Nissan Pathfinder 2010 Review

RRP: $59,490 (manufacturer's list price, excluding on-road costs and dealer delivery)
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Nil
Crash rating: Four-star
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 9.0
CO2 emissions (g/km): 238
Also consider:  Mitsubishi Challenger, Toyota LandCruiser Prado

About our ratings

It's been a while since the Carsales team last had the keys to Nissan's second-rung off-roader, the Pathfinder last gracing our garage way back in April 2006.

So what's changed?

Well very little with the car itself – excusing a welcomed diesel-only engine upgrade -- but a whole lot when it comes to the competition, with both Mitsubishi Challenger and Toyota LandCruiser Prado reviving Pathfinder's direct challengers (pardon the pun), the competition in this category is stiffer than ever.

And while this isn't a comparison review per se, a recent stint in both the Mitsubishi Challenger and Toyota LandCruiser Prado have highlighted, if nothing else, just how well the Navara-based R51 series Pathfinder has stood the test of time, proving again this week that on-road or off, this is one four-by-four worthy of serious consideration.

Sourced from Spain, the Nissan Pathfinder range starts at $48,490 for the entry-level ST and tops out at $65,990 for the full-fruit Ti – our ST-L automatic test vehicle fitting somewhere in between at $59,490.

It might seem like a lot of coin, but when pitted against same-size rivals with selectable dual-range four-wheel-drive systems, and considering the level of kit on offer, Pathfinder fares quite well (for reference, the Mitsubishi Challenger is priced from $44,490 to $58,990 and Toyota's LandCrusier Prado retails from $55,990 to $88,904 – both are sourced from Japan).

So right away it might appear to be a two-horse race when viewed from the side of your cheque book, though the vital stats would tend to argue.

Pathfinder's 2.5-litre YD25 turbodiesel has been upgraded by some 14kW and 47Nm since launch to now deliver 140kW/450Nm, beating both the Mitsubishi Pajero's 147kW/441Nm 3.2-litre and Toyota LandCruiser Prado's 127kW/410Nm 3.0-litre.

Nissan's intercooled force-fed oiler provides decent real world fuel economy too, and this week, through a combined 700 kilometres of city, highway, towing and off-road driving, Pathfinder consumed 9.3L/100km -- just 0.3L/100km more than the ADR combined average.

By comparison, the Mitsubishi Challenger's combined average is claimed at 9.8L/100km and the Toyota LandCruiser Prado 8.5L/100km (Pathfinder could soon be offered with Nissan's V9X 3.0-litre 175kW/500Nm V6 turbodiesel, the new engine going on display at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year).

That's enough perspective for now. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty.

For starters, the Pathfinder's engine/transmission combination should be enough place it high on any prospective 4WD owner's shopping list. The vehicle is capable of keeping up with fast-paced city traffic, while also having enough in reserve for serious off-road work, or when overtaking.

If automatics aren't your thing, a six-speed manual is also available on ST and ST-L grades (Ti available in automatic only).

A 3000kg braked towing capacity also comes as quite the drawcard for caravanners, boating enthusiasts or those in the horsey set, the engine's 400Nm torque hit certainly up to task when motivating both the weight on the hitch and Pathfinder's own 2175kg bulk.

But more than this, the no-nonsense chassis, shared with stablemate twin-cab Navara, gives Pathfinder certain ruggedness off-road and a planted feel when towing. A limited-slip rear end and decisive five-speed automatic makes short work of things no matter the terrain, while low-range 4WD brings honest off-road cred when placed alongside less serious seven-seaters like the Toyota Kluger, etc.

Well sorted independent front and rear suspension, decent clearance and all the necessary geometry also plays a vital role in keeping Pathfinder on the straight and narrow (ground clearance: 211mm, approach angle: 33-degrees, breakover angle: 28-degrees, departure angle: 26-degrees), if we were picky, a little more front end clearance would have been handy in certain situations.

Interior space allowed to accommodate seating is sufficient in every direction: leg, hip and headroom prove more than ample in the first- and second-rows but the third, narrower row -- even if it is more generous than many rivals -- is still best reserved for kids or shorter adults (legroom the most obvious issue back here). Rear ventilation outlets are adequate.

An 80-litre fuel tank should allow a theoretical range of 860 kilometres and with a generous cargo area, in five-seat mode, those wanting to trek across Australia will have adequate room for their kit and caboodle (imagine, then what you can fit in around town!).

The rear seats fold 40:20:40 to allow the loading of cumbersome objects while on top, roof rails allow a further 100kg capacity. Pathfinder's boot allows between 190-litres (to window height, seven-seat mode) and 2091-litres (all told).

Up front, a simple, non-cluttered dash with robust switchgear and concise instrumentation leads a cabin packed full of features. Among the list, leather trim, power windows and self-folding mirrors, dual-zone climate control, heated leather seats, electric driver's seat with two memory positions, trip computer, and a six-CD tuner with 3.5mm auxiliary input and Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety gear includes four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist, stability control, traction control, hill descent control plus front, side and curtain airbags. Pathfinder ST-L rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.

If we had to fault the Pathfinder it has to be said that the rack and pinion steering does feel a little vague on-centre, tending to wander at highway speeds and follow the camber of the road on dirt. The steering column also lacks reach adjustment which may prove an issue for shorter drivers.

By the same thread, the vertically-challenged among us may also benefit from front and rear parking sensors or perhaps even a reversing camera.

An around-town only test drive won't do Pathfinder justice, and indeed if you live in the ‘burbs and want a 4WD-wannabe, this probably isn't the car for you. This is a real 4WD that just so happens to have pretty good on-road manners, so if you're going to hitch up the van, boat or float, then you're probably an ideal candidate for a longer stint in the hot seat.

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