New Nissan Pathfinder teased ahead of Feb 5 debut

Nissan USA has released yet another teaser for its fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder ahead of its unveiling on February 5.

The short clip, lasting just six seconds, features both the new-gen Nissan Pathfinder's snout and rear-end but the redesigned large SUV is obscured by thick dust.

Listen carefully at the beginning of the trailer for the new SUV and there's the sound of what we reckon is a V6 powertrain.

No other fresh details were released, but we already know lots about Nissan's new flagship SUV ahead of its landing Down Under in the first half of 2022.

We know it will come with tougher, squarer styling than the current model and share its V-Motion grille and headlight design with the latest Nissan Rogue, the US version of the Nissan X-TRAIL.

Inside, expect an upgraded interior with a carryover seven-seat layout and an advanced touch-screen infotainment system supported by the latest connectivity options.

As seen in the new Nissan X-TRAIL, high-tech features should include a digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging and a raft of new and upgraded ProPILOT autonomous driver assist systems.

Also likely is a more premium fit and finish to the cabin, with top-spec models including tri-zone climate control, premium leather seats with cooling and heating, a motion-activated power tailgate and improved/modular storage areas throughout the vehicle, including the cargo area.

Unlike the new-look Nissan X-Terra, which is based on the same ladder frame as the Navara, the next Pathfinder will continue on a monocoque platform – in this case an updated version of the current model’s D platform that’s shared with the US-only Nissan Murano, Altima and Maxima.

The current Nissan Pathfinder is offered with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain (188kW/330Nm) and a 3.5-litre petrol V6 (202kW/340Nm), the latter probably providing the soundtrack to the latest teaser.

Both 2WD and AWD drivelines are available, and pricing spans from $44,240 to $70,140 (plus on-road costs).

The new Nissan Pathfinder is also expected to continue without diesel power, but the naturally-aspirated V6 could score a nine-speed automatic gearbox rather than the current model’s continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Alongside it, Nissan may also offer the variable-compression VC-Turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 185kW/370Nm in the Altima and 200kW/380Nm in the Infiniti QX50 and QX55.

A replacement for the Pathfinder Hybrid is also expected, and could incorporate a non-plug-in ePower petrol-electric hybrid powertrain like the new Nissan X-TRAIL.

The hybrid system works more like a range-extending EV, with electric motors propelling the vehicle and a small petrol engine working solely to recharge the battery system, with no connection to the driving wheels.

The Nissan Pathfinder has been a mainstay of the Nissan SUV fleet since 1985 and the existing R52-series model dates back to 2013. It reached an annual sales peak of almost 6500 in 2015, but found just 1118 Australian homes last year.

It will face stiff competition not only from the new Kluger and recently released Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, but the all-new Hyundai Palisade, updated Mazda CX-9 and the fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, which also remains about a year away from Australian showrooms.