After a hiatus of more than 18 months, Nissan finally has a new Pathfinder to offer Aussie consumers with the launch in late 2022 of this all-new fifth-generation model.   

 

It was April 2021 when the company sold the last examples of the previous generation Pathfinder here, so it’s been a while between drinks for the outgoing model and this version.  

 

Like its predecessor, the new ‘Pathy’ competes in the Large SUV segment against the likes of the Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade.

 

It’s the fourth-largest segment in the Aussie car market, accounting for more than 140,000 sales in 2022, so is an important category in which to have a player.

 

Pricing for the new Pathfinder starts at $54,190 for the ST 2WD, rising through five variants to $80,227 for the luxuriously appointed Ti-L 4WD with its standard fitment ‘captain’s chairs’.

 

This places it at a premium against rivals including the Mazda CX-9, priced from $47,250, and the Toyota Kluger, priced from $49,720.

 

For buyers wanting the space and towing ability but not needing a 4x4 drivetrain, the entry-level Pathfinder ST 2WD is well equipped with standard features including eight seats, dusk-sensing LED headlights, tyre pressure monitoring, eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, tri-zone air-conditioning, rear camera and parking sensors, and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

The ST gets the same 7.0-inch TFT advanced drive-assist display, 10.8-inch head-up display and 9.0-inch touchscreen as other models, except for the Ti-L, which features a larger 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster.

You need to step up a level from the base model to the 4x4 only Pathfinder ST-L, to get Nissan’s ProPilot semi-autonomous driving assistance system, and digital around-view monitor with moving object detection.

ProPilot links intelligent cruise control with steering assist, maintaining vehicle-to-vehicle distance and speed, while also keeping the car in the middle of the designated lane and containing the vehicle’s speed to the designated limit unless the driver chooses otherwise.

The ST-L also adds power tailgate operation, roof rails and remote-engine start for cabin pre-cooling or heating while the addition of the 4x4 system brings Mud and Sand Terrain modes, plus hill descent control.

Next up is the Pathfinder Ti, the only grade to offer both 2WD and 4WD variants (the latter for a $4,129 premium), while also adding heated rear seats, leather-accented trims, rear window sunshades, wireless smartphone charging, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and an additional USB charging outlet for third row of seats

Naturally, the top-of-the-line Ti-L adds more fruit again, including second-row captain’s chairs – which reduce seating capacity to seven but add a bit of pizazz and extra roominess to the cabin – premium dash trim, quilted leather-accented seats, ventilated front seats, panoramic glass roof, 20-inch alloy wheels and more.  

Safety is comprehensive across the range with all models boasting nine airbags, including a new far-side airbag and the full Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety suite.

The latter includes predictive forward collision warning with junction assist and emergency braking (pedestrian and cyclist), blind-spot warning and intervention, lane departure warning and prevention, rear cross-traffic alert and back-up collision intervention, intelligent cruise control with adjustable speed limiter and traffic sign recognition with overspeed prevention.

Within Nissan’s increasingly SUV-oriented range the Pathfinder is straddled by the mid-sized X-Trail and the burly Patrol 4x4 wagon.

 

Of this group it’s the seven or eight-seat Pathfinder that’s clearly the most family-oriented with the smaller X-Trail also offering a compact third row but more for occasional use and the larger and more heavy-duty Patrol being capable but not ideally suited to urban duties.

 

The makeover of this latest model includes new interior and exterior styling, an impressive new digital dash, higher materials quality, superior levels of fit and finish, and an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission sitting behind Nissan’s proven 3.5-litre direct-injection V6 engine.

 

 

If there is an area of disappointment it’s that there’s no hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or even fuel-efficient diesel in the line-up.

 

The last-model Pathfinder offered a hybrid option but Nissan said it was never a very popular choice and with this new model manufactured in the gasoline-focused US market, where it’s been on sale since late 2020, diesel or hybrid wasn’t available.

The engine develops a gutsy 202kW/340Nm and in combination with the new shift-by-wire nine-speed auto which replaces the previous model’s CVT, acceleration is smooth and assertive, with steering wheel mounted paddles for those requiring manual shift control.

Combined cycle fuel consumption for the 2WD Pathfinders is 10.0L/100km, while 4WD versions consume 10.5L/100km, both of which are slightly higher than the previous model.

