2018 Nissan Pathfinder

Overview: The Nissan Pathfinder established itself throughout the late 1980s and 1990s as a rugged, off-road-ready SUV. Then, in 2012, it promptly pivoted to become the on-road-focused, family-friendly three-row crossover that it is today. With seven seats, a standard V-6 engine, and available all-wheel drive, the current, fourth-generation Pathfinder closely fits the mold of competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. While it may not have the go-anywhere appeal it once did, the philosophical shift has paid off for Nissan, with strong sales numbers over the past few years.

Popularity, however, doesn’t always correspond with greatness, and the Pathfinder is only an average player in its competitive segment. It’s a well-rounded and reasonably comfortable people hauler but not a standout in the manner of the sportier-to-drive Mazda CX-9 or the more spacious Volkswagen Atlas. Value is the Nissan’s key attribute: The least expensive S and SV trim levels come decently equipped, while the more feature-packed SL and Platinum models are still less expensive than many rivals.

What’s New: A somewhat significant update for 2017 brought a more powerful V-6 engine, revised front-end styling, and a few new features, so changes for 2018 are minor. Automated emergency braking now is standard on all Pathfinders, as is a new Rear Door Alert system. The latter feature reminds drivers to check the rear seat when exiting the vehicle in case they have left any precious cargo back there. The blacked-out Midnight Edition package now is available on the Pathfinder’s SL trim level, previously having been offered only on the Platinum. Connectivity-wise, four additional USB ports should be welcomed by the device-addicted passengers sure to inhabit the Pathfinder.

What We Like: The Pathfinder’s interior, especially in fully loaded Platinum models like the one we drove, provides a plush and comfortable environment thanks to soft leather and upscale materials. The Nissan is luxurious enough in its upper trim levels to make its more expensive mechanical cousin, the Infiniti QX60, seem a bit unnecessary. And, while many competitors easily top $50,000 with all the options, loaded versions of the Pathfinder come in at thousands less while offering about the same level of equipment.

The Nissan’s V-6 is midpack in power output, but the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) does a good job of managing the available torque, making the Pathfinder feel more responsive than its acceleration numbers suggest. The CVT also helps the Pathfinder’s EPA fuel-economy ratings place in the upper half of its class, with front-wheel-drive models hitting 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway; adding all-wheel drive ($1690) drops both numbers by 1 mpg.

What We Don’t Like: Although few of its competitors will thrill you on a curvy road, the Pathfinder’s wallowy dynamics still fall short of the low bar set by its class. Overly light steering and subpar body control give the Nissan a ponderous and unwieldy feel. It drives bigger than it is, which is disappointing considering that larger rivals such as the VW Atlas and the Chevrolet Traverse have more buttoned-down handling while also providing more spacious second- and third-row accommodations.

Although Nissan includes plenty of up-to-date safety features, the central infotainment screen that controls audio, navigation, and other connectivity functions has dated graphics and a somewhat clunky interface. It also lacks the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring features available on most competitors.

Verdict: This family-friendly crossover has found its path in the middle of the road.

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Specifications >

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door hatchback

BASE PRICES: S, $31,765;
S AWD, $33,455;
SV, $34,455;
SV AWD, $36,145;
SL, $38,475;
SL AWD, $40,165;
Platinum, $43,295;
Platinum AWD, $44,985

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 213 cu in, 3498 cc
Power: 284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

TRANSMISSION: continuously variable automatic

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 114.2 in
Length: 198.5 in
Width: 77.2 in Height: 69.6 in
Passenger volume: 151–155 cu ft
Cargo volume: 16 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 4300-4700 lb

FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined/city/highway: 21–23/19–20/26–27 mpg

C/D TEST RESULTS FOR:
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD
Zero to 60 mph: 7.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 18.7 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 33.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.7 sec @ 92 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 120 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.77 g
Curb weight: 4654 lb
C/D observed fuel economy: 16 mpg