2023 Nissan Pathfinder evaluation | CarExpert

With a historical past that spans practically 4 a long time, it’s no shock that inspiration for the most recent 2023 Nissan Pathfinder might be traced again to the unique boxy fashion model which first landed in Australia in 1987.

Again then it was two-door, body-on-frame SUV primarily designed for the USA market in reply to rivals makes and fashions just like the Chevy Blazer, Ford Bronco, Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner and Isuzu MU.

Older Aussies could have fond recollections of the facelifted second-gen model, particularly the well-equipped Ti V6, which took delight of place in lots of driveways and principally in gold paint which was overwhelmingly common on high-spec variants.

Nevertheless, the most recent fifth-generation Pathfinder is a vastly totally different proposition to its relatively frumpy-profiled predecessor. Boasting a daring, truck-like grille with a squared-off profile like the unique mannequin however now with a correctly premium cabin incorporating excessive ranges of security and know-how.

Of all its rivals the Pathfinder turns into one of the crucial masculine-looking SUVs in its class and may discover loads of favour for that facet alone, by no means thoughts the exhaustive record of options and massive area practicality that comes with it.

The brand new Pathfinder could be shorter than the earlier model, nevertheless it’s additionally wider and better, gaining loads of intelligent area packaging, too. It’s an eight seater by default, however top-trim Ti-L patrons commerce the second row cut up/fold bench for a pair of luxurious leather-upholstered captain’s chairs, as an alternative – nicely price contemplating when you have a barely smaller tribe and may stretch the price range.

Even the rear doorways open wider than they ever have, whereas dad and mom and children alike will welcome an ingenious one-touch button which robotically flips and folds the second row seating ahead for straightforward entry to the third row – adults included.

It’s been a very long time coming. Nissan has been with out a big crossover for round 18 months, with the brand new Pathfinder solely now beginning to lob into native showroom, regardless of having been on sale within the US since 2021. It’s not all new, although – the platform and V6 engine are developments of the the previous-gen mannequin’s.

Even the outputs are similar, although Nissan has scrapped the CVT in favour of a flowery new nine-speed auto transmission with shift-by-wire know-how for sooner and smoother gearshifts, they inform us.

Nissan’s engineers have additionally fine-tuned the steering for a sharper response, whereas additionally transforming the suspension for improved ranges of damping, elevated roll stiffness and a wider contact patch as well – all within the pursuits of higher trip consolation and extra assured dealing with.

The modifications are greater than welcome. It is a considerably extra refined and extra rewarding driving expertise than the earlier mannequin provided.

Nonetheless, new Pathfinder has its work lower out for it given there’s just one V6 petrol engine out there – that means no diesel or common hybrid choices like equal fashions from carmakers reminiscent of Hyundai, Kia and Toyota.

How a lot does the Nissan Pathfinder price?

Like every thing else in market, pricing for the most recent Nissan Pathfinder is up in contrast with its aged predecessor, opening at $54,190 earlier than on-road prices – a sizeable improve of $9950.

It tops out at $77,890 earlier than on-roads for the Ti-L, up $10,050 on the earlier flagship V6.

The vary opens with a front-wheel drive ST, slotting beneath the all-wheel drive ST-L, the front- or all-wheel drive Ti, and the flagship, all-wheel drive Ti-L.

Main rivals embody the Mazda CX-9 ($54,122 – $71,750), Hyundai Santa Fe ($53,750 – $73,611) and Palisade ($69,900 – $78,577), Kia Sorento ($47,771 – $66,591)  and Toyota Kluger ($48,325 – $76,375). Costs exclude on-road prices.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder pricing:

• Nissan Pathfinder ST 2WD: $54,190
• Nissan Pathfinder ST-L 4WD: $59,990
• Nissan Pathfinder Ti 2WD: $63,990
• Nissan Pathfinder Ti 4WD: $67,990
• Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L 4WD: $77,890

Costs exclude on-road prices

What’s the Nissan Pathfinder like on the within?

Should you’re in search of a extra snug cabin that what the brand new Nissan Pathfinder Ti provides, you’ll seemingly have to incorporate bonafide premium manufacturers in your buying record, such is the feel and appear inside.

There’s some similarities to the latest-generation X-Path in the identical flat-bottom steering wheel and funky new shift-by-wire gear selector, each of that are good and tactile and really feel nice to the contact.

The leather-based upholstered seats up entrance are luxurious and thickly cushioned with distinction stitching, however so are these out again. And that’s not the one place you’ll discover the softest leather-based. From armrests on all 4 doorways to the centre console bin itself in addition to the sprint is wrapped within the stuff.

The tech can also be first price incorporating an enormous 10.8-inch head-up show – particularly good in the event you’re utilizing the onboard satellite tv for pc navigation that shows directional highlights in blue with extra-sharp readability.

