Nissan Pathfinder Prices, Reviews, and Pictures - The Car Connection

Every product we feature is chosen by our car experts.We can make money from the links on this page.

If you were to blend all of today's three-row crossovers into a single, average one, the Nissan Pathfinder would be the result.The current model of the Pathfinder is a pleasant enough family bus with seven seats and a comfortable ride, but lacks the rugged pretensions of its off-road heritage.Its strengths include a good value proposition and a flexible interior, but it is hurt by dated electronics and sloppy handling.Nissan fades into the background of its highly competitive segment due to its lack of outstanding qualities.

Nissan has made a few changes to the vehicle.The range now includes rear parking sensors, two type-Cusb ports, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.There is a new color in the palette.

Nissan's lower-level models have plenty of value, with even the base S being well equipped.The SV adds features such as push-button start with remote start, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, making it the sweet spot.The All-Weather package has heated front seats, steering wheel, and mirrors, as well as a trailer-hitch receiver with a towing harness.

Smooth ride, smooth continuously variable transmission, unobtrusive engine, likes it.Likes: Engine drones on the highway when merging or passing.

The V6 engine of the Pathfinder can be described as adequate.It's not the fastest in its class, but it is slow.The Nissan doesn't use its ponies or jack rabbits, but the 3.5-liter engine is about average in this class.A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard on all Pathfinders, and it's mostly smooth in everyday driving.It's when you try harder to merge or pass that you'll notice the engine is making noise.The vehicle can tow up to 6000 pounds.

The Pathfinder feels bigger from behind the wheel because of its light steering and body roll.The upside is a mostly plush and quiet ride that makes highway trips a breeze, but most of its better-handling rivals can make this claim as well.

Good efficiency is promised by the high EPA fuel-economy ratings of the Pathfinder.Its results in the real world were disappointing.The Nissan's front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the Pathfinder are near the top of their class, according to the EPA.The all-wheel-drive Pathfinder we tested was an underachiever, hitting only 22 miles per gallon on our 200 mile highway fuel-economy route.

There are easy-folding second- and third-row seats.The third row of seats is tight, the interface looks outdated, and there is less cargo room than most rivals.

A pleasant interior is made up of upscale trimmings and comfortable seats.There are many seating configurations and cupholders available, as you might expect of a family SUV.It doesn't feel like a modern or luxurious place to be.The front seats are large and airy for this class.The seats in the second row flip and slide to make it easy to get to the third row.It's not a good place to go if you want to find a lot of comfort, because the bottom cushions are low and legroom is limited.

Even if its menus are logically organized, an 8.0-inch screen is standard on all models.We've come to expect that in this segment, but it doesn't.There is a dealer-installed option for onboard wi-fi with a 4G data connection.