Now that Nissan Pathfinder has shed its truck-based platform to join the popular crossover world, sales have soared.
Buyers may wonder how it stacks up with the brand’s similarly sized and priced Murano. Interestingly, Pathfinder sales – almost 80,000 last year – now overshadow its cousin, which was redesigned for 2015.
Pathfinder looks more like a traditional sport utility than the curvaceous Murano. Matching that look, it’s a tougher, stronger crossover with a little more interior space and standard third-row seating. Murano, however, offers a somewhat smoother, quieter ride and more refined interior.
Both are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 260 horsepower, but the heavier Pathfinder loses by one with combined miles per gallon topping out at 23. A hybrid version, new last year, increases that to 25.
Both come with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Towing capacity is a hefty 5,000 pounds and a leader in the class.
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Next question: How does Pathfinder stack up against other midsize crossovers?
With prices starting at $30,515, including destination, it’s on the high side along with popular rides like Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe.
But, as noted, it’s a tougher rig, retaining a hint of its former off-roading ways. Think of it as a solid family weekender or security blanket on slick roads rather than hopping boulders or slugging through mud and such. The $1,690 all-mode 4-wheel drive system allows drivers to select front front-wheel, automatic and 4-wheel lock settings.
It’s not a sporty driver by any means, and while acceleration is smooth it’s not particularly quick. Fuel economy, however, is above average for the class.
The interior is quite classy and has some thoughtful touches. For example, that standard third row is about as good as it gets on midsize crossovers. Access is aided by second-row seats that easily slide fore and aft, and you don’t have to detach child seats. Another plus for those in back is the standard tri-zone climate control. You also get a monitor that beeps when you fill tires to the recommended pressure.
Options include a rear entertainment system, power tailgate, dual sunroof, leather seats, and navigation with real-time traffic and weather. Oddly, the rearview monitor and Bluetooth hands-free phone technology are standard on uplevel models, but not even available on the base S.
New features such as a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert as well as CVT improvements highlight changes since Pathfinder’s 2013 makeover. Expect minor tweaks, including a cold-weather package, when 2016s come out in December.
Now that Pathfinder has crossed over, loyal Nissan fans looking for off-road thrills will have to go with the big Nissan Armada. The back-to-basics Xterra will end production this year.
Nissan Pathfinder
Midsize sport utility
Base price: $30,515
MPG: 20/27, front-wheel drive; 19/26, 4-wheel
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: 4 of 5 stars for front impact; 5 for side; 4 for rollover resistance; www.safercar.gov
Review by Phoenix Business Journal - Cathy Luebke
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