However whereas the nine-inch infotainment show is sufficiently massive and nicely positioned for straightforward touchscreen entry, it’s a step backwards to the 12.3-inch display screen discovered within the smaller X-Path. It’s no biggie however noticeable nonetheless.

It’s an analogous story with driver’s show. Whereas X-Path Ti will get a super-size 12.3-inch all-digital model, the identical grade within the Pathfinder makes do with conventional dials paired with a small 7.0-inch TFT show between analogue dials.

It’s solely if you step as much as the top-spec Ti-L do you match X-Path’s fully-digital unit. Some may discover {that a} bit odd given Pathfinder’s measurement and positioning inside the vary.

One other odd exclusion is are rain-sensing wipers – solely out there with the full-fat Ti-L, as are second-row captain’s chairs. Simply don’t inform the children could be my recommendation otherwise you’ll seemingly be dedicated.

Nonetheless, wi-fi Apple CarPlay is bulletproof even in regional Victoria, with fast response and 0 dropouts.

And the place various carmakers have chosen to ditch bodily buttons and dials in favour of touchpads and haptic variations, Nissan has chosen the extra smart route leaving the air-con and audio/tuning dials for on a regular basis comfort.

Thoughts, you continue to get enticements like heated rear seats, a 13-speaker Bose audio unit and rear window sunshades, in addition to options like distant begin (good for the Aussie summer time given its kicks over the air-con system) and huge wi-fi charging pad.

The place the Pathfinder actually begins to shine are within the areas of practicality, area and storage options. For starters the rear doorways open wider than ever earlier than, whereas there are a minimum of 16 cupholders, 5 x USB-C and A charging ports, in addition to air vents throughout all three rows and the simplest third-row entry I’ve but to expertise within the phase.

It’s known as the EZ Flex system, and with only one contact of a button on both outer second row seats and the seat slides ahead and folds in a single fast motion, making it a cinch for adults and children alike to entry third-row seating.

As soon as seated in row three, you’ll be shocked on the area again there, together with legroom. It’s fairly first rate and able to accommodating adults on shorter journeys.

Clearly, in the event you select the flagship Ti-L seven-seat variant, the 2 Captain’s chairs negate the necessity for any such system.

There’re extra examples of versatility within the baggage division as each second and third row seats recline, fold useless flat and cut up 60/40.

Not solely is there enough area behind the third row (205 litres) for an everyday household grocery store, baggage area grows to 782 litres with each seat rows folded. Moreover, there’s a secret baggage pod beneath the ground – plastic-lined and excellent for wetsuits or dirty clothes after a moist downhill MTB session.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

For 2023 there’s just one selection for the brand new Nissan Pathfinder; a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 202kW of energy at 6400rpm and 340Nm of torque at 4800rpm, similar outputs to its predecessor.

Fortunately the outdated CVT has been dumped in favour of a much more refined nine-speed torque-converter computerized transmission, with shift-by-wire for smoother and extra decisive gearshifts. It’s out there with each front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive relying on variant.

The brand new Pathfinder claims to make use of 10L/100km on the mixed cycle in front-wheel drive guise and barely extra at 10.5L/100km in all-wheel drive fashions. It has a 71L gas tank and makes use of 91 RON common unleaded gas.

Braked towing capability is 2700kg and unbraked is 750kg, with most towball obtain of 270kg and most roof load of 74kg.

How does the Nissan Pathfinder drive?

First off, it’s an excellent driving place within the new Pathfinder, with the motive force nestled deep into the automobile, but nonetheless with a commanding view all spherical because of slimmed-out pillars. It feels unusually European in that regard.

The three.5-litre V6 may need been round for some time, nevertheless it’s quiet, {smooth} revving and pulls moderately nicely beneath greater masses because of the brand new nine-speed auto.

It additionally will get off the road with a good quantity of urgency and quite a bit much less commotion than I recall of its predecessor.

Motorway kays on the most authorized pace restrict are easy and noise free within the Pathfinder’s greater gears, although it’s a disgrace Nissan doesn’t supply the identical e-Energy hybrid the most recent X-Path will get in 2023. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless moderately environment friendly and way more responsive throughout the rev vary.

And like new X-Path, Nissan has sharpened Pathfinder’s dynamic qualities with key upgrades to the suspension and steering.

Proper from the get go you’ll discover the sharper, extra responsive turn-in from its EPAS – the earlier Pathfinder was relatively soulless, this newest era is enjoyable to drive.

It’s the identical story with trip and dealing with, that are each vastly improved because of elevated roll stiffness (back and front), together with new shocks, dampers and lighter supplies.

The doorways are light-weight aluminium whereas there’s a 50 per cent improve in high-strength metal for much less weight and elevated rigidity.

It makes massive distinction, particularly motoring alongside at a very good clip in Victoria’s undulating terrain in these regional components.

