Nissan Pathfinder 2014 Review

It scored top marks for overall packaging and passenger accommodation. The big American did suffer the same issue as the Colorado 7, however, with a second-row 60:40 configuration favouring the roadside. On the upside, the Pathfinder’s flip-fold entry mechanism was seamless in its operation.

While offering slightly less legroom than the Colorado 7, third-row occupants emerged happiest after time spent in the Pathfinder. The combination of easy access, generous space, comfortable seats, a panoramic glass roof (a hit with the kids), large side windows and dedicated air-vents all played their part in the Pathfinder gaining the highest aggregate score in this category.

Weighing in at 2065kg (kerb), the hefty Pathy was also capable towing up to 2700kg.

With seven-seat configuration in play, the Pathfinder offered a decent 453 litres of load space.

The interior reeked of class with high-quality materials used throughout (although the dash, surprisingly, was hard-touch and the seat leather a notch down on the Mazda), while the steering- wheel stalks were the most tactile of all vehicles tested. The cargo area ranked among the best with its flat, slightly sloping floor and, at this level, a power tailgate.

Panel gaps were tight and consistent, even if the colour-match between bumpers and metal body panels wasn't best-in-class, while the doors are opened by meaty exterior handles.

The engine bay’s designed for a clean, neat look, although the bonnet was propped up by a stay.

ON THE ROAD
The Pathfinder only comes with one engine: a 3.5-litre petrol V6. But it’s strong and smooth and cooperated well with the standard-issue continuously variable transmission (CVT) to achieve impressive acceleration.

The Pathfinder delivers 194kW and 325Nm, which was sufficient even when loaded with passengers. On the downside the larger engine consumed a little more fuel, and on test averaged a still reasonable 9.2L/100km.

Ride and handling favoured comfort, however, the Pathfinder wasn’t quite as refined as some rivals. Fortunately, the SUV’s handling was quite stable, if a little top-heavy when pushed.

The Pathfinder’s steering was light and a touch long of ratio, but that meant it was easy to park. The well-mannered brakes could do with more initial bite, but were otherwise positive.

Tyre and wind noise were noticeable, but not bothersome, with the only real noise coming from the drivetrain at its upper limits.

VALUE FOR MONEY
The Pathfinder range, like many in this category, is priced towards the top. The line-up starts at $39,990 and ends at $64,890 (not including on-road costs) for the high-spec Pathfinder Ti tested. Metallic paint cost an extra $495.

However, there’s good value in the package, which includes six-year/120,000km capped-price servicing, three years’ roadside assistance and an industry average three-year/100,000km warranty.

All Pathfinder variants require servicing at six-month/10,000km intervals (whichever comes first). The first service costs $256.39 – the cheapest of any vehicle on test.

According to redbook.com.au, a five-year old Pathfinder has a retained value of 43 per cent.

SUITABLE INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY
As the newcomer to this category, and having no connection to any previous Pathfinders, the Nissan could well be expected to up the stakes in the seven-seat SUV class.

And it does, with handy technology such as the ‘bird's eye view’ parking camera system that makes parking about as easy as it gets, a big, easily-read sat nav screen, two seat-back video screens for rear-seat passengers, power steering-wheel height/reach adjustment, powerful BOSE audio and a climate control system including vents for all three rows of seating.

However, the HVAC system could use a bit more punch in super-hot Melbourne weather, and only the driver gets an automatic power window. Cooling, ventilated seats do help though and the Bluetooth connection process was easy.

Price: $39,990 - $64,890 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.5-litre
six-cylinder petrol
Output: 190kW/325Nm
Transmission: Continuously
variable
Fuel: 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 240g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP