S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
This means the Pathfinder has finally followed the suit like a lot of SUVs and officially fled for crossover territory. A 3.5-liter V6 engine powers the SUV and it is capable of making 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.
If the classic body-on-frame SUV were a despised king, the fourth generation Nissan Pathfinder would be a goblet of poison. This means the Pathfinder has finally followed the suit like a lot of SUVs and officially fled for crossover territory. A 3.5-liter V6 engine powers the SUV and it is capable of making 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It goes head-to-head against the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander, and the Ford Explorer.
The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four different trims namely S, SL, SV, and Platinum. The asking price for the SUV starts from $29,210 for the base model and reaches nearly $42,000 for the top variant Platinum trim. All the models are available in front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.
Trims |
S |
SV |
SL |
Platinum |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) |
$29,210 |
$35,250 |
$32,300 |
$39,950 |
MSRP (4WD) |
$30,810 |
$36,850 |
$33,900 |
$41,550 |
Key Features |
Keyless entry |
Adds to S trim features |
Adds to SL trim features |
Adds to SV trim features |
Traction control |
12V power outlet |
Leather shift knob |
Front fog lights |
|
18-inch alloy wheels |
8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat |
Proximity entry |
13-speaker sound system with 2 subwoofers |
|
Satellite radio |
Rear parking sensors |
Remote engine start |
115V power outlet |
|
Speed-sensitive volume control |
Bluetooth connectivity |
Auto-dimming rearview mirror |
4-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat |
|
Front tow hook |
Power liftgate |
Chrome rack |
||
Speed-sensitive wipers |
Wood-tone accents |
Leather upholstery |
Buying Advice
We recommend you to buy the SV trim as it packs all the features of the base S trim and additionally adds Bluetooth, front tow hook, leather steering wheel and shift knob, power driver’s seat, etc. If you want to add a couple of luxury features, look no further than the Platinum trim.
The 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 and continuously variable transmission is the sole powertrain choice for the Nissan Pathfinder. This engine makes 260 horses of power and 240 pound-feet of torque. The CVT and V6 work really well together delivering smooth and strong acceleration. The only complaint is that the CVT is slow to let the engine revs rise when the accelerator is pegged. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Pathfinder but all-wheel-drive is a $1600 option which Nissan calls a four-wheel-drive option.
The system features three modes-two-wheel-drive for maximum fuel economy, an automatic four-wheel-drive that only sends power to the rear wheels when necessary, and a lock mode that constantly sends power rearward for lower traction terrain. In smooth tarmac-drenched environments, the Pathfinder drives like a car returning light steering efforts and predictable reactions to driver inputs. Pointed in a straight line, there’s a robust sense of stability and the suspension remains exceptionally compliant resulting in a really comfortable ride.
Model |
Nissan Pathfinder |
Honda Pilot |
Toyota Highlander |
Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$29,210 |
$29,670 |
$29,215 |
$30,015 |
Engine |
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
Continuously variable-speed automatic |
5-speed automatic |
6-speed shiftable automatic |
6-speed shiftable automatic |
Power |
260 hp @ 6400 rpm |
250 hp @ 5700 rpm |
270 hp @ 6200 rpm |
290 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Torque |
240 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm |
253 ft-lbs. @ 4800 rpm |
248 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm |
255 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm |
0-60 MPH (sec) |
8.1 |
8.1 |
7.1 |
7.5 |
Quarter Mile (sec) |
16.4 |
16.3 |
15.4 |
16 |
Top Speed (mph) |
118 |
125 |
130 |
122 |
It’s a surprise to see the Toyota Highlander gaining the top spot with good performance numbers while the powerful Ford Explorer slips behind it. With almost the same power figures, the Pathfinder and the Honda Pilot give a tough challenge to each other.
There is no need to worry about the Nissan pathfinder when speaking of fuel economy as it consumes the least amount of fuel and is one of the best SUVs in its category to offer good fuel economy. The fuel estimates include 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Opting for the four-wheel-drive configuration drops the combined mileage by one figure.