The secondary impact to those structural enhancements is a noticeably quieter atmosphere contained in the cabin over just about any floor.

Furthermore, Nissan has laid down greater than twice the thickness of carpet backing on the ground, 20 per cent extra isolation by the door panels, acoustic laminated entrance glass, together with redesigned sprint and bonnet insulation.

Your entire driving expertise feels extra polished and considerably extra resolved that the earlier Pathfinder – even off-road, throughout prolonged stretches of gravel roads undertaken on the launch program.

Actually, gravel roads are successfully and utterly cushioned within the new Pathfinder however with newfound stability and composure thanks partly to a wider footprint with 20 p.c wider tyres.

What do you get?

Together with important worth rises, Nissan has understandably upped the usual tools stock for Pathfinder with an intensive record of goodies even for the ST entry mannequin.

Pathfinder ST highlights:

• 8 seats
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights with nightfall sensors and auto high-beam
• 9.0-inch touchscreen
• 10.8-inch head-up show
• 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster show
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• 6-speaker sound system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Black fabric upholstery
• Eight-way energy driver’s seat with lumbar management
• Heated entrance seats
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• Keyless entry and begin
• ‘EZ Flex’ latch-and-glide seating adjustment
• Urethane steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• Electrical parking brake
• 2 x USB-A shops
• 2 x USB-C shops
• 2 x 12V shops

Pathfinder ST-L provides:

• ProPILOT lane-keep help with visitors jam pilot
• Encompass-view cameras with moving-object sensors
• Roof rails
• LED fog lights
• Energy tailgate
• Distant begin
• Rear privateness glass
• Leather-based-accented steering wheel

Pathfinder Ti provides:

• 18-inch alloy wheels (totally different design)
• Leather-based-accented seats
• Heated second-row outboard seats
• Wi-fi telephone charging
• 13-speaker BOSE audio system
• 10-way energy driver’s seat
• Third-row USB-A port

Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L provides:

• 7-seat inside incl. captain’s chairs
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Underbody safety
• Ventilated entrance seats
• Digital rear-view mirror
• ‘Wrap-around’ cabin ambient lighting
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• ‘Premium’ sprint trim
• 12-way energy driver seat
• 4-way energy passenger seat

Colors

• Glacier White
• Scarlet Ember
• Tremendous Black
• Gun Metallic
• Sensible Silver
• Ivory Pearl
• Deep Ocean Blue Pearl

Pathfinder Ti and Ti-L are additionally out there with the next two-tone choices:

• Boulder Gray with Black roof
• Scarlet Ember with Black roof
• Ivory Pearl with Black roof
• Gun Metallic with Black roof

Is the Nissan Pathfinder secure?

The brand new 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was lately awarded a five-star ANCAP security score thanks to an intensive suite of lively security programs included.

It scored 86 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 93 per cent for baby occupant safety, 78 per cent for susceptible street consumer, and 85 per cent for security help.

Normal security tools consists of:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian, Bicycle owner detection
  • Junction help
  • Reverse AEB
• Blind-spot help
• Lane-keep help
• Lane departure warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Site visitors-sign recognition with over-speed prevention
• Adaptive cruise management with pace limiter
• Tyre stress monitoring
• 9 airbags (incl. far-side airbag)
• Reversing digital camera
• Rear parking sensors

ST-L provides:

• Encompass-view cameras
• ProPilot help (adaptive cruise management + lane centring)

How a lot does the Nissan Pathfinder price to run?

Nissan backs its autos with a five-year limitless kilometre guarantee and five-years roadside help.

Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.

Pathfinder 2WD service pricing:

• 15,000km/12 months: $351
• 30,000km/24 months: $647
• 45,000km/36 months: $372
• 60,000km/48 months: $686
• 75,000km/60 months: $395
• 90,000km/72 months: $1553

Pathfinder 4WD service pricing:

• 15,000km/12 months: $351
• 30,000km/24 months: $710
• 45,000km/36 months: $372
• 60,000km/48 months: $753
• 75,000km/60 months: $395
• 90,000km/72 months: $1625

CarExpert’s Tackle the Nissan Pathfinder

Not solely has the Pathfinder gone from ugly duckling to one of many hardest wanting SUVs in its class, however the new-generation Nissan is a major leap ahead general with a great deal of tech, area and security programs on board.

Whereas it makes do with the identical smooth-revving V6 petrol engine as its predecessor, the addition of a brand new nine-speed auto transmission is akin to a recreation changer on the subject of refinement and driveability.

Then you definitely add Pathfinder’s newfound roll stiffness, chassis rigidity, and common trip consolation, and also you’ve obtained a well-accomplished SUV greater than able to taking the battle to its hardest rivals.

Properly price a glance and nicely price a take a look at drive.

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