 

Naturally, that’s the best-case scenario so potential purchasers should factor another two or three litres per 100km into their calculations.  

 

The big SUV’s braked tow rating has also been increased with this update to a solid 2.7 tonnes with the new auto offering better gear holding on hills and more responsive starting performance, while the inclusion of trailer stability and tow modes are handy features.

 

The Pathfinder’s new look is ruggedly handsome, with imposing dimensions and a purposeful look that from some angles shows influences of Land Rover’s Discovery.

 

Nissan says it’s inspired by the original 1987 Pathfinder, notably its diagonal C-pillar which creates a sense of forward momentum in the side profile.

 

Another Land Rover-inspired styling cue is the two-tone ‘floating roof,’ which sees the roof painted in a gloss black which takes some of the heaviness out of the design and really looks the part.

 

 

Other key styling attributes include Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille, flanked by LED headlights and DRLs, thinner front pillars for improved forward visibility, flared wheel arches and shortened front overhang.

 

At just over 5m long the Pathfinder is a big beast but outside of tight car parks it doesn’t feel tank-like or unwieldly to drive, which will be important for its target audience when managing school drops offs and the like.

 

Dimensionally the new model is 5mm taller and 15mm wider but 38mm shorter than its predecessor, sitting on a generous 2,900mm wheelbase.

 

Importantly, there’s more space inside for growing families, with an extra 32mm of headroom, 40mm more hip room, and 54mm more legroom, plus the ability to fit three child seats across the second row.  

A handy new rear door intelligent key means you can unlock any door with one touch, while access to the rear seats is also improved thanks to doors which open to a wide 85 degrees.

Also aiding entry and egress is Nissan’s EZ Flex latch-and-glide seating system, which incorporates a one-touch button on either side of the second-row seats, tipping and sliding the seats forward to provide easy access to the third row.

The system works even with child seats installed and there’s a similar button on the seat backs to allow rear seat passengers to let themselves out.

With the third row of seats in use there’s 205 litres of usable space, expanding to 554 litres with the third row is folded flat and 782 litres with both the second and the third rows folded.

 

A storage box beneath the boot floor is a handy feature and there’s plenty of convenience features elsewhere, including a floating centre console, a handy storage shelf above the glove box and no less than 16 cup holders.

 

 

For 4WD models the Pathfinder’s new intelligent AWD system features seven selectable drive modes, spanning Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut, and Tow.

 

It’s not a serious off-roader in Patrol or LandCruiser mould but the extra traction systems along with decent ground clearance should ensure a decent level off off-tarmac ability.

 

Changes to the front and rear suspension, the steering and fitment of 20mm wider tyres has aided ride and handling, with the Pathfinder feeling confident and sure-footed out on the road.

 

It’s also quieter than its predecessor, thanks to thicker carpet backing, better door isolation and fewer through holes in the floor.

 

Nissan’s new Pathfinder is a stylish and impressive new offering in the large SUV space.

 

It offers plenty of space and versatility for growing families in an attractive package that is also notable for its strong performance, safety and technology, along with enhanced towing ability.

 

It’s priced at a premium, however, and the lack of a diesel or a petrol-hybrid drivetrain may limit its appeal somewhat.

 

Nissan Pathfinder pricing

ST 2WD	$54,190
ST-L 4WD	$61,790
Ti 2WD	$65,910
Ti 4WD	$70,030
Ti-L 4WD	$80,227

Key stats

• RETAIL PRICE: $54,190 to $80,227 (MRLP)
• ENGINE:  3.5-litre direct-injection V6 petrol, nine-speed automatic (202kW/340Nm)
• ANCAP SAFETY RATING: Five stars (2022)
• BODY STYLE: Large SUV
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Combined): 10.0L/100km (2WD); 10.5L/100km (4WD) (234g/km and 245g/km CO2)
• FOR: Eight- seat capacity, handsome design, roomy interior, premium look and feel in up-spec models, strong safety package, good technology and connectivity, roomy and versatile interior.
• AGAINST: More expensive than some key rivals; no hybrid, diesel or PHEV option; no-full size spare (space-saver); firm ride on 20-inch wheel variants.

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