New Nissan Pathfinder makes world debut

The fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder has made its world debut overnight in the US, ahead of its Australian launch in early 2022.

And the big news is Nissan says its all-new R53-series large SUV will offer up to eight seats, a new captain’s chairs option, class-leading towing capacity and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Other new technologies for the popular three-row SUV nameplate, which dates back 35 years to 1986, include an all-new intelligent all-wheel drive system with Drive and Terrain Mode Selector (settings are Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow) and driver aids including ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link and Nissan Safety Shield 360.

NissanConnect infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard in the US, where there will be the option of a 10.8-inch head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 8.0- or 9.0-inch infotainment touch-screens.

Australian specification and pricing are yet to be revealed, but the existing, fourth-generation R52 Pathfinder – first launched here in 2013 and updated in 2017 – is currently priced between $44,240 and $70,140.

A replacement for the range-topping Pathfinder Hybrid (powered by a 188kW/330Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain) is yet to be revealed and many new technologies will be optional in the US, where the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder goes on sale in mid-2021.

From launch, all models will be powered by a 210kW/350Nm (up 8kW/10Nm) version of the current model’s 3.5-litre petrol V6 with direct-injection and idle-stop, matched to an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. No fuel consumption numbers are available yet.

Yes, that means the end of the Pathfinder’s CVT auto, but there’s still no diesel and don’t even think about a return to the rugged ladder frame of the first three Pathie generations.

Instead, while Nissan says it’s new from the ground up, the new Pathie is based on an updated version of the current model’s D unibody platform that’s shared with the US-only Nissan Murano, Altima and Maxima.

Again available in front-drive and AWD form, the new Nissan Pathfinder has the same 2900mm wheelbase as before and measures 5004mm long, 1979mm wide and 1778mm high, making it about an inch smaller in all directions.

Despite that, at least in the US, the 2022 Pathfinder will be available in two three-row seating layouts: seven-seat (2-2-3) and eight-seat (2-3-3), the former including a pair of middle-row captain’s seats.

Nissan’s EZ FLEX one-touch release/fold/side function for the second row will be standard, as will tri-zone automatic climate control with second-row controls and a 60/40-split third row bench.

Interior options will include semi-aniline leather-appointed seats with quilting and climate-controlled front and heated rear seats.

In what will be even more welcome news Down Under, Nissan is claiming best-in-class towing capacity of up to 6000 pounds (2720kg), which eclipses the new Hyundai Santa Fe (2500kg) and even some ladder-frame SUVs.

Base (2WD) Pathies will tow up to 3500lbs (1588kg) and, in the US, a tow hitch will be standard on the Platinum flagship and optional on the mid-range SV and SL grades, but unavailable on the base S.

Trailer sway control is standard across the range and other new tech includes an electronic parking brake (no more pesky foot-operated unit), vehicle speed variable electric power steering (no more hydraulics) and machined-look 18- or 20-inch wheels with 255/60R18 or 255/50R20 rubber.

Standard safety and driver assist technologies will include 10 airbags, Nissan Safety Shield 360 with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, rear automatic braking, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent driver alertness and rear door alert.

Optional in the US will be blind spot intervention, intelligent lane intervention, a front centre airbag, traffic sign recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, WiFi hot spot, 13-speaker Bose premium audio, 10-way power driver’s seat, intelligent cruise control and an intelligent around view monitor.

In design terms, the bolder and bluffer 2022 Nissan Pathfinder features new C-shaped LED headlights with signature LED DRLs, LED tail-lights, U-shaped bodyside highlights and the option of a panoramic moonroof, motion-activated power liftgate with position memory and 14 exterior paint colours including five two-tone hues for the first time.

“Thirty-five years after the launch of the original model, Pathfinder has returned to its rugged roots, loaded with the benefit of everything learned along the way,” said Nissan North America product and services planning vice-president Jared Haslam.

“Today’s large SUV owners want a vehicle that conveys strength and rugged capability, while using advanced safety and technology features to keep their family safe and comfortable during everyday adventures, and the all-new 2022 Pathfinder is ready to take on those adventures.”

The current Nissan Pathfinder reached an annual sales peak of almost 6500 units in 2015, but found just 1118 local homes last year.

This placed it well behind Australia’s most popular large SUVs, most of which are in fact ladder-framed off-roaders like the Toyota Prado, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Everest.

Its replacement will face stiff competition from a host of car-based seven-seat crossovers including this year’s new Toyota Kluger, as well as the all-new Hyundai Palisade, new Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, updated Mazda CX-9 and the fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, which also remains about a year away from Australian showrooms.