The recently updated, Japanese-built 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is a large family SUV packed with creature comforts, safety and loads of tech, but disappointingly it is now only offered with a 3.5L V6 petrol, losing the previous model’s 2.5L hybrid option and still no diesel.

The fifth-generation Pathfinder was released a few months ago in five grades – ST (2WD), ST-L (4WD), Ti (2WD), Ti (4WD) and Ti-L (4WD) – but Nissan has now rationalised the range further leaving buyers with a simple choice between the Ti 4WD and Ti-L 4WD.

Prices for the eight-seat Ti start at $71,490 before on-road costs and you’ll pay an extra $10,000 to step up to the Ti-L, available in seven-seat guise only.

Additional to the well-appointed Ti, the Ti-L gains larger 20-inch wheels, up from 18-inch, chrome side mouldings, silver lower front and rear facias, a tilt-and-slide power sunroof with panoramic glass roof, a larger 12.3-inch TFT instrument display, plus a memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and external rear vision mirrors.

It also boasts auto tilt in reverse on the door mirrors, intelligent rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, electrically adjustable front seats (12-way driver and four-way passenger) and stainless-steel front door kick plates.

On the road, the V6 engine is smooth and powerful and propels the large SUV with ease and refinement.

Nissan has ditched the CVT transmission in the new model for a shift-by-wire nine-speed automatic resulting in faster and smoother gearshifts as well as a considerable step forward in terms of overall refinement.

It’s no cheetah, but for a large SUV, boasting 202kW/340Nm, the Pathfinder delivers more than adequate performance.

As good as this engine is, it will eat into the budget at the bowser.

Nissan’s official figures state 10.5L/100km but our figures for mainly highway driving returned 9.7L/100km and 12.5L/100km on a mix of city, rural and off-road driving.

The Pathfinder comes with Nissan’s intelligent AWD system featuring seven different selectable drive modes including standard, eco, and sport – which also adjusts the steering feel – sand, mud/rut, snow, and a tow mode.

Interestingly, there is no gravel mode, which is where we anticipate many Pathfinders will spend most time when off the blacktop.

For an SUV the Pathfinder Ti L has reasonable off-road cred, including good clearance and articulation and there’s plenty of power on tap, but it ultimately lacks the low-range transfer case gearing of a pukka 4x4.

It’s unlikely to get you to the tip of K’Gari (Frasesr Island), but may help you find that remote camp site in a state forest.

The Pathfinder also drives well on the road and feels nicely planted for the most part.

The suspension is a little more subtle than others and the steering lacks a little feel in standard or eco modes, so it can feel slightly unsettled at higher speeds on rougher winding roads.

The interior of the Ti-L grade tested here is a quiet, comfortable space and well finished with premium materials, indicating it would be a comfortable space to spend time on longer trips.

For this variant, the three-seat second row is swapped out and replaced with two premium heated captain’s chairs.

These luxurious pews feature adjustable slide, seatback angle adjustment and fold-down arm rests, and there’s also a removeable centre console with storage.

Nissan’s EZ FLEX electric release mechanism is easily operated, even by children, and provides easy access to the third-row seating, which like most such seating provides cramped accommodation for all but smaller humans.

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There is an abundance of storage throughout the interior with numerous cup and bottle holders in all rows, a large ‘floating’ centre console with a generous lidded bin plus storage underneath and a good-sized lockable glovebox.

There’s power and charging options for all three rows, plus an additional power outlet in the boot, which also features a usefully sized underfloor storage bin.

The climate control system is well thought out with dual zone in the front to complement the heated and cooled leather seats, controls in the second row for temperature, air-flow direction and fan speed, plus vent outlets in the roof for both the second and third rows.

The Pathfinder’s remote start feature also allows you to start the vehicle and cool or heat the interior before stepping inside.

If you like your tech, the Pathfinder has it in abundance, from driver assistance systems including a generous 10.8-inch head-up display incorporating satellite navigation, lane departure warning, lane keeping with alert and active assist,  forward collision alert, road sign display, driver fatigue alert, driver attention detection, as well as the usual blind spot, parking sensors and multiple cameras.

The list for safety tech is equally impressive with airbags all the way back to the third row and multiple crash mitigation and avoidance systems fitted.

The infotainment system features a crystal clear 9.0-inch screen with intuitive and easy-to-navigate controls, including Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Complimenting this is a Bose 13-speaker audio system.

The exterior styling is bold and handsome with some aesthetically pleasing angles and a nice set of 20-inch alloys wrapped in 255/50 Hankook Dynapro rubber.

The updated model has lost the previous blacked-out floating roof in favour of a colour-coded roof.

So, if it’s space and comfort you’re after, teamed with safety and tech, and with the possibility of towing up to 2.7-tonne, the Nissan Pathfinder is worth a look.

It’s not the cheapest SUV in its segment but it shines in terms of space, comfort, and refinement.

Key stats

• RETAIL PRICE: $81,490
• ENGINE: 3.5-litre direct-injection V6 petrol, nine-speed automatic (202kW/340Nm)
• ANCAP SAFETY RATING:  5 stars (2022)
• BODY STYLE: Large SUV
• FUEL CONSUMPTION (combined): 10.5L/100km (245g/km CO2)
• PROS: Excellent safety and technology package, roomy, premium interior, handsome exterior, smooth nine-speed transmission
• CONS: Lack of variants to choose from, expensive compared to others in segment, no alternative fuel or drive options.