FINDING A PATH
Midsize SUV segment gets another family hauler
The original Nissan Pathfinder was a tough-as-nails, go anywhere compact SUV that got bigger, better (and more expensive), with each successive generation. Nissan billed the Pathfinder as a goanywhere adventure vehicle and advertised it with contests showing it in extreme off-road locations.
Forget all that now, as Nissan has turned the fourth generation 2013 Pathfinder into a semi-lux, four-by-four, threerow cruiser. Nissan claims the all-new Pathfinder has grown up to be a family crossover/ SUV. I think Nissan decided to go after a bigger piece of the crossover pie and match the other competitors’ cruisers in the crowded mid-size passenger crossover segment.
The base 2013 Pathfinder models are all front-wheel drive. Step up to a fourwheel-drive version and you’ll discover no low range and no skid plates, as Nissan throws in a four-wheel-drive lock mode as part of the selectable ALL- MODE 4x4-i system. Select auto mode and the system automatically monitors conditions and adjusts power to meet traction conditions. However, with the low ground clearance there is no chance of doing any real off-roading
On pavement (where most SUVs live today) the unibody Pathfinder offers a familyfriendly ride. During a media preview on some winding mountain roads and regular street/highway driving, the Pathfinder soaked up all the bumps and irregularities. The electro-hydraulic steering was crisp and well balanced. For 2013, Pathfinder is 500 pounds lighter than the previous generation and it drives like a much smaller vehicle that felt easier to park than some competitive models
A welcome change is that Nissan concentrated on improving fuel economy, which was poor in the previous generation. Nissan claims a 30 percent improvement over the previous V6-equipped model, using a next-gen Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), and a refined 20 horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine. The four-by-four models allow selectable two-wheel-drive mode to boost fuel economy. On the road, the V6 (combined with reduced weight) returned good acceleration even up steep hills. The CVT holds the engine at proper revolutions per minute levels for the conditions we encountered. With the CVT standard towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
For 2013 Nissan smoothed out the Pathfinder’s styling. Inside Pathfinder is very passenger-orientated with new three-row/seven-passenger seating. Up-front seats were comfortable. The second-row latch and glide seats were nice, and when both rows are down there is 79.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
With all the infotainment features and gadgets heaped upon us, it’s nice to see that Nissan has shown some restraint with a less-distracting infotainment system. To get the really cool features you have to step it up for items like leather-appointed seats, heat/cool front seats, heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, remote starter, 13-speaker Bose Audio System and class-exclusive Around View Monitor, which provides the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around Pathfinder. The new 2013 Nissan is a very family-friendly vehicle, and for 2014 Nissan says it will offer a hybrid.