The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is one of the best remodelled Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, for the current year and with a new R52 generation proposition and distinctively urbane-focused styling.
Unlike the past three generation models and the nameplate’s 28-year history, the new Pathfinder casts aside its truck-like off-road roots for a more sophisticated, comfortable, car-based and family-ready crossover SUV.
The majority of auto players will find Nissan’s largest crossover SUV infinitely more useful than some of its competitors as it gained a spacious new interior with adult-size seating in both the second and third rows, along with superior ride and handling qualities that are better suited for carpool duty and shopping trips to target.
For power, the current Nissan Pathfinder also uses a 3.5-litrr V6 a n d a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that drives either the front wheels or, on all-wheel-drive models, all four. The CVT helps the 2014 Pathfinder achieve EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models and 21 combined with all-wheel drive. While those numbers might not sound spectacular on their own, in context they make this Pathfinder among the most fuelefficient seven-seat crossovers on the road.
The latest model was launched in Lagos recently by the authorized Nissan sales company in Nigeria, Stallion NMN, which took delivery of vehicle. The previous Pathfinder was a rugged truck-like adept offroader with remarkably towing capabilities, but Nissan has transformed these characteristics to an SUV with comfortable cabin, improved fuel economy and aesthetically appealing looks.
That is why the new Pathfinder is built on a uni-body structure shared with the equally new Infiniti JX crossover with a sliding second- row seat that can tilt and fold forward even with a child seat in place, making access to the adultfriendly third row much easier.
And justifiably lighter than its predecessor, weighing 500 pounds – one factor in fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway and 22 combined, the new Pathfinder crossover SUV is currently ranked one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in a class that includes the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.
World class test drivers say though the Pathfinder has given up some towing capacity to its forbear, but it can still tow 5000 pounds – an appreciable weight for a midsize, seven-passenger crossover whose primary duty, especially in Nigeria, won’t stray from pulling a mere cruise boat.
Body styles
The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize seven-passenger crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum. The Pathfinder Hybrid is offered in SV, SL and Platinum trim levels with the same features as the gasoline-powered models.
Standard equipment on the entry-level S includes 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat (with two-way lumbar adjustment), 60/40-split-folding second- row seats (with slide and recline), a 50/50-split thirdrow seat, a tilt-andtelescoping steering wheel, cruise control and a six-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer.
The SV model adds automatic headlights, a roof rack, keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a 7-inch color multi-information display, a rearview camera and an upgraded audio system with a single-CD player, satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface.
Performance
The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by two different drivetrains, one for the standard gasoline- only version and one for the Hybrid. The conventional fuel Pathfinder uses a 3.5-litre V6 that puts out 260horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. The Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid uses asupercharged 2.5-litre fuel engine along with a 15kW electric motor (fed by a lithium-ion battery pack) that put out a combined 250 hp and 243 lb-ft oftorque.
Both engines use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and can be paired with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (which Nissan calls fourwheel drive). The AWD system includes a switch that allows the driver to lock power distribution in a 50/50 front-to-rear ratio, which is useful on dirt roads and in the snow.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are standard on all Pathfinders except the base S, which can’t get these items even as an option. The Platinum comes with a more deluxe surround-view camera system.
Interior design
Inside, the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder offers an attractive cabin with high-quality materials that give it a decidedly premium look, especially in the top Platinum trim level. Even with its long list of features, gauges and controls are easy to see and operate.
Both front- and second-row occupants will find their seats comfortable and supportive. The second-row seat excels here by virtue of its ability to slide fore and aft and recline for greater comfort or to create more room for those in the back.
Those seats also slide forward even with a child’s car seat in place, eliminating the need to uninstall these seats every time you need to get people into the third row. And unlike the third-row seats in some competitors, the Nissan Pathfinder’s rearmost seat has enough headroom to accommodate adults up to 6 feet tall. Legroom’s a bit tight, though, so only kids will be happy back here on longer trips.
Both the standard Nissan Pathfinder and the Pathfinder Hybrid have 19 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row of seats, which can be expanded to 79.8 cubic feet with the secondand third-row seats folded flat. It’s a useful amount, but other models like the Acadia or CX-9 are roomier still.
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