Nissan’s Pathfinder used to be a no-frills, body-on-frame SUV once, but the fourth generation that came out in 2012 reduced it to a unibody crossover form. The fifth instalment that debuted today stays true to that formula.
Starting on the outside, the radiator grille has become larger, and the sides no longer sport any gently curves. The old platform still features a transversely mounted engine, McPherson front struts and a multi-link suspension in the back. The proportions are different, however: the front overhang is shorter than before, and the length goes down from 5,042 mm (16.54 ft.) to 5,004 mm (16.42 ft.). At 1,979 mm (6.49 ft.) wide and 1,778 mm (5.83 ft.) tall, the SUV is marginally wider and taller than before.
Customers can choose from 18- and 20-inch wheel designs and opt for a two-tone paintjob, a first for the model. The headlights now use LEDs, and that’s about it.
Standard equipment includes a 7-inch digital dash screen and an 8-inch touch-enabled infotainment display. Higher trims replace these displays with 12.3-inch and 9-inch ones, respectively, and a 10.8-inch HUD joins them to assist with navigation. The center tunnel grows a second tier to free up some storage space below.
Whereas the old Pathfinder was a seven-seater, the 5th generation introduces a bank for three on the third row as well, raising the maximum possible seat count to eight. You can still opt for captain’s seats on the second row, divided by an easily removable console with cup holders and storage pockets. Nissan Ez-Flex allows folding the second row down whenever not in use.
Noise proofing becomes better across the board, and added equipment includes a three-zone climate control system, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and heated middle seats. SAE-rated trunk volume goes up from 459 to 470 liters (16.2 to 16.6 cubic feet). That said, the benefit of folding the third seat row is now smaller: instead of 1,342 liters of luggage space, you get 1,274 liters (from 47.4 down to 45 cubic feet).
The 3.5-liter gasoline V6 stays unchanged and still pumps out 288 PS (284 hp / 212 kW) along with 351 Nm (259 lb-ft) of torque. A new nine-speed A/T replaces the old CVT, and while the drive stays on the front axle by default, you can pay extra for an AWD coupling on the rear axle. A selector knob enables switching between such self-descriptive transmission modes as Eco, Snow, Sport, Standard, Tow, Mud/Rut, and Sand.
The hybrid Pathfinder never made it to the fifth generation due to low demand.
Basic equipment also lists the entire Nissan SafetyShield 360 safety package including 10 airbags, AEB, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. Higher trims introduce ProPilot adaptive cruise control with lanekeeping. The extra airbag between the driver’s and front passenger’s seats protects them from bumping into each other during an accident.
Sales in the United States are scheduled to begin this summer.