2013 Nissan Pathfinder Review: First Drive

By: Kapil Sachdeva

February 24,2013

3 min read

753

Tags:

2013 Nissan Pathfinder

If there is anything the All New 2013 Pathfinder demands is one looks at it as an All New 2013 Pathfinder!

What I mean is it really is a completely different vehicle. Not even the same family as the outgoing model and all previous models were, a mid size SUV with real off-road capabilities. As Nissan says, the new Pathfinder is like a cross between a SUV and a crossover with the capacity to go off the road but not the real hardcore offroading as its predecessors.

Every version of the Pathfinder has been different to the outgoing one. From the original 1986 Pathfinder being a rugged, body-on-frame SUV to the second generation being a unibody and then Nissan going back to body on frame construction. The latest fourth generation 2013 Pathfinder is once again a unibody, back in step with the market and now in real terms, more like a crossover family SUV.

Driving Performance

The VQ 35 engine returns as a 3.5-liter providing 254 HP and 325Nm torque — not as much power as we would expect, particularly for the top end, fully loaded 4WD Pathfinder, which is about a 2 tonne vehicle. The engine is mated to the new chain driven CVT but it feels a little sluggish unless you floor the accelerator. But maybe it’s because Nissan has tried to improve the fuel economy.

It is 13% faster and a whooping 30% (270 kgs) lighter than the outgoing model. The 0-100 kmph comes in about 7.5 seconds in the 2wd drive mode but the Tachometer hits 6000 RPM at about 120 kmph when floored and the Speedometer keeps climbing. We managed to take it up to 170 kmph and the Pathfinder seems to hold its ground.

The steering is not very soft and gives a nice sturdy feel, however it is not what can be called very communicative. You would have to be more attentive to keep it in the lane on the highway, which is a good thing in disguise!

Interior

The interior is a bright and nice place to be in; the all black looks quite nice and the beige leather give it a huge spacious feel, particularly if you opt for the dual-panorama moonroof. The Pathfinder’s seven-seat, 173.8 cubic foot interior is substantial if not as generous. The third row is better than the usual one which is only fit for short adults or 12 year olds.

With the easy access third row, even with a child seat on the 2nd row and a tri zone A/C and tri zone DVD entertainment system, families can do road trips with great ease and comfort. The front seats are very nice and are both heated and cooled on top trim

Overall, the cabin feels more open than some SUVs, and looks sleeker from outside thanks to the slim A and D roof pillars. Instrumentation is straightforward and the center console is dominated by an 8-inch display screen, which has touch-screen controls as well along with ordinary buttons and rotary knobs, as distinct from some competitors all digital setups.

Initial Verdict

The new Pathfinder provides a decent combination of everything but doesn’t seem to excel in any. It feels a bit strange while pressing the gas pedal as there is no change in the engine speed or sound while accelerating due to the new CVT, but it’s a paradigm shift and would take a little getting used to. Nissan’s philosophy behind the change seems to be that most families would only occasionally want to go off the beaten path and has adjusted the product accordingly. With the prices starting at about 29750 USD to 46000 USD, a 5 star crash rating, 10 airbags and a host of other standard features, it just might be something to consider.