Sensibly, given that few SUVs are likely to venture off the beaten bitumen, the latest Pathfinder has a softer style with smoother edges and sleeker profile.
Pathfinder comes in four variants: ST, ST+, ST-L and Ti all. In line with its bid to attract both urban and rural buyers all come with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive with the exception of the ST hybrid which is 2WD only.
STYLING
The square, angular look of previous generation Pathfinders has been replaced with a smoother, more fashionable contemporary look including a flowing roofline while still retaining a bold appearance.
At the front is the latest Nissan design signature ‘V-Motion’ grille and headlamps with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.
The outside rear-view mirrors now include standard integrated turn signals. The vehicle signs off in the rear with changes which include new taillights and a more robust bumper design.
Alloy wheels are 18-inch in the ST, ST+ and ST-L. The Ti steps up to 20-inch units.
INTERIOR
All Pathfinder models are seven-seaters with its length of just over five metres and width of nearly two metres providing enough interior space for all occupants to travel in comfort although, as is the norm, the pair of third row seats are best suited to children.
Having said that, Pathfinder does get the Nissan EZ flex seating system with the versatile 60/40 split second row seats offering recline, headrest adjust and slide that can provide additional leg room to third row seating occupants. It also allows tilt and slide of the right-side of the second row with an IsoFix compatible child seat in place so there’s still access to the third row. The third row 50/50 split seats also includes recline adjustment and now comes with a rear tether point for child restraint.
With all seats in place there is a decent 453 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1354 litres with the third row folded and 2260 litres with second and third rows down.
Interior storage is excellent with ten cup holders, six bottle holders, four 12-volt power outlets and a useful under-floor storage compartment behind the third row of seats for extra security.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Pathfinder comes with the choice of a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine or a supercharged 2.5-litre petrol / electric hybrid and either two- or four-wheel drive. The previous diesel alternative was dropped for the gen-four model.
The conventional petrol engine is a 3.5-litre V6 engine with peak power 202 kW of power at 6400 rpm and torque of 340 Nm at a very high 4800 rpm.
The petrol / electric hybrid variants get a supercharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit supported by a 15kW electric motor.
Our test ST+ was fitted with the V6 petrol engine, Its Direct Injection Gasoline system provides better wide-open throttle performance for improved fuel economy and lower emissions.
All 2019 Pathfinder models are equipped with Nissan’s third-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission with ‘D-Step logic control’ which simulates shifts in a stepped gearbox to suit drivers who won’t adapt to efficiency of CVT units.
SAFETY
All Pathfinder models come with six airbags; stability and traction control; forward collision warning; autonomous emergency braking; blind spot monitoring; rear cross traffic alert; intelligent cruise control; speed-sensitive door locking; tyre-pressure monitoring; and IsoFix child restraint anchorage in the outer centre row seats.
Pathfinder ST+ adds Nissan’s Intelligent Around-View Monitor with Moving Object Detection while ST-L also gets adaptive LED headlights with auto-levelling.
The range topping Pathfinder Ti has a new feature called Rear Door Alert which reminds you to check if you’ve left someone behind which is engaged when the rear doors are opened and closed before a trip. Once the Pathfinder is turned off a warning message appears on the Advanced Drive-Assist Display to prompt the driver to check the rear seat. If the driver walks away from the Pathfinder without opening a rear door the horn will sound three times and the ADAD screen will display a warning to check the back seat.
INFOTAINMENT
Information display is through an embedded 8.0-inch colour touchscreen that’s sharp and easy to read with logical controls. There’s Bluetooth phone and audio streaming with voice recognition that’s easy to pair. There are twin USB ports on the lower grades, three on the topline Pathfinder Ti.
The entry-level ST Pathfinder doesn’t come with satellite navigation although it is standard on all higher-specced variants where it also includes 3D mapping graphics. In case you still get lost these models also come with a compass.
ST-L and Ti variants get a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system while the Ti looks after rear seat passengers with a Tri-zone entertainment system with wireless headphones, remote control and HDMI and USB ports for video playback.
DRIVING
With its five-by-two metre footprint Pathfinder can be a bit of a handful around town with parking needing a fair bit of patience and care to ensure that passengers have enough space to open the wide doors.
There can also be a bit of a climb for more petite occupants to get themselves in although there is a running board to help and, if they’re behind the wheel, the high driving position is a big plus.
Unfortunately our test ST+ came with one of our least favourite features – a foot-activated parking brake.
There is plenty of power and torque and the big Nissan moves smoothly from standstill thanks to the use of the CVT automatic. On the open road the added grunt together with firmer but not uncomfortable suspension and interior space make for a most pleasant cruiser.
Like most modern SUVs Pathfinder is almost car-like in its refinement and general feel. Handling is reasonable although with its relatively high centre of gravity you certainly shouldn’t try chucking it around corners.
Braking was firm and competent.
Fuel consumption from the V6 Pathfinder is listed at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in 2WD models and 10.1 with 4WD. We got much closer than we normally do close to that latter number averaging 10.8 L/100 km during our week in the ST+ 4WD.
SUMMING UP
Although off-road purists will tut-tut at the gentrification of one of its longtime favourites the high proportion of SUV owners living in urban areas, especially those with two-wheel drive preferences, left Nissan with little choice but to join the growing number of competitors.
Having said that the availability of 4WD in most Pathfinder models does offer a reasonable compromise for those looking to get onto the gravel from time to time.
Nissan has joined the swing to longer warranties and moved from three to five years with unlimited distance.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
ST 3.5L V6 2WD: $43,390
ST 3.5L V6 4WD: $47,490
ST 2.5L Hybrid 2WD: $46,990
ST+ 3.5L V6 2WD: $45,090
ST+ 3.5L V6 4WD: $48,590
ST-L 3.5L V6 2WD: $55,390
ST-L 3.5L V6 4WD: $58,890
ST-L 2.5L Hybrid 4WD: $61,890
Ti 3.5L V6 2WD: $63,390
Ti 3.5L V6 4WD: $66,890
Ti 2.5L Hybrid 4WD: $69,890
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Nissan Pathfinder ST+ 3.5-litre V6 petrol 4WD five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.498 litres
Configuration: V6
Maximum Power: 202 kW @ 6400 rpm
Maximum Torque: 340 Nm @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 10.1 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 234 g/km
DRIVELINE: Xtronic continuously variable transmission
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5042 mm
Wheelbase: 2900 mm
Width: 1960 mm
Height: 1766 mm
Turning Circle: 11.8 metres
Kerb Mass: 1985 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 73 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited km
