
Nissan’s excellent 3.5 liter V-6 provides power, with the company’s typically sensitive throttle. This DOHC engine produces 260 horsepower and doesn’t give up much to the outgoing 4.0 liter V-6. Nissan’s paid attention to fuel economy, as well, and the Pathfinder’s 26 mpg on the freeway for two-wheel drive models is respectable, if not exceptional. The gains come mainly due to the use of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is smoother than past CVTs have been, and strong enough to handle towing up to 5,000 pounds. The throttle is a bit twitchy, as Nissan’s gas pedals tend to be, but out on the highway the 3.5 liter is a very relaxed and powerful engine. Four-wheel drive Pathfinders have a multi-mode transmission that allows the driver to lock on the four-wheel drive or to let the Pathfinder decide for itself. A Hill Start Assist is standard. Though the Pathfinder’s no longer an off-road focused vehicle, it is available with front tow hooks and a Class III trailer hitch.
The fully independent suspension features independent struts in the front and a multi-link rear. The Pathfinder’s got a smooth ride that’s nothing like the old body-on-frame version. This SUV is comfortable around town and the electrohydraulic steering provides great feedback. The Pathfinder feels smaller than it is. Anti-lock brakes are standard, as is Vehicle Dynamic Control stability control.
Styling has drifted toward a softer, more carlike look as well. The Pathfinder carries many styling cues linking it to the crossover Murano and Rogue, such as the strongly tapered grille, but Nissan’s traditional bold chrome is also in evidence. The new styling looks sleeker, but headroom and cargo space have not been compromised. A low beltline provides an airy cabin and improves visibility. The new Pathfinder is smooth, too; the long hood tapers gently and the headlights, door handles and glass all are flush-mounted, giving the vehicle a slick, mega-wagon shape. A dual panoramic moonroof is available.
The best part of the new Pathfinder is its interior, which splits the difference between SUV-rugged and Maxima-plush. Nissan’s soft-edged upholstery is smooth and feels great to the touch, while the dash features an easy to read Drive-Assist multi-function display and flowing lines. Amenities include leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a navigation system, heated second-row seats and steering wheel, keyless entry and of course a Bose sound system. Nissan’s Around View Monitor is available, providing 360-degree visibility of the ground around the vehicle. The Pathfinder is a total of 8.4 cubic feet larger on the inside, too. The Pathfinder feels like a large vehicle, thanks to the third row-seating, but visibility is good. It’s just the right size to be a rugged minivan alternative, and kid-hauler touches include a power tailgate, a backup camera, a sliding second-row seat with 5.5 inches of travel that enables easy access to the third row without requiring child safety seats to be removed, and a reclining third-row seat. The airy cabin makes it amply clear that this is a family vehicle.
What it boils down to is that this is a familiar name on a brand-new vehicle. Never mind the Pathfinder’s rugged history; the latest version, while still plenty sturdy, has a very different jungle to tackle — the urban jungle. Need a Nissan for mud duty? Check out the Xterra. The Pathfinder now is a capable challenger to vehicles such as the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Durango. Pathfinder pricing starts at $28,650 for the base two-wheel drive vehicle, and four-wheel drive starts at $30,250. A fully-loaded Pathfinder will set you back about $45,000.
