Nissan Pathfinder TI Overview
Nissan Pathfinder TI OverviewNissan updated their Pathfinder in 2017 with a refresh of both external appearance and internal features. Over the years the Pathfinder has been very popular with Australians, however for many years it was a real dual range 4WD vehicle, not the AWD SUV it has morphed into of late. It sits in a very competitive segment against established family favourites.
Nissan Pathfinder TI External
The Pathfinder’s updated appearance incorporates the latest Nissan design signature “V-Motion” grille and LED headlights with auto levelling, front fog lights and boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.
Other exterior enhancements include a new, more aggressive bonnet, new front bumper and fog lights. The outside rearview mirrors now include standard integrated turn signals. In the rear, changes include new taillights and a stronger bumper design. It runs on 20-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 R20 tyres. I actually like the look, it has a certain appeal.
Nissan Pathfinder TI Internal
Leather everywhere, space, comfortable seats and abundance of features describes the first impressions. Front leather seats are heated and ventilated and multi electronically adjustable with a great lumbar support for the driver.
There is an electronic adjustable thick steering wheel, with typical Nissan design for the controls. It takes a little while to work out and looks a little dated, but works well. Indicator stalks are clearly visible and the instrument panel is a twin large dial with an upper MFD between. Like most they are clean and crisp in clarity. From trip computer to 4WD torque distribution, the new Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display presents information right in front of the driver – helping to minimise time looking away from the road. Standard across all grades, its intuitive 3D depth and tilt design help drivers take in information more quickly
The central zone has an uncluttered centre console, with the AWD controls, large dual cup holders, seat ventilation etc. The stack is a little more cluttered with A/C controls, topped by the audio controls then a push button panel for the 8-inch colour touch screen with 2x USB ports. This contains Bluetooth phone / audio streaming and voice control as well as In-car navigation equipped with 3D mapping graphics and multi-touch functionality. The screen is ok in clarity, but not the best in class.
For flexibility in both carrying passengers and providing storage options, the second row of seats is split 60/40 and the third row 50/50. Middle row occupants have a reasonable amount of room, courtesy of the overall length, third row seats are, like most, for smaller passengers only. When both rows are folded to flat, the Pathfinder offers a massive 2260 litres of cargo space. There are also ten cup holders, six bottle holders, four 12v power outlets and an under-floor storage compartment behind the third row of seats as standard.
The Pathfinder retains the EZ flex® seating system, with the second row seats offering an abundance of functionality and adjustment, with recline, headrest adjust and slide that can offer additional leg room to third row seating occupants. The second row also includes ISOFIX child restraint anchorage and with LATCH AND GLIDE® technology, you can even tilt and slide the right-side of the second row with an ISOFIX-compatible child seat in place maintaining access to the third row. The third row seating also includes recline adjustment and now comes with a rear tether point for child restraint. Rear tailgate is a power open/close linked with Intelligent Key and can be operated by a motion activation under the rear bumper.
Nissan Pathfinder TI Features
The 2017 upgrade has seen more features added that include: Tri-Zone Entertainment, 13 Bose speakers, i-Key remote keyless entry with memory, front sunroof with manual sunshade as well as panoramic glass roof with power sunshade, 2nd row dual entertainment screens with wireless headphones, remote control and HDMI/USB ports
Nissan Pathfinder TI Engine and Drivetrain
Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, the Pathfinder produces power of 202 kW @ 6400 rpm and torque of 340 Nm @ 4800 rpm. This drives through a new-generation Xtronic CVT with D-Step logic control. This sips, or drinks fuel at an ADR rate of 10.1 l/100k but around town with a heavy right foot it can be considerably more.
Nissan’s ALL MODE 4×4-i System, with Hill Descent Control, is controlled by a rotary dial, can be switched between three modes, 2WD (drive directed to front wheels, for better economy), AUTO (system monitors all four wheels to distribute the ideal amount of torque between them) and LOCK (for rough terrain, permanently engaging drive power with a 50:50 torque split between front and rear wheels at speeds below 40km/h).
Nissan Pathfinder TI Driving Experience
The Pathfinder in 2018 is a vastly different beast from years gone past. It no longer is a true dual range 4Wd adventurer, however the ALL MODE 4X4 I system simulates different driving conditions. However it is more show than go. Think of the Pathfinder as more capable than say a Mazda CX-9 but still not suitable for heavy off road adventures.
On the tarmac the revised suspension and quicker steering response is noticeable. There is good feedback from the steering and it responds directly to input. The stepped CVT is well matched to the engine, which allows good response throughout the rev ranges which is good for highway driving and overtaking. It is quiet, smooth and comfortable. Exactly what you want for the family. It will tow 2700kg and the tow rating is up to 270kg, depending on load. That is great for the adventurous.
Like all in this segment, it is designed as a suburban transport. You can however head along dirt roads with confidence and especially trips to the snow, but if you become too enthusiastic, you may end up easily damaging your vehicle as it only has a ground clearance of 181 mm and lower approach and departure angles. The diff lock is more about maintaining a 50/50 split rather than mountain climbing. The Pathfinder has a foot park brake, similar to the Kluger, and that just poor.
Nissan Pathfinder TI Safety
The Pathfinder TI is packed with advanced safety and driver assistance technology which includes: Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Moving Object Detection (MOD) has been added to the available Intelligent Around View® Monitor (AVM), which gives the driver a 360-degree aerial view when reversing. Additionally there is Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Six airbags are fitted as standard equipment as is a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
Nissan Pathfinder TI Summary
There’s plenty of competition in the seven-seat SUV market and that’s great news for buyers. Nissan’s offering is definitely worth test-driving as it is a good mix of being family-friendly and having quite good driving dynamics/character. It is also quite car-like to drive, rather than being big, bulky and cumbersome.
As mentioned (and not necessary particular to Pathfinder) the V6 can be a bit thirsty but other than that there is much to like about it, other than the ridiculous foot parking brake. Still, the Nissan seven-seat SUV is very competitively priced and this could tip the scales for you.
What’s Good:
- Interior space
- Interior comfort
- V6 performance and smooth ride
What’s Not:
- No diesel option
- V6 can be thirsty
- Ridiculous foot park brake
Also Look At
Model Nissan Pathfinder TI
- Model Price $66,190 MLP*
- Engine 3.5 L V6 Petrol
- Drivetrain AWD CVT
- Power 202 kW @ 6400 rpm
- Torque 340 Nm @ 4800 rpm
- Safety Five Star ANCAP
- CO2 Emissions 234 g/km
- Economy ADR 10.1 L/100km
- Tow Capacity 2700 kg
- Tow Ball Rating 327 kg
- Servicing Fixed Service Plan
- Warranty 3 yrs. /100,000 km 3 Yrs. roadside assist
Overall Rating: 85/100
- Behind the Wheel 9
- Comfort 9
- Equipment 9
- Performance 9
- Ride & Handling 9
- Practicality 9
- Fit for Purpose 9
- Towing Ability 7
- Off Road Ability 6
- Value for Money 9