Model |
Nissan Pathfinder |
Honda Pilot |
Toyota Highlander |
Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
20 |
18 |
19 |
17 |
MPG (Highway) |
26 |
25 |
25 |
24 |
MPG (Combined) |
22 |
21 |
21 |
20 |
Fuel Capacity |
19.5 |
21 |
19.2 |
18.6 |
Range (City/Highway/Combined) |
390/507/448 |
378/525/451 |
365/480/442 |
316/446/381 |
The Pathfinder finds its place on the top of the table with 22 mpg combined. The Ford Explorer also performs decently for its tank size. Next in line is the Toyota Highlander with 21 mpg combined while the Honda Pilot rests on the last position of the table.
If fitting its role as a modern family wagon, the Pathfinder’s interior is exceptionally accommodating. The well-shaped front seats feel nice and provide an appropriate level of lateral support though the headrests are a little intrusive for some. Move to the back row and theater-style seating provides passengers with a clear view of the road ahead. The second-row seat also reclines, slides 5 inches fore and aft, boasts a decently inhabitable middle position, and moves well forward enabling easy third-row access.
Even with a child seat in place. Climbing aboard the rear seats is made even easier by the integrated grab handle. Once there, you’ll appreciate generous headroom and reclining seatbacks. Drop all the seats and you have a nice load floor providing a decent 80 cubic feet of space supplemented by an underfloor storage bin.
Model |
Nissan Pathfinder |
Honda Pilot |
Toyota Highlander |
Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
7 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg (in) |
42.2/60.7/42.3 |
40/61.5/41.4 |
40.7/59.3/44.2 |
41.4/61.3/40.6 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg (in) |
39.4/60.4/41.7 |
39.8/62.2/38.5 |
39.9/59.6/38.4 |
40.5/61/39.8 |
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg (in) |
37.8/57.1/30.7 |
38.2/58.9/32.1 |
35.9/55/27.7 |
37.8/50.8/33.2 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
16 |
18 |
13.8 |
21 |
The Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot have an advantage over the other rivals. They seat up to eight individuals. In terms of cargo capacity, the Ford Explorer offers the class-leading cargo space followed by the Honda Pilot. The Highlander offers the least legroom in the third row and the least cargo capacity as well.
An 8-inch touchscreen display performs the duties of the infotainment system. Compared to the latest competitive offerings, the Pathfinder’s interface looks dated. What’s more? It does not offer features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition like its rivals. The manually-operated knobs and buttons make it easy to change audio and climate settings. Some of the other features include:
As a crossover, the Pathfinder rides on a unibody platform, open shed up to 500 pounds versus the previous body-on-frame model. The second generation also sported the unibody but this is a different beast.
The wind-cheating deflectors and low front spoiler contribute to a 0.34 drag coefficient which is 13% better than the previous Pathfinder while also making it clear that ground clearance has given way to aerodynamics.
Model |
Nissan Pathfinder |
Honda Pilot |
Toyota Highlander |
Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4149 |
4306 |
4244 |
4557 |
Length (in) |
197.2 |
191.4 |
191.1 |
197.1 |
Width (in) |
77.2 |
78.5 |
75.8 |
78.9 |
Height (in) |
69.6 |
70.7 |
68.1 |
70.4 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
6.5 |
8 |
8 |
7.6 |
Wheelbase (in) |
114.2 |
109.2 |
109.8 |
112.6 |
The Pathfinder is the most spacious SUV and its 144.2 inches of wheelbase is the evidence. The Ford Explorer also measures the same length as the Pathfinder. The Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot sit high above the ground at 8 inches which is good for off-roading purposes. Some of the other exterior features include:
The new Nissan Pathfinder received an overall five-star rating conducted by NHTSA. But the Pathfinder didn’t undergo all the crash tests by IIHS. Only three tests were taken and the SUV scored ‘Good’ ratings in those tests. To protect the heads of the passengers, six airbags are installed in the cabin. Advanced driver assistance features are not available in the SUV. The only features available are:
People buying the Nissan Pathfinder will appreciate its superior handling, fuel economy and still enjoy the spaciousness and functionality of an SUV. Although its cargo capacity and safety features may be on the low side, it offers a decent performance with nice interiors. The SUV trend may be dead but still, the Pathfinder will get the attention of a crossover.