Nissan all-new fifth-generation Pathfinder is on the road.
Nissan says new Pathfinder marks a return to its rugged roots, but not at the expense of comfort or mod cons.
Available with seven or eight seats, it’s not all that new however, sitting on the same platform as the previous model, with a revised VQ-series 3.5-litre petrol V6.
No sign or mention of the previous 2.5-litre supercharged hybrid or for that matter the latest e-Power hybrid in other models.
New Pathfinder is slightly shorter, 38mm shorter to be exact, with the same 2900mm wheelbase (distance between axles).
But it’s 15mm wider and sits 5mm higher which Nissan reckons translates to more interior space — more headroom, more legroom and more hip room.
In terms of luggage capacity, new Pathfinder offers 782 litres with second and third rows folded, 554 litres with the third row folded and 205 litres behind the rear seat with all three rows in use.
In contrast, the previous model boasted figures of 2250/1354/453 litres.
The direct-injection 3.5-litre V6 offers the same 202kW of power and 340Nm of torque, but is now paired with a lighter, nine-speed automatic rather than a CVT-style transmission.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 10.0L/100km for front-wheel drive models and 10.5L/100km for all-wheel drives.
C02 emissions are 234g/km and 245g/km respectively.
Consumption was previously 9.9L and 10.1L/100km respectively, while emissions were 230g and 234g/km.
Braked tow rating is the same 2700kg.
The new gearbox is shift-by-wire, designed to deliver more direct response and better performance in all situations.
Nissan says it also features a wider spread of gear ratios to ensure the car is in the right gear at the right time, as well as comfort and improved fuel economy.
But, you’d have to wonder whether the previous CVT had that one covered, with a continuously variable range of ratios.
The rack-mounted electric steering has been refined to provide better damping and improved response.
The doors are lightweight aluminium which together with a 50 percent increase in high-strength steel contribute to reduced weight and increased rigidity.
Wider tyres help to deliver better handling, improved cornering and improved steering response.
Ride quality is enhanced through updated front and rear suspension, with a 28 per cent increase in roll stiffness at the front and 14 percent increase at the rear.
The focus was on producing a quiet, refined ride, with a thicker carpet, increased door isolation, thicker second-row glass, improved door and floor isolation and acoustic laminated glass in the front.
Together with improved dash and hood insulators and a new engine cover, they deliver significant reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.
Pathfinder’s new 4WD system features direct coupling, allowing for confident, immediate take-off in low-traction situations.
Drive modes include: Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow in 4WD models.
While 2WD models are equipped with Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow and Tow modes.
The Drive and Terrain Mode Selector changes shift mapping and torque control, altering throttle response, VDC tuning, steering weight and 4WD torque distribution.
One thing’s for sure, the price is up significantly, even before on-road costs:
- ST 2WD — $54,190
- ST-L 4WD — $61,790
- Ti 2WD — $65,910
- Ti 4WD — $70,030
- Ti-L 4WD — $80,227
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