The recently announced, and totally new, Nissan Pathfinder builds on the heritage first started in 1986. Completely new it may be but the whole vehicle has been designed to convey that sense of rugged capability as before, but with a wider stance and a shorter front overhang.
The Looks
The larger design of this latest Nissan Pathfinder conveys size and strength which, along with larger tyres, enhances that rugged SUV look, as can be seen in the images. Interestingly, two-tone paint is available this time; a first for the Pathfinder model.
The Drive
The Pathfinder is, as it always has been, the ideal family adventure vehicle; not just in looks, but in modern capability as well. Every new Pathfinder features a 284bhp 3.5L Direct Injection V6 loaded with 259lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which provides a smooth, strong, direct vehicle response, say the company.
Four-wheel-drive models feature Nissan’s all-new Intelligent 4WD system with no less than a seven-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector. The 4WD system features direct coupling, which allows torque transfer directly on the clutch pack using oil pressure, allowing for confident, immediate take-off in low-traction situations. The Mode selections are: Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow; all displayed on the dashboard.
To back this up there’s a new dual-pinion electric power steering system combined with wide, 255-mm tyres to provide stable handling, but with a sporty feel. Driver confidence is bolstered by the vehicle’s front strut and rear independent multi-link suspension design with front and rear stabilizer bars and four-wheel disc brake system
The Interior
Adventure-ready, they say, the Pathfinder features refined new materials and a robust, open design. Driver and passengers are greeted with a modern, spacious environment. Among the long list of striking interior touches, a newly available 12.3” digital dashboard provides the driver with a variety of easy-to-navigate screen options. Complementing the digital dashboard is an additional 10.8” Head-up Display, optionally. This Head-Up Display enables the driver to view preferred content such as turn-by-turn directions while staying focused on the road. A 9.0” colour touchscreen centre display is placed high on the new intuitive instrument panel, providing easy visibility and accessibility for the driver and front passenger.
Cloth or leather seat flexibility has been improved with standard eight-passenger capacity or, for the first time on Pathfinder, second-row captain’s chairs with a no-tools-required removable centre console. The 60/40 split folding third-row seat provides maximum flexibility for carrying passengers and cargo.
Interior quietness has been greatly improved, with acoustic laminated front glass, thicker 2nd row glass, increased door and floor isolation, and a sixty percent increase in engine noise absorption.
Safety & Technology
Nissan Connect featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on all Pathfinder grade levels. Also available is Nissan Connect with WiFi Hot Spot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bose Premium Audio with 13 speakers.
Safety is backed up with the brand’s innovative ProPILOT Assist, a hands-on, driver-assist technology that reduces the hassle of stop-and-go highway driving and makes long drives on the open road easier. ProPILOT Assist combines steering assist and Intelligent Cruise Control to help control acceleration, braking and steering in both heavy traffic and on clear roads. There’s a lot more of the now expected safety features as standard.
Ask us here at MHH Japanese Cars for more details when the Pathfinder becomes available this Summer.
