While the Nissan Pathfinder might look like a traditional SUV, it's actually not. The Pathfinder has been based on the company’s sedan and minivan floorplan for several years.
The Pathfiner’s 284 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque can tow 6000 pounds--which, according to a quick search on the internet, is close to the average weight of a travel trailer without gear and water. Fuel economy also isn't terrible for a vehicle this size, with 20 mpg in the city, and 27 mpg on the highway. Check the review for some driving impressions.
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I guess I missed the memo that the Pathfinder lefts its truck-based roots (checks calendar) some seven years ago. Also, something else learned: The Pathfinder has totally been off my radar since that move to the Altima/Maxima/Quest/Murano chassis.
Is that revelation going to keep me awake at night? No, honestly, but it’s another older platform in the Nissan lineup.
First impressions? It looks good and modern–probably why I didn’t realize it’s been around for a while.
First driving impressions? Flat seat bottoms. The rest of the interior is standard Nissan fare–a little hard and almost utilitarian. Or, let’s put it this way: not a Honda, not a Toyota, not a Hyundai.
Power is sent through a CVT transmission (yes, I realize that I just said constantly variable transmission, transmission). Nissan CVTs have gotten better over the years, but crisper options still exist. Will the average person notice? Maybe not. But I’m not eager to live with one.
I didn’t enjoy the steering as well. Yes, it let me pick a direction, but it delivered a dead spot partway through the turn. I didn’t notice it at lower speeds, but things didn’t feel confident through onramps–like halfway through, things just feel vague. (And generally speaking, I don’t like pairing the words “vague” and “steering.”)
Final thoughts: While I like the looks, not sure I’d feel warm and fuzzy about trading $40k for one.